Rules change ahead of Victorian jet ski riders’ peak season
State government forces Port Phillip Bay jet ski riders to turn down the enthusiasm just in time for summerJet ski owners on Port Phillip Bay will need to drive away from where they launch in a slow, straight line from December 16, the Victorian Government has announced.
It means a jet ski will not be allowed to weave, jump waves or make sharp or semi-circular turns until it is at least 200 metres – and in some special cases up to 500 metres – offshore.
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The current law restricts jet skis to 5 knots, or about the equivalent of a fast walking pace, until the craft is at least 200 metres offshore.
If they don’t restrain themselves, jet ski riders will be fined $330. The change brings Port Phillip Bay in line with NSW, which also requires jet ski riders to drive directly offshore before they start to enjoy the day.
Jet ski riders riding to or from the launching ramp or shoreline will only be permitted to alter their course to avoid other vessels on the water.
A Reason for Decision document released alongside the amended jet ski law said 1308 people had responded to the survey, including people who owned, and did not own, a jet ski.
The document says there is "no substantial loss of rights to PWC operators as a result of the implementation of the new rule", apart from having to travel in a straight line to get far enough offshore.
Extensive public consultation
“Following an extensive public consultation process and having considered the significant feedback and comments received, I have taken the decision to implement this new rule,” Marine Safety Victoria acting director Cameron Toy said.
“There was overwhelming support for the new rule with 67 per cent of respondents supporting it.
“The new rule will require PWC operators to operate their craft in a predictable manner, which will provide greater certainty to other waterway users on the path they intend to take,” Toy said.
“The rule prohibits the irregular riding of PWCs in five-knot speed restricted zones around Port Phillip, to address the risk of incidents involving PWCs and other beach users.”
Boatsales.com.au has asked both the Boating Industry Association of Victoria and the Victorian Jetski/PWC Association for comment. It has also asked Transport Victoria for the reasons behind its decision to introduce the new jet ski law.
Irregular riding
Under the new laws, irregular riding is defined as:
- Weaving or diverting course that another person would be unable to predict
- Surfing down or jumping over or across any waves, wake or wash
- Freestyling, which includes manoeuvres such as sharp turns, circular or semi-circular operation of the PWC
The change to the way people can operate a jet ski is the first in the state since 2017 when children aged under 16 were banned from obtaining a jet ski endorsement on their boat licence.
The state announced in August that it would review the regulations around using jet skis after an increase in “community complaints” from some Port Phillip Bay communities.
The more punitive change for jet ski riders also comes as the state moves to restrict boats from stopping on the Yarra River – largely in response to future concerns about the possibility of congestion on the waterway.
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