Sydney

Sydney is on both lists: an ABF port of entry and a DAFF first point of entry for non-commercial vessels. Clearance takes place at the ABF boarding station (the ABF mooring at Watsons Bay); DAFF’s first points of entry within the port changed on 1 September 2026, when the Biosecurity (First Point of Entry, Port of Sydney) Amendment Determination 2026 (F2026L01130) removed the Neutral Bay (Home Affairs Jetty) entry; the non-commercial entry points are now Sydney Superyacht Marina (Rozelle) and Jones Bay Superyacht Marina. DAFF’s own non-commercial vessels page had not caught up at the time of writing, so confirm the arrangement with us before you arrive. No one goes ashore until pratique and clearance are complete.

Compulsory for vessels of 35 m or more under the Harbour Master’s Directions for Sydney Harbour and Port Botany (in force from June 2026, section 2.7). Foreign vessels are not treated as recreational vessels for compulsory pilotage, so a foreign superyacht cannot rely on the recreational exemption. A foreign superyacht of 35 m or more therefore takes a pilot unless her master holds the Port Authority’s SRV Permit (35 to 80 m) or a Certificate of Local Knowledge or MPEC (over 80 m).

The SRV Permit is the only quick, superyacht-specific exemption in Australia: the master must hold a certificate of competency for the vessel type (an equivalent qualification issued outside Australia is expressly accepted, under clause 118A of the Marine Safety Regulation 2016; the Port Authority’s own page still refers only to certificates issued under the Marine Safety Act, so get eligibility confirmed in writing), complete pilotage-code training and pass the Harbour Master’s exam (50 questions in one hour, 90% pass mark); fee $1,600; valid 60 days with one 60-day extension. From 1 July 2026 it applies in all NSW pilotage ports. The Directions still define “special recreational vessel” by reference to the lapsed Commonwealth Act, so eligibility is confirmed per yacht with the Port Authority.

Vessels of 35 m or more actively participate in Sydney VTS; smaller vessels keep a listening watch on VHF 13 (Sydney Harbour) or 12 (Port Botany). No general speed limit; safe speed applies, with 15 knots and no anchoring or drifting in the Harbour Bridge transit zone. Transport for NSW’s operating guidelines for superyachts on Sydney Harbour (which define a superyacht as a recreational vessel of 30 m and over) defer to the Harbour Master’s Directions.

Untreated sewage is banned in all NSW waters, and treated sewage too in no-discharge zones; Sydney Harbour is effectively a no-discharge zone. Since 1 July 2025 NSW requires oil pollution insurance for recreational vessels over 24 m. A foreign vessel registered overseas needs no NSW registration for a stay of up to 3 months.

Berths range from the city wharves to marinas in Rozelle Bay and Darling Harbour, with anchorages across the harbour and on Pittwater. Availability depends heavily on size and season; New Year’s Eve books out early. Refit: Sydney City Marine at Rozelle (800 t synchrolift, 55 m) and Noakes; the Thales Garden Island dry dock is naval, with limited access. For how we handle a Sydney visit, see our Sydney agency page.

Port Authority of NSW (Harbour Master’s Directions and SRV Permit); Sydney VTS VHF 13; ABF yacht reports yachtreport@homeaffairs.gov.au, +61 2 6246 1325.