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Boating

Important points

Always check the weather forecasts, fuel, safety equipment, and other gear before a trip.
Lifejackets, PFDs and buoyancy vests are a must. See the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook for information on choosing the correct lifejacket, PFD or buoyancy vest and other Recreational Boating safety information on the Marine Safety Victoria website.
Remember that it's always colder on the water and the sun is stronger; extra jumpers, waterproofs and suntan cream are never a waste of space.
Never go boating alone and if you do let someone know.

Power boating

Victoria boasts almost 2,000 km of coastline and more than 160 scheduled waterways, so it's no surprise that boating and watersports continue to be popular recreational activities.

With over 165,000 registered powered recreational vessels and approximately 300,000 licensed recreational boaters and PWC operators there is an ever growing demand for a slice of Victoria's spectacular waterways.

Before you go out

Safe loading
PFDs & life jackets
Safety equipment
Vessel maintenance
Weather & tides

Emergency procedures

Distress signals
Fire
First aid
Man overboard

Safety on the water

Launching & retrieving
Speed & distance
Boat handling
Ocean bars
Navigational lights
Buoyage system
Anchoring
Big ships & little boats
Radio and communications

Australian Builder's Plate

Personal watercraft (PWC)

What is a PWC?

PWC describes an aquascooter, jet bike, jet ski, wave runner, ski free, motorised surfboard and any similar vessel that has an engine used for propulsion. They are also known as 'powerskis'.

What rules apply to PWC operators?

PWC operators are required to be operated within the rules pertaining to 'powerboats'. Some points to consider:

· Make sure you know the boating rules applicable to any waterway you intend to use.

· Follow the general rules outlined in the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook.

· Always read signage placed at boatramps and on beaches.

· Check for local rules which may apply specifically to PWCs.

When being used to tow a waterskier/ aquaplaner/ wakeboarder/ paraflyer, the rules for waterskiing must be followed. In some areas, local waterway rules may apply. Before operating in an area, check local safety signage for local rules or have a look at the waterway listing in the vessel operating and zoning rules for Victoria.

Do I need a licence to operate a PWC?

Operators of PWC are required to have a Recreational Boat Operator’s Licence and Personal Watercraft endorsement.

Holders of a restricted Recreational Boat Operator’s Licence with a PWC endorsement may operate a PWC:

· At less than 10 knots

· At 10 knots and less than 20 knots between sunrise and sunset if accompanied by a person over 16 who is appropriately licensed to operate a PWC

· But must not operate a vessel that is towing.

Is my PWC required to be registered?

Owners of recreational vessels equipped with an engine that is capable of being used for propulsion are required to register their vessel with VicRoads.

· Minimum size of the registration numbers is 100 mm.

· Registration numbers must be attached on both sides of the PWC.

· Registration numbers must be in stark contrast to the background and be clearly visible at a reasonable distance when the vessel is operating.

· A current registration label must also be attached to the vessel.

What safety equipment am I required to carry?

See the Minimum safety equipment for Personal Watercraft.

All safety equipment required to be carried onboard must be:

· Placed or located in a conspicuous and readily accessible position at all times.

· Kept in good order at all times.

· Maintained or serviced in a way that ensures they are able to be operated at all times.

· Serviced on or before the date specified by the manufacturer for that item of equipment.

Where can I operate my PWC?

Specific operating rules can be found for each waterway in the Vessel Operating and Zoning rules

How many people can I carry?

The PWC capacity plate will specify the number of people able to be carried. Generally for PWC, it is one person per seat eg. Three seater PWC = three people.
Capacity plates can be found onboard your vessel and may look similar to the picture below.

Australian Builders Plate

Are there any speed limits?

5 knot speed limit applies, within:

All waters

· 50 metres from a person in the water.

· 50 metres from another vessel, including other PWCs.

· 100 metres from a diver's flag/ buoy/ vessel.

Coastal and enclosed waters

· 200 metres from the water's edge.

· 50 metres off a wharf, jetty, slipway, diving platform or boat ramp.

Inland waters

· 50 metres from the water's edge.

· 50 metres from a fixed or floating structure.

In particular, remember:

· In surf areas, swimmers may be hidden from view by waves and swell. Keep well away from areas where swimmers are likely to be present, or slow right down

· Do not cut blind corners – slow down

· If vision is affected by the sun or spray – slow down or stop

· Keep well clear of anchored or moored vessels.

· In channels and narrow stretches of water, you must drive on the right hand or starboard side.

· Navigation lights are required if your PWC is used on the waters between sunset and sunrise.

Waterskiing

PWCs are more often being used for waterskiing. Remember that the normal waterskiing rules apply to PWCs towing skiers, including the need to carry an appropriate observer on the PWC. The carrying capacity of the PWC must cater for the operator, observer and any person/s being towed.