Jetski rules change for children

CHILDREN younger than 16 will no longer be able to legally use a jetski on their own in Victoria, following a change in state government law.

Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) recently announced that those aged under 16 would no longer be able to obtain a personal watercraft (PWC) endorsement on their restricted marine licence.

TSV director of maritime safety Peter Corcoran said provisions relating to PWC endorsements in the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) have been amended by the Ports and Marine Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (Vic).

“PWCs weigh more than 300 kilograms, quickly reach speeds of 100kmh and require strength and skill to control. They have the potential to injure or kill, particularly when operated by young and inexperienced people.

“To improve safety, the Victorian Government has amended laws so that no new PWC endorsements will be issued to people under 16. The change will not impact on people who already hold an endorsement.

“Several PWC incidents in recent years have led to serious injuries to the operators or others and we want to reduce those numbers.

“Persons under 16 are not responsible for all incidents involving PWCs but they’re often the ones lacking the strength or maturity of judgement to handle these high-speed vessels safely.”

People aged under 16 and other unlicensed people can learn to ride a PWC under supervision, meaning there must be a person on board over 18 with a PWC-endorsed marine licence who is able to take immediate control.

Maritime Safety Victoria and Victoria Water Police officers will be on the water this summer, focussing on unsafe PWC riding.

Reckless operators who ignore the rules put themselves and others at risk. Those doing the wrong thing are likely to receive a fine and could have their vessel embargoed.

For more information on maritime safety, head to the website at transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety.