No-wash zone extension for Pittwater?

A proposal has been presented for discussion at the Pittwater User Group for an extension of the existing no-wash zone in Pittwater to Observation Point, Sandy Point or Soldiers Point.

There are arguments for and against the extension. Problems created by excessive wash, and the current practice of declaring no-wash zones, is an ongoing issue in many waterways throughout NSW.

It is certainly the case that some boaters pay inadequate attention to the problems that their wash can cause, and in some cases the determined forward viewpoint of the skipper creates a suspicion that they are deliberately avoiding the issue.

But it is also the case that 'no-wash' is both unachievable and nearly unenforceable in practice. The result is that the no wash zones are, in effect, an advisory rather than a directive, although a lot of skippers pay attention to the advice and do the right thing.

Currently no wash is taken as low speed — if the skipper slows down they are deemed to have taken adequate measure to reduce their wash. But as many boaters would be aware, in some cases this practice actually increases the wash, and for some boats wash is at a minimum when they are up on the plane at speed.

Some years ago, RMS conducted tests to determine if wash could be measured in a way that provides adequate evidence to enable enforcement at reasonable cost and with reasonable certainty for both boaters and the BSOs.

The results were inconclusive, but perhaps the time is right to revisit the problem. Then no wash could become low wash — something that would appear more achievable for boaters and (perhaps) more likely to encourage compliance.