Proposed boating reg' changes: Important!

It is proposed that a new Marine Safety Regulation 2015 will replace the Marine Safety (General) Regulation 2009 with a number of changes to promote safety, reduce red tape and improve administrative efficiency.

THE BIG CHANGES
- The most significant changes include:
>> Reforms to boat driver licensing, including streamlining licence classes and application requirements, simplifying the fee structure, reducing fees for PWC licences and the introduction of a ten year boat licence.
>> New lifejacket standards will be adopted and requirements for wearing lifejackets will be simplified.
>> Vessels will no longer need to display a registration label or trade plate.
>> New requirements to enhance safety including more rigorous safe distance requirements, restrictions on riding on the bow of a vessel, speed restrictions when towing a person under 18 years of age, powers to manage the operation of wake boats, require kill switch lanyards to be worn where fitted on vessels under 4.8m and new powers to issue directions to commercial vessels to manage waterway safety.
>> Changes to streamline the administration of aquatic licences.
>> Changes to some penalty levels and disqualification periods.

Have your say and make a submission to the Maritime Management Centre, Transport for NSW:

Online:
See Have your say - Marine Safety Regulation form
   
Write to:
    Maritime Management Centre
    'A New Marine Safety Regulation'
    Transport for NSW
    PO Box K659
    Haymarket NSW 1240

Your input is valuable and will help marine-safety authorities and policy makers develop an effective Marine Safety Regulation 2015.