Reckless riders still flouting the rules
“Unacceptable level” of bad behaviour in Victoria prompts greater scrutiny of PWC users.
Maritime Safety Victoria (MSV) is warning that it plans to put “jet ski hoons” under even greater scrutiny following little sign of improvement in the behaviour of some riders during the most recent peak season.
“A small but reckless group of jet ski operators are ignoring how dangerous their machines can be,” said Rachel Gualano, acting director of Maritime Safety. “Much like on our roads, irresponsible operation of high-powered machines, often without adequate experience, poses the threat of serious injury and fatalities.”
Gualano said that given the “unacceptable level” of disregard for speed and distance rules, agencies will be discussing their options over the coming months including the possibility of stronger enforcement measures.
“Every agency involved in ensuring all water users have equal enjoyment of our bays, rivers and lakes – including Victoria Police – has had enough of the behaviour of jet ski hoons,” she said.
More than 100 PWC riders were fined as part of MSV’s ‘Ride Right’ summer campaign, assisted by Victorian police. Over 450 riders of PWCs were approached and while MSV says the vast majority played it safe, some 67 riders received multiple infringement notices for flouting the rules.
On-water and remote surveillance were used to catch a number of riders breaking the rules, for instance by exceeding 5 knots in a 5 knot zone, and not slowing to 5 knots within 50m of their friends on jet skis. Three people are set to face court for allowing their ski to be used by unlicensed friends.
MSV said the worst locations for jet ski hooning were at Port Melbourne, Safety Beach, Carrum and St Kilda. Further enforcement action at these locations will now be considered.
Collisions with swimmers or other jet ski users resulting in injuries are another cause for concern.
In October, two people travelling the wrong way around Lake Nagambie on a jet ski ended up in hospital after crashing into a tree when swerving to avoid other vessels. In December, a collision between two jet skis in waters at Albert Park resulted in one man being hospitalised and the other being arrested.
Breach of speed and distance rules can result in a $317 fine. Riding an unregistered craft or riding unlicensed can cost $793. If a speed and distance rule offence, or operating unlicensed, is successfully prosecuted, the court may impose up to $3,171 for each offence.
Courts can also impose a penalty of $9,514 for operating an unregistered craft. Prosecutions could result in a criminal record.
Current PWC operating rules and MSV’s Ride Right safety advice are on the website.
