NEW PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC) RULE COMMENCING 16TH DECEMBER 2019
On Monday 16 December 2019, a new rule governing the operation of PWCs on Port Phillip will commence. This new rule will require PWC operators to:
navigate the PWC in the safest most direct course to and from the shore. The shore includes the beach, boat ramp or berthing facility including a jetty, pier or mooring
avoid any irregular riding or freestyling within the five knot speed restriction zones, for example, donuts, circles, weaving. Changes of direction to avoid other waterway users is permitted.
Irregular riding is defined as operating a PWC in an irregular or erratic manner, including:
(a) weaving or diverting course that another person would be unable to predict
(b) surfing down or jumping over or across any waves, wake or wash
(c) freestyling, which includes manoeuvres such as sharp turns, circular or semi-circular operation of the personal watercraft.
PWC operators found in breach of this rule may receive a $330 infringement notice.
The following link provides an animation of what PWC operators are permitted to do, and what they are not permitted to do within the five knot speed restriction zones around Port Phillip: transportsafety.vic.gov.au/msv/pwc
Compliance and Enforcement Officers from MSV and other regulatory agencies will be enforcing the rule from first thing Monday 16 December 2019. If you have any queries in relation to the rule, please visit the MSV website above.
