{"id":5567,"date":"2018-01-19T07:55:09","date_gmt":"2018-01-19T07:55:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/bellarinetimes\/?p=5567"},"modified":"2018-01-19T07:55:09","modified_gmt":"2018-01-19T07:55:09","slug":"trial-waves-motor-licence-kayakers-canoers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/bellarinetimes\/news\/trial-waves-motor-licence-kayakers-canoers\/","title":{"rendered":"Trial waves motor licence for kayakers and canoers"},"content":{"rendered":"

VICTORIAN paddlers who want to fit a small electric motor to their kayaks or canoes will not be required to register their craft or hold a marine licence as of this year.<\/p>\n

The trial aims to reduce red tape for low-powered vessels travelling up to 5 knots, while continuing to ensure safety.<\/p>\n

Running until December 31, the trial applies to kayaks and canoes with electric motors of up to 40 pounds thrust (or 1 horsepower or 750 watts).<\/p>\n

Maritime Safety Victoria (MSV) director Peter Corcoran said that if the trial showed that the safety of paddlers was not compromised in any way, the exemption was likely to become permanent.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis will also enable an easier process for people taking their paddle craft interstate.\u201d<\/p>\n

The trial is in response to a recommendation from the Red Tape Commissioner to bring Victorian requirements closer to New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania.<\/p>\n

The benefits of motor use are that kayakers and other paddlers can conserve energy and have some assistance in getting home after their trip.<\/p>\n

However, Mr Corcoran urged paddlers not to relax their attention to safety.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaritime Safety Victoria reminds paddlers that the addition of a motor presents different risks while operating their craft,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

These risks include:<\/p>\n