Owning a boat in Mauritius comes with responsibilities. Depending on how the boat will be used, you may need to register the vessel, obtain a Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL), hold a Skipper’s Licence, or obtain a fishing licence. The correct requirements depend mainly on whether the boat is for private recreation, sport fishing, commercial tourism, or fishing as a livelihood.
1. Determine what type of boat activity you will undertake
The first step is to identify the purpose of your boat.
If you intend to use a boat for private recreation, sport fishing or water sports, the relevant authorisation is generally the Pleasure Craft Licence. The Government of Mauritius states that a PCL can be issued for either private or commercial purposes. Certain non-motorised craft, including canoes, kayaks and some non-motorised inflatable boats, are excluded from the definition of pleasure craft.
If you intend to operate the boat commercially—for example, taking tourists on fishing trips—the requirements are more extensive. A commercial Pleasure Craft Licence and an appropriate Tourist Enterprise Licence may be required, together with a valid Skipper’s Licence for the person operating the boat.
If the boat will be used specifically as a fishing boat, fisheries registration and licensing requirements also apply. The Fisheries Protection Service is responsible for the registration of fishing boats and for inspecting fishing vessels for safety and security compliance before fishing trips are authorised.
2. Register the boat
Before operating a boat legally, you should establish whether it needs to be registered and obtain the appropriate registration documents.
For pleasure craft, the law provides for first registration following purchase, manufacture in Mauritius or importation. The application is made by or on behalf of the owner, and the registration process includes the payment of the prescribed fee. Once registered, the authority records the vessel and owner and issues a registration book and registration mark.
For fishing boats, registration falls under the fisheries authorities. The Fisheries and Marine Resources Act provides for an application to the Permanent Secretary for registration of a fishing boat, with a registration certificate issued when the application is approved and the prescribed fee paid. Larger fishing boats can be subject to additional documentation and survey requirements.
3. Apply for the appropriate licence
Once the boat’s registration requirements have been dealt with, apply for the licence corresponding to its intended use.
For fishing activities, the Fisheries Planning and Licensing Division provides application forms for a fishing licence for a local boat or vessel. The Government’s current online resources also provide separate applications for advanced coastal fisheries and foreign fishing vessels.
For a pleasure craft, applications are handled through the Tourism Authority, which is responsible for issuing and renewing Pleasure Craft Licences and Skipper Licences for private and commercial use.
4. Make sure the skipper is properly licensed
Having a licensed boat does not automatically mean that anyone can operate it.
A Skipper’s Licence is required for operating a licensed pleasure craft within the applicable authorised distance from the coast. The Government identifies different operating limits, including 12- and 24-nautical-mile categories.
For commercial operations, it is particularly important to ensure that the skipper has the correct licence and that the vessel is operated within the conditions attached to its licence.
5. Meet safety requirements
Safety is an important part of the licensing process. Fishing vessels, for example, are inspected by the Fisheries Protection Service for safety and security compliance before authorisation for fishing trips.
Depending on the vessel and its activity, authorities may require documentation relating to the boat, ownership, insurance, seaworthiness, equipment and skipper qualifications.
Do not assume that a boat can legally go to sea simply because it has been purchased and registered. Registration, licensing and permission to undertake a particular activity are separate matters.
6. Additional permits may apply
Additional authorisations can be required when operating in particular areas or undertaking specific activities.
For example, activities within Marine Protected Areas and Marine Parks can require additional permits. The Marine Conservation Division lists permits for certain commercial activities in marine parks, and requirements can include documents such as a Tourism Enterprise Licence, boat insurance certificate and Skipper’s Licence.
Fishing and boating activities are also subject to restrictions in designated zones. For example, specific rules apply to traffic lanes, ski lanes and mooring zones within Marine Protected Areas.
Where to get help
For fishing-related licences and boat registration, the Blue Economy and Fisheries Division is the relevant government authority. Its Fisheries Planning and Licensing Division is located at the LICI Building on John Kennedy Street in Port Louis and provides information and application forms for fishing licences.
For pleasure craft and skipper licensing, the Tourism Authority is the relevant authority.
Final checklist
Before taking your boat to sea, make sure you have checked:
- Boat registration
- Appropriate Pleasure Craft or fishing licence
- Valid Skipper’s Licence where applicable
- Required insurance
- Safety and inspection requirements
- Fishing licence and gear permissions where applicable
- Additional Marine Protected Area permits where applicable
- Any restrictions applying to your intended fishing or boating area
The exact requirements can vary according to the boat, its size, ownership, intended use and operating area. Always confirm the current requirements with the relevant Mauritian authority before operating the vessel.
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