About Pete

KNOW THE RULES

Approaching vessels head on

Each vessel alters course to starboard (right) and passes port to port (left). This applies in both narrow channels and open waters.

Overtaking

Keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken and pass safely either side.

Give-way (powered vessels)

Give way to vessels approaching from your starboard (right) side, they have right of way.

Give-way (non powered vessels)

Give way to sailing vessels, canoes and other passive craft.

Speed

All vessels must travel at a safe speed at all times. A safe speed is one which the vessel can be stopped in time to avoid any danger which may suddenly arise. When judging a safe speed you must consider a number of issues - visibility, other vessels, navigation hazards, wind wave and currents and the maneuverability of your vessel.

For your safety and the sake of everyone else using the water, do not exceed set speed limits.

Lookout

Keep a good lookout by sight and hearing. Be fully aware of the boating environment, especially in bad weather or restricted visibility. Look all around – even behind you.
Youre The Skipper
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Don’t confuse the lookout duties of the driver with those of the observer when the PWC is towing a person. The driver is responsible at all times for keeping a lookout for danger Distance off When driving a PWC at 10 knots or more, you must keep a minimum distance of:

  • 30 metres from any powered vessel (including other PWC), any riverbank or shore and any structures such as jetties or moorings or if that is not possible a safe distance
  • 60 metres away from persons or non-powered vessels (sailing and passive) or if that is not possible a safe distance.

Safe Distance

A ‘safe distance’ between a vessel and a person or thing (including another vessel) is a distance that will ensure that the vessel will not cause danger or injury to the person, or damage to the thing, having regard to all relevant safety factors, including weather conditions at the time, visibility, speed of the vessel and obstructions to navigation that are present.)

Note that if a Penalty Notice is issued to a PWC operator for a distance off offence, and the PWC operator believes that even thought they were within the stipulated area, they were operating at a ‘safe distance’, the operator will need to convince a Court; ie, the onus is on the PWC skipper to prove that the distance was safe.

Obey the signs

In some areas, PWC activity may be prohibited from or have restrictions placed on the speed at which they may operate. These areas may be appropriately marked by signs or notices either in, or in the vicinity of, the area concerned eg: the PWC exclusion zone in Gunnamatta Bay (Port Hacking).

ON THE SPOT FINE

Failure to obey sign $500

Note: PWC may not be ridden on Sydney Harbour even though signs may not be in evidence. Penalties range from $500 (first offence) to $750 for third and subsequent offences, for breaches of this PWC Exclusion Zone.

PWC OPERATING RESTRICTIONS

PWC may be prohibited or have restrictions placed on their speed and/or driving pattern as follows:

  1. PWC exclusion zone
    The operation of PWC is prohibited in Sydney Harbour, including the waters of all tidal bays, rivers and their tributaries (includes Parramatta River, Middle Harbour and the Lane Cove River).
  2. No riding in an irregular manner.
    PWC are not permitted to be used for ‘irregular driving’ in (a) a PWC Restriction Zone (see below) or (b) elswhere within 200 metres of the shoreline where one or more dwellings are located within 200m of the shore and visible from the water.
    Examples of ‘irregular driving’ are:
    • Driving in a circle or other pattern.
    • Weaving or diverting.
    • Surfing down or jumping over or across any swell, wave or wash.
    This means that PWC are required to be operated generally in a straight line within 200m of the shoreline.
    Note that ‘irregular driving’ does not apply when a PWC is towing a waterskier or aquaplaner. However, as soon as towing activity is finished the no irregular driving rule comes into effect.
    PWC restriction zone
    This zone encompasses the bays, rivers and other waterways within the Sydney basin area which lies between Port Hacking, Wamberal and the Blue Mountains but does not include waters off the coast




  3. No Go PWC areas
    There are some areas where PWC use is prohibited and they will be indicated by signs. PWC riding is not permitted in these areas at any time.










  4. After sunset and before sunrise
    Riding a PWC between sunset and sunrise is prohibited regardless of whether navigation lights are fitted.
  5. In a designated swimming area
    A designated swimming area in a surf zone is defined as the area extending 500 metres out from shore between surf patrol flags or signs. In other locations a swimming area is defined as the area ex tending 60 metres out from shore between signs for swimmers.
    A vessel PWC or any must not be operated in these zones or within 60 metres either side of the flags or signs marking such zones.
  6. Keep clear of marine mammals
    It is important to be safe and responsible anywhere near whales, and to observe some basic 'distance off' rules.