Marine and Recreational Boating

Boating is one of the most popular recreational activities in Victoria.   There are about 125,000 registered power boats , and probably in excess of 50,000 unpowered boats, eg: canoes/kayaks, sailing and rowing boats.

The marine board has introduced new speed limit rules for all recreational boats, including personal water craft (PWC).

PROXIMITY SPEED LIMITS

All boats must slow to 5 knots or less when approaching people in the water, other boats, structures and the waters edge.   To improve water safety, the minimum distances for these 5 knot zones have been rationalised and where necessary increased.
 

DISTANCE FROM
NEW 5 KNOT SPEED
LIMIT ZONE
a person in the water (all water)
50
another vessel (all water)
50
A structure (all water)
50
the shore on inland waters
50
a diver's flag
100
the shore on coastal waters
200

Bathers are also required to keep 50 metres away from a boat ramp in use.

5 knots = approximately 8 kmh or walking pace

50 metres = the length of an Olympic swimming pool