Police blitz on unruly PWC drivers
Ride right or pay the price, warn Police ahead of a crackdown on jet ski hoonsA recent spate of collisions and a wave of public concern has prompted a crackdown on riders of personal watercraft (PWC) by Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) and Water Police.
The Vic maritime authorities and Police have launched a blitz on rogue PWC riders, with more patrols hitting hot spots and fining those who break the rules.
Peter Corcoran, Director of Maritime Safety at TSV, explained that the irresponsible behaviour of some PWC riders was a danger to themselves and others.
"You have to make sure you're not riding too quickly or too closely to someone else. Given that PWCs weigh more than 300kg and can reach speeds of 100kmh in less than 10 seconds, a bad crash could be fatal," Mr Corcoran said.
"It's vital to keep a good lookout — we're seeing people leaping over waves not realising someone else is on the other side, or taking a sharp turn directly into someone else."
Boating incident experts liken a PWC crash to two motorbikes colliding. Riders have suffered broken bones and in some cases life-altering injuries.
There were 10 collisions in December 2016/January 2017 and three of them resulted in serious injuries. This is a substantial increase on five collisions in 2015-16 and one in 2014-15.
"To combat this trend, we are putting more resources into compliance. Riders, and all those on or being towed by the PWC, must wear a lifejacket, keep their distance from others, travel at a safe speed and keep a good lookout at all times," Mr Corcoran said.
The speed and distance rules vary depending on location, for example, 5 knots applies where there is signage, within 50m of swimmers and 200m of shore. Riders should brush up on the rules and practise judging distances.
PWC manufacturers and riders have developed a Responsible Riding code of conduct and all riders are encouraged to commit to it.
"A minority doing the wrong thing gives all riders a bad name. Show you're not one of them by signing up to the code," Mr Corcoran added.
For a copy of the code of conduct, as well as details of safe operation, rules and hoon laws applicable to PWCs see this Personal Water Craft page.
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