Commercial Vessels

If you’re a commercial vessel looking to make the most of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island’s natural beauty, there are a couple of things to set up before you do.

Importantly, all commercial vessel operators are required to register each journey to the island via the phone log-in system, whether a Wadjemup / Rottnest Island Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) permit has been received or not.

Phone log-in system

All operators of commercial vessels need to register every visit with Rottnest Island Authority. This is done with a phone log-in system, and must be completed on every journey — whether the reason is business or personal.

The 24-hour Call Centre can be reached on +61 1300 724 093 or (+61 8) 9771 6186.

Make sure to have these details ready when you call:

 • Date of your trip to the island
 • Duration of your stay in reserve (number of days)
 • Commercial vessel Unique Vessel Identifier (UVI)
 • Vessel name and company name
 • Skipper's name
 • Skipper's mobile phone number
 • Number of paying passengers

You’ll also be asked about the activity being undertaken, such as:

• Water-based: passengers are not landing or disembarking the vessel onto the island. For example, you’re there for fishing, dive charters, or water-based tour.

• Landing: passengers are disembarking the vessel onto the island.
Note: if a single passenger ‘lands’, a landing fee is required for all passengers.

• Private: your vessel is not operating under charter and/or carrying non-commercial passengers (admission fees apply).

You’ll be given a call registration number that identifies each visit — the rangers will also have these details to make things easier.

The Rottnest Island Authority may request log-book entries to confirm whether visits were for private purposes or not.

How to apply for a DCV permit and fees

While it is not mandatory to have a DCV permit, there are benefits like reduced admission fees for commercial passengers, paying for passengers after each visit via a monthly RIA invoice, and reduced admission fees for water-based activities such as diving, fishing, or tours where passengers do not land on the island.

Registering for a Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) permit is simple. Have a read through the domestic commercial vessel permit information and conditions 2023-2024 (PDF 72.3KB) for more details, fees, and processes first to get an understanding of what’s expected for each journey.

Head to the application for domestic commercial vessel permit 2023-2024 and fill in your details. Once this is processed, you’ll receive a payment link. The person filling out the form will need to be the registered owner of the vessel or company operating the vessel.

The results of a permit application are sent via email. A permit sticker will then be issued to the company applying for the DCV.

DCV permit holders will be invoiced monthly for admission fees collected from their passengers, which must be collected from each passenger on the vessel before the vessel enters within the limits of the island.

The current season’s domestic commercial vessel permit information and conditions 2023-2024 (PDF 72.3KB) are available and apply for all passengers of the commercial vessel.

Blue registration sticker

Commercial vessel operators who receive a DCV permit will be given a sticker to display on the port side of the vessel — and clearly visible while within the limits of the island. Permits are issued for a boating season — starting on 1 September and finishing 31 August of the next year. This adhesive sticker is what identifies the vessel as the person who was authorised for the permit.

Replacement stickers

Lost or damaged stickers will only be replaced after an application and payment of the replacement fee by the applicant has been completed.

To apply for a replacement sticker, complete the application for replacement vessel sticker 2023-2024 (PDF 72KB) and send it to moorings@rottnestisland.com.

Terms and conditions

Operators of commercial vessels must comply with the terms and conditions of vessel entry into the Rottnest Island reserve (PDF 86.3KB) and are bound by the Rottnest Island Regulations 1988 and Rottnest Island Act 1987.

Conditions specific to commercial vessel operations apply. Download a copy of the domestic commercial vessel permit information and conditions 2023-2024 (PDF 72.3KB).