Port Phillip Bay sets new personal watercraft rules

A new rule governing the operation of personal watercrafts (PWC) on Port Phillip has commenced.

PWC includes jet skis, wave runners and similar vessels that have an engine used for propulsion, fully enclosed hull, don’t retain water and are operated by standing, kneeling or sitting astride.

This new rule will require PWC operators to:

• Navigate the PWC in the safest most direct course to and from the shore. The shore includes the beach, boat ramp or berthing facility including a jetty, pier or mooring

• Avoid any irregular riding or freestyling within the five-knot speed restriction zones, for example, donuts, circles, weaving. Changes of direction to avoid other waterway users is permitted.

Irregular riding is defined as operating a PWC in an irregular or erratic manner, including:

• Weaving or diverting course that another person would be unable to predict

• Surfing down or jumping over or across any waves, wake or wash

• Freestyling, which includes manoeuvres such as sharp turns, circular or semi-circular operation of the personal watercraft.