mrsswordfisherman Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 Media Release Friday 1 July 2016 Slashing red tape on the water Important changes to the Marine Safety Regulation take effect from today to make using the state’s waterways simpler and safer. “The amendments aim to increase safety on the water with changes introduced to ensure vessels passing swimmers and divers keep safe distances, reduced speed limits for vessels carrying and towing children, and compulsory life jacket changes for some watercraft,” said Neil Patchett from Transport for NSW’s Maritime team. “Decisive new powers have also been granted to maritime authorities to immediately suspend a boat or personal watercraft driving licence for serious safety offences, including medium to high range drink driving, and reckless, dangerous and negligent navigation. “These powers will be used to ensure the safety of everyone who sets out to enjoy our waterways.” Life jackets are compulsory for people on board canoes, kiteboards, kayaks, sailboards or watercraft under 4.8 metres long when travelling alone, at night or when in open or alpine waterways. Changes will also require vessels to maintain a clearance zone of 60 metres from people in the water, while a speed limit of 60 knots has been introduced for vessels towing a person under 18 years old. Mr Patchett also said changes to boat licencing and registration will make owning a boat easier. "Anyone applying for a boat driving licence will now only be required to demonstrate practical boating experience and pass a knowledge test, removing the need to complete a theory based boating safety course,” said Mr Patchett. “We’re also cutting registration red tape by eliminating the need for boats to display a registration label or trade plate. “We worked closely with maritime industry stakeholders and the general community in developing these changes to support a culture of safe and responsible boating. “Through these changes the NSW Government is making sure that people continue to enjoy our marvellous waterways, while at the same time reducing the time and costs involved with administration.” The Marine Safety Regulation 2016 can be viewed online at CLICK HERE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welster Posted July 4, 2016 Share Posted July 4, 2016 (edited) I was initially disappointed to see they have removed the young adult licence. After reading the new handbook they have just combined it into the general licence with similar restrictions for under 16 year olds as the young adult licence. The upside is they should be able to get the 5 year version without renewing every year. Also it's good to see the rego label has gone. Edited July 4, 2016 by welst Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NaClH2OK9 Posted July 4, 2016 Share Posted July 4, 2016 60m from people in the water is going to be a difficult one for them to manage. I'm surprised they didn't do a max 4knt within 60 m Think of all the spots like the sand spit at main bar. So once the first boat has beached and people swimming no one else can pull up? Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big Neil Posted July 4, 2016 Share Posted July 4, 2016 60m from people in the water is going to be a difficult one for them to manage. I'm surprised they didn't do a max 4knt within 60 m Think of all the spots like the sand spit at main bar. So once the first boat has beached and people swimming no one else can pull up? Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk Yeh that one got my attention too. Difficult to see a solution in rivers used by anglers AND skiers. I'd like to hear some F/R opinions on that one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NaClH2OK9 Posted July 4, 2016 Share Posted July 4, 2016 I'll read the doc in full tonight. Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welster Posted July 5, 2016 Share Posted July 5, 2016 The distance off rules have never been practical in my opinion. With a river full of people doing water sports it just isn't happening. I have always read those as be sensible and courteous and give everyone the maximum distance possible. That might night be technically correct but I think it's the reality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fisho.sid Posted July 5, 2016 Share Posted July 5, 2016 There are narrow and wide waterways. I think common sense prevails in these situations. So longs you're not putting harms way to people, it's all good. I just try and see where they are and go wide. What's more dangerous is a big green buoy in parra river and its pitched black and the buoy was not lit up. This is dangerous and had to do an emergency manoeuvre to avoid it in the last minute as it wasn't visible to me until about 3 meters away. Also this buoy was about 2 meters wide and high. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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