Do you need to have a license to get a recreational skippers ticket?

A Licence is something you pay for, it is payment for "permission" to drive a boat, etc.

A "Skippers Ticket" in WA is proof that you have the competence to do it. Once you have the Skippers Ticket, you can drive a Recreational Boat in WA. You do not need to keep paying a fee to the Govt, because it is not a licence. In WA to drive a recreational boat you just need to prove you are competent - and off you go. In some states of Australia you need to keep paying a Licence, for permission to drive a boat.