Boaters have been unable to license their vessels after computer systems at the Department of Marine and Ports were sunk by a technical glitch.

Government computer systems across all ministries were disabled by an outage last month. Although the problem was rectified, Marine and Ports systems are still down.

Boat owners have been advised that they can get a hard copy temporary license from the department’s boats and moorings section.

A Government spokeswoman said: “Due to unforeseen internal technical issues caused by the Government-wide IT outage last month, there's currently a delay in the processing of registration payments for all boats, moorings, pylons, and floating docks.

“Consequently, the department has extended the registration expiration date to Friday, July 1.

"We recognise and regret the inconvenience this matter has caused, but it is an unavoidable circumstance. At this stage, we're asking owners of new boats and boats that were not registered last year, but wish to be registered and licensed for the 2022/23 registration period, to please visit the boats and mooring section in Paget.

"There, operators will be provided with a ‘temporary approval to operate' letter. There is no cost for the letter.

“The Department of Marine and ports assures the public that work is under way to resolve the technical challenges as quickly as possible.

"We know this is a busy season for boaters, and again we regret the inconvenience caused, and thank the public for their patience and understanding."