Bill of Sale — Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft (Australia)
This Bill of Sale for Personal Watercraft / Jet Ski (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into on [Sale Date] by and between:
[Seller Name], [Seller Type], of [Seller Address], [Seller City], [Seller State] [Seller Postcode], Australia (the “Seller”); and
[Buyer Name], [Buyer Type], of [Buyer Address], [Buyer City], [Buyer State] [Buyer Postcode], Australia (the “Buyer”), Marine Licence No. [Buyer Marine Licence No].
The Seller wishes to sell the PWC (as defined below) to the Buyer, and the Buyer wishes to purchase the PWC from the Seller, on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.
IN CONSIDERATION of the payment of the Purchase Price by the Buyer to the Seller, and for other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged), the parties agree as follows:
1. DESCRIPTION OF PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
1.1 The Seller agrees to sell and transfer to the Buyer, and the Buyer agrees to purchase from the Seller, the following personal watercraft (the “PWC”):
Make / Brand: [PWC Make]
Model: [PWC Model]
Year: [PWC Year]
Colour: [PWC Colour]
Hull Identification Number (HIN): [PWC HIN]
Registration Number: [PWC Registration No]
Engine Details: [PWC Engine Details]
Engine Hours: [PWC Engine Hours]
1.2 The PWC is sold in the following condition: [Pwc Condition].
2. PURCHASE PRICE AND GST
2.1 The total purchase price for the PWC (including trailer, if any) is AUD $[Purchase Price] (the “Purchase Price”), which is [Gst Treatment].
2.2 Where the supply of the PWC is a taxable supply under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth) (GST Act) and the price is stated exclusive of GST, the Buyer must pay to the Seller an additional 10% GST upon receipt of a valid tax invoice.
2.3 The Buyer shall pay the Purchase Price [Payment Method].
2.4 Time is of the essence with respect to all payments under this Agreement.
3. TRANSFER OF TITLE AND RISK
3.1 Subject to clause 7 (Retention of Title) if applicable, title to and ownership of the PWC (and trailer, if included) shall pass from the Seller to the Buyer upon receipt of the full Purchase Price.
3.2 Risk of loss, damage, or destruction to the PWC passes to the Buyer at the same time as title passes under clause 6.1. The Buyer is responsible for arranging appropriate marine insurance from that time.
3.3 Following transfer of title, the Seller shall cooperate with the Buyer to complete the transfer of the PWC’s registration to the Buyer’s name with the relevant maritime authority in [Governing State]. Each party shall be responsible for its own costs in connection with the registration transfer.
4. SELLER’S WARRANTIES
4.1 The Seller warrants that:
- the Seller has full legal right and authority to sell the PWC;
- the PWC is free from any registered PPSR security interest (other than as disclosed in writing to the Buyer before execution of this Agreement);
- the HIN and registration number stated above are the correct identifiers for the PWC;
- the PWC has not been reported as stolen; and
- the Seller is not aware of any material defect in the PWC other than those disclosed in this Agreement.
4.2 Registration Transfer. The Seller shall provide to the Buyer all documents reasonably required to transfer the PWC’s registration to the Buyer’s name with the relevant maritime authority in [Governing State].
4.3 Marine Licence Acknowledgement. The Buyer acknowledges that operating a personal watercraft in [Governing State] requires a valid recreational marine licence or equivalent authorisation under applicable maritime safety legislation in [Governing State]. The Buyer represents that it holds the necessary licence or authorisation.
4.4 Nothing in this Agreement limits any consumer guarantee applicable to the Buyer under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) that cannot lawfully be excluded.
5. PPSR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
5.1 The Buyer acknowledges that it has had the opportunity to search the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) at ppsr.gov.au using the PWC’s HIN ([PWC HIN]) to confirm the PWC is free from any registered security interests.
5.2 The Seller confirms that, to the best of its knowledge, no security interest is registered against the PWC on the PPSR other than as disclosed to the Buyer.
6. GENERAL PROVISIONS
6.1 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the sale of the PWC and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, and agreements.
6.2 Amendments. This Agreement may only be varied by a written instrument signed by both parties.
6.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is void or unenforceable, it shall be severed and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force.
6.4 Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by the laws of [Governing State], Australia, and applicable Commonwealth legislation including the PPSA, the GST Act, and the Australian Consumer Law. The parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [Governing State].
EXECUTED as an agreement on the date first written above.
SELLER
Full name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Seller Address], [Seller City], [Seller State] [Seller Postcode]
BUYER
Full name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Buyer Address], [Buyer City], [Buyer State] [Buyer Postcode]
Marine Licence No: [Buyer Marine Licence No]
Seller
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Buyer
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Bill of Sale — Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft (Australia)?
A Bill of Sale — Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft in Australia transfers ownership of the goods from seller to buyer, records the price and any warranties, and provides the buyer with proof of title under the Australian Consumer Law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Schedule 2).
Personal watercraft are regulated primarily under state and territory maritime safety legislation in Australia. Each jurisdiction — New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory — has its own vessel registration system and licencing requirements for PWC operators. The Bill of Sale complements the formal registration transfer process required through the relevant maritime authority but does not replace it.
The primary federal legislation governing personal property security interests in PWCs is the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA). PWCs can be searched by HIN on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) at ppsr.gov.au, and buyers are strongly advised to conduct a PPSR search before completing a purchase. The Australian Consumer Law (ACL), contained in Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), applies to commercial sales of PWCs made in trade or commerce. The A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth) governs whether GST applies to the sale.
The Australia Bill of Sale — Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft (Australia) template is suitable for the sale of all types of personal watercraft, including sit-down models (such as Yamaha WaveRunner, Sea-Doo Spark, Sea-Doo GTX, Sea-Doo RXP-X, Kawasaki Ultra, and similar models), stand-up PWCs, and tow sports PWCs, for both private and commercial sales across all Australian states and territories.
The legal framework governing the Bill of Sale — Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft (Australia) in Australia draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under Australian law, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) govern personal data in this document. The Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010) provides consumer guarantees under Sections 51-54. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has jurisdiction over family law matters under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) handles consumer financial disputes. State and territory Magistrates Courts handle small civil claims. Parties executing a Bill of Sale — Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft (Australia) in Australia should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Australian Consumer Law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Schedule 2) sets the foundational requirements.
When Do You Need a Bill of Sale — Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft (Australia)?
An Australian Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft Bill of Sale is needed whenever a PWC changes hands and the parties want a written record of the transaction. A Bill of Sale is particularly important in the following situations:
Private PWC sales. When an individual sells their personal jet ski to another private buyer, a Bill of Sale provides documentary evidence of the transaction, supports the registration transfer with the relevant maritime authority, and records the HIN for PPSR searches.
Dealer sales. When a marine dealer sells a new or used PWC to a retail buyer, a Bill of Sale records the agreed terms and — where the seller is GST-registered — supports the issue of a tax invoice. Consumer guarantees under the ACL apply to commercial sales.
Sales including a trailer. Many PWC sales include a dedicated PWC trailer. A thorough Bill of Sale identifies the trailer separately (including its VIN and registration details) and confirms that the trailer is included in the sale price.
Sales with deferred payment. Where the buyer pays in instalments or the full purchase price is not received at the time of delivery, a retention of title clause (supported by PPSR registration using the HIN) protects the seller's ownership interest until full payment is received.
Sales from estate or insolvency. When a PWC is sold by the executor of a deceased estate, a trustee in bankruptcy, or a liquidator, a Bill of Sale documents the authority of the seller and the terms of the transaction.
Hire or charter fleet disposals. When a PWC hire or charter operator disposes of fleet vessels, a Bill of Sale records the commercial terms of each sale and — for GST-registered sellers — supports tax invoicing.
Imported PWCs. For PWCs imported into Australia, a Bill of Sale provides supporting documentation for customs and duty purposes and may be required as part of the compliance assessment and HIN assignment process.
What to Include in Your Bill of Sale — Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft (Australia)
A well-drafted Australian Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft Bill of Sale should include the following key elements to be legally effective and protect both parties:
Precise PWC identification. The PWC must be identified by its HIN, registration number, make, model, year, colour, engine specifications (brand, type, horsepower), and engine hours. The HIN is the most critical identifier as it is used for PPSR searches and registration transfers.
Buyer's marine licence. The Buyer's recreational marine licence or PWC licence number should be recorded to confirm that the Buyer holds the required authorisation to operate the PWC in the governing state or territory.
Trailer details. Where a trailer is included in the sale, it should be separately identified by its VIN and registration number. The transfer of the trailer's road registration must also be completed through the relevant road transport authority.
Marine survey. For second-hand PWC purchases, buyers should consider commissioning a marine survey by an accredited marine surveyor (accredited by the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers or similar body) before completing the purchase. The Bill of Sale should record the survey details and the parties' acknowledgement of the findings.
Known defects disclosure. The Seller should disclose all known defects or damage, including any prior accidents, hull repairs, or mechanical issues. Failure to disclose known defects may give rise to a claim for misrepresentation.
Purchase price and GST. The price must be stated in AUD and the GST treatment clearly specified. A tax invoice must be issued for commercial sales by GST-registered sellers.
PPSR acknowledgement. The Bill of Sale should record the Seller's warranty that no undisclosed PPSR security interest is registered against the HIN, and the Buyer's acknowledgement that it has had the opportunity to conduct its own PPSR search.
Retention of title. For deferred payment arrangements, a retention of title clause protects the Seller, and PPSR registration using the HIN should be completed promptly.
Registration transfer obligations. The parties' obligations to complete the formal registration transfer through the relevant maritime authority should be clearly recorded, including who bears the transfer costs.
Governing law. The governing state or territory should be specified to determine which maritime safety legislation applies.
Additional compliance elements for a Bill of Sale — Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft (Australia) used in Australia include: Under Australian law, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) govern personal data in this document. The Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010) provides consumer guarantees under Sections 51-54. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has jurisdiction over family law matters under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) handles consumer financial disputes. State and territory Magistrates Courts handle small civil claims. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Bill of Sale — Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft (Australia) (Australia) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/australia/personal/bills-of-sale/bill-of-sale-jet-ski-australia
"Bill of Sale — Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft (Australia) (Australia)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/australia/personal/bills-of-sale/bill-of-sale-jet-ski-australia.
@misc{formslegal-bill-of-sale-jet-ski-australia,
author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Bill of Sale — Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft (Australia) (Australia)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/australia/personal/bills-of-sale/bill-of-sale-jet-ski-australia}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Australian Consumer Law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Schedule 2)}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most Australian states and territories a person must hold a valid recreational marine licence (or equivalent authorisation) to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) such as a jet ski. The specific requirements vary by jurisdiction. In New South Wales, operators of PWCs must hold a general boat licence or a PWC licence issued by Transport for NSW. In Queensland, a recreational marine licence issued by Maritime Safety Queensland is required to operate a PWC. In Victoria, a recreational boat licence issued by Transport for Victoria is required. In Western Australia, a recreational skipper's ticket or PWC-specific endorsement may be required depending on the vessel's engine power. In South Australia and Tasmania, similar licencing requirements exist under applicable marine safety legislation. In most jurisdictions, there is also a minimum age requirement (often 16 years) to operate a PWC. The purchaser of a PWC should verify the current licencing requirements with the relevant maritime authority in the state or territory where the PWC will be operated before completing the purchase. The Bill of Sale records the buyer's marine licence number to confirm that the buyer holds the appropriate authorisation.
A Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique 12-character alphanumeric code permanently affixed to a personal watercraft by its manufacturer, typically on the starboard (right-hand) side of the transom at or near the stern. The HIN functions similarly to a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for a motor vehicle and is the primary identifier for PWCs in Australia. When buying or selling a PWC in Australia, the HIN is critically important for several reasons. First, it uniquely identifies the specific PWC, enabling it to be distinguished from other identical models in the same product line. Second, the HIN can be used to search the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) at ppsr.gov.au to check whether a finance company or other creditor has registered a security interest over the PWC. A buyer who purchases a PWC subject to a registered PPSR security interest risks the secured party repossessing the PWC, even from an innocent buyer, if payment obligations are not met. Third, the HIN is required to complete the transfer of the PWC's registration with the relevant state maritime authority. Fourth, the HIN is used by marine insurers to identify the vessel for hull and public liability insurance purposes. Before purchasing a PWC, buyers should always verify that the HIN on the vessel matches the registration papers, confirm the HIN has not been altered or removed, and conduct a PPSR search using the HIN.
The GST treatment of a jet ski sale in Australia depends on whether the seller is registered (or required to be registered) for GST and whether the sale is made in the course of carrying on an enterprise. A private individual selling their personal-use jet ski is generally not making a supply in the course of an enterprise and therefore GST is not applicable. The sale price agreed between the private parties is the total consideration, and no separate GST amount is payable. When a GST-registered marine dealer or PWC hire or charter business sells a jet ski as part of its business activities, the sale is typically a taxable supply under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth) and 10% GST must be charged. The dealer must issue a valid tax invoice showing the GST component. The buyer, if also GST-registered and using the PWC in business, may be entitled to claim an input tax credit for the GST paid. If the seller is selling a business including a fleet of PWCs as a going concern under section 38-325 of the GST Act, and all going concern conditions are satisfied, the supply may be GST-free. The Bill of Sale should clearly record the GST treatment agreed between the parties, and commercial parties should seek advice from an accountant.
After purchasing a jet ski or personal watercraft in Australia, the buyer must transfer the vessel's registration to their own name with the relevant state or territory maritime authority. Each jurisdiction has its own processes and forms. In Queensland, registration transfer is completed through Maritime Safety Queensland (Transport and Main Roads), typically within 14 days of the sale. In New South Wales, registration transfers are managed through Service NSW. In Victoria, the relevant authority is Transport for Victoria. In Western Australia, the Department of Transport handles PWC registrations. In South Australia, registration is managed by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport. Generally, the transfer process requires the seller to sign a transfer form or provide the Bill of Sale as evidence of the transaction, the buyer to pay the applicable transfer fee and any stamp duty, and both parties to present identification. A registered PWC must display its registration number on the hull as required by state maritime legislation. Failure to transfer registration within the prescribed timeframe may result in fines. In addition, where the PWC sale includes a trailer, the trailer's road registration must also be transferred through the relevant state or territory road transport authority. The Bill of Sale supports both the PWC registration transfer and the trailer registration transfer.
Before purchasing a jet ski or personal watercraft in Australia, buyers should conduct a search of the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) at ppsr.gov.au using the vessel's Hull Identification Number (HIN). A PPSR search reveals whether any security interest (such as a finance company's chattel mortgage or a hire purchase agreement) is registered against the PWC. If the seller financed the purchase of the PWC through a loan and has not fully repaid it, the finance company is likely to have registered a security interest on the PPSR. The consequence of buying a PWC over which an undisclosed PPSR security interest exists is that the secured party (finance company) may have rights to repossess the PWC even from an innocent buyer. This is sometimes referred to as buying a vessel 'subject to finance'. A PPSR search costs approximately $3.40 per search (as at 2025) and results are available immediately online. In addition to a PPSR search, buyers should: verify that the HIN on the vessel matches the registration certificate and is not altered; check with the relevant state maritime authority that the registration is current and matches the seller's details; confirm that no stamp duty or registration fees are outstanding; and inspect the vessel personally (or commission a marine survey) to assess its physical condition. The Bill of Sale records the seller's warranty that no undisclosed PPSR registrations exist, but this warranty does not replace the buyer's own due diligence.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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