Commercial vessel permit

You will need a permit to commercially operate your vessel or amphibious vehicle at public pontoons or boat ramps within the City.

If approved, your vessel will be limited to the use of one or more of the following City facilities only (subject to conditions), depending on the size of the vessel and the current capacity of the facility.

Restrictions apply to the maximum sizes of vessels wishing to use Council pontoons or boat ramps. The following will be refused use:

  • Vessels which exceed the design limits of the specific structures
  • Vessels which would exceed the maximum berthing period due to the number of maximum passengers

Operators of commercial vessels which exceed 15 metres length and/or 40 maximum passengers should seek advice from the City before applying for a permit.

Vessels

  • The Spit Pontoon – Muriel Henchman Drive, Main Beach (off Seaworld drive)
  • Cavill Avenue Pontoon – Surfers Paradise
  • Broadwater Parklands Pontoon – Southport
  • Proud Park Pontoon – Main Beach
  • Appel Park Pontoon – Surfers Paradise
  • Evandale Park Pontoon – Surfers Paradise
  • Marine Stadium Public Pontoon – Main Beach

Amphibious vehicles

  • The Spit Boat Ramp – Muriel Henchman drive, Main Beach (north off Seaworld Drive)
  • Proud Park Ramp – Main Beach (near Sundale Bridge, easternmost boat ramp only)

Note: The use of City facilities on a daily basis cannot be guaranteed due to closures for major events, facility upgrades, maintenance, or emergencies.

Permits are valid until the 31 August each year and may be renewed annually.

For more information, contact our City Standards team on 07 5667 5987.

How to apply

Use one of the options below to apply for a commercial vessel permit:

By email

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to attach the following supporting information to your application:

  • certificate of operation for vessel
  • certificate of vehicle registration (amphibious vessels only)
  • public liability insurance certificate of currency to the value of at least $20 million
  • photos/images of vessel.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download and complete the Commercial vessel permit application form(PDF, 217KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Email to: mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

In person

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to attach the following supporting information to your application:

  • certificate of operation for vessel
  • certificate of vehicle registration (amphibious vessels only)
  • public liability insurance certificate of currency to the value of at least $20 million
  • photos/images of vessel.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Commercial vessel permit application form(PDF, 217KB)

Step 3.Visit one of our customer service centres

Submit your application at one of our customer services centres Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 4.30pm.

By mail

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to attach the following supporting information to your application:

  • certificate of operation for vessel
  • certificate of vehicle registration (amphibious vessels only)
  • public liability insurance certificate of currency to the value of at least $20 million
  • photos/images of vessel.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Commercial vessel permit application form(PDF, 217KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Post to:

City of Gold Coast
PO Box 5042
GCMC QLD 9726

Amend a licence/permit

Use the Amend/licence permit form to apply to:

  • change your business or contact information
  • modify your operation or request a change to conditions of approval.

Transfer a licence/permit

Use the Transfer of licence/permit form when taking over an existing business that has a current license.

Cancel a licence/permit

Use the Cancel a licence/permit form to cancel an existing licence/permit. No fees apply.

Replace approval documentation

Use the Replace approval documentation form to apply for replacement approval documentation for your permit or licence.

Renew a licence/permit

Find out how to renew a licence or permit if there is no renewal fee or if payment of a fee is required.

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