Have your say on boating NSW

Transport for NSW is encouraging boaters from across the state to have their say on proposed changes to the regulation of marine safety in NSW.

General Manager Maritime Management Centre Howard Glenn said updating the Marine Safety (General) Regulation 2009 was aimed at promoting safety, reducing red tape and improving administrative efficiency.

"NSW is achieving good results in maritime safety. The challenge is to continue to deliver an appropriate balance of regulation, education and compliance," Mr Glenn said.

"The long-term boating fatality rate is trending downward and more people are wearing lifejackets than ever before, however there is more we can do to foster a culture of safe, responsible and enjoyable boating.

"In order to make changes that benefit boaters well into the future, I encourage all interested members of the public to have their say. We want to hear from you," Mr Glenn said.

Customers will benefit from changes to current boat licences and registration including the introduction of a ten-year boat licence and removal of the need for boat registration stickers. These changes harmonise roads and maritime licensing procedures and reduce the administrative burden on industry and customers.

It is also proposed to streamline the classes of boating licences and simplify the fee structure for boat licences including a reduction in fees charged for personal watercraft licences, resulting in savings for customers of $101 on a five-year licence, $64 on a three-year licence and $56 on a one-year licence.

The Maritime Management Centre within Transport for NSW is leading the regulatory review and has consulted widely over the past nine months. This has included a previous round of public submissions and direct consultations with peak recreational boating groups, RMS and NSW Police Marine Area Command.

A copy of the proposed new Marine Safety Regulation 2015 and accompanying Regulatory Impact Statement are available from the Maritime Management Centre website.

Submissions can be made online to the Maritime Management Centre.

The closing date for submissions is Friday August 28, 2015.