Are there any speed limits for PWCs?
Are there any speed limits? 5 knot speed limit applies, within:
All waters
50 metres from a person in the water.
50 metres from another vessel, including other PWCs.
100 metres from a diver’s flag/ buoy/ vessel.
Coastal and enclosed waters
200 metres from the water’s edge.
50 metres off a wharf, jetty, slipway, diving platform or boat ramp.
Inland waters
50 metres from the water’s edge.
50 metres from a fixed or floating structure.
In particular, remember:
In surf areas, swimmers may be hidden from view by waves and swell. Keep well away from areas where swimmers are likely to be present, or slow right down
Do not cut blind corners – slow down
If vision is affected by the sun or spray – slow down or stop
Keep well clear of anchored or moored vessels.
In channels and narrow stretches of water, you must drive on the right hand or starboard side.
Navigation lights are required if your PWC is used on the waters between sunset and sunrise.
Waterskiing
PWCs are more often being used for waterskiing. Remember that the normal waterskiing rules apply to PWCs towing skiers, including the need to carry an appropriate observer on the PWC. The carrying capacity of the PWC must cater for the operator, observer and any person/s being towed.
