Victorian boaters get a reprieve

In December, we reported that Victorian boaters could be in for large fines for anchoring in areas that could be navigated by vessels over 50m in length http://www.boatpoint.com.au/news/2012/warning-to-vic-boaters-34098

The problem with the changes was that these areas were not marked by beacons and only some appeared on charts.

Fortunately, the government has now amended this and the anchoring rules will revert to where they previously were.

Commenting on the changes, BIAVIC President Andy Warner said: "I am pleased to announce that Maritime Safety Director, Mr Peter Corcoran and the Victorian Coalition Government have taken steps to rectify the recent recreational vessel anchoring ban."

On Friday December 14, Mr Corcoran used powers granted under the Marine Safety Act 2010 to amend waterway rule 23B and therefore remove an unintended consequence for recreational boaters. The amendment was published in the Victoria Government Gazette No. S 437 and has been published on the Transport Safety Victoria website.

The effect of this amendment is to reduce the scope of Rule 23B and return the prohibition on anchoring recreational vessels to that which existed before July 1, 2012.

"This is a great outcome for recreational boating and furthers our confidence in the Maritime Safety Director’s use of broadened powers now afforded by the Marine Safety Act 2010," said Mr Warner.

"While the Boating Industry Association of Victoria remains on watch for unintended consequences for recreational boaters, I must remind everyone spending summer on the water this year to keep a proper watch and stay well clear of big ships," he added.