Personal watercraft
Personal watercraft (PWC) is the term used to describe trade names such as Jet Skis, Waverunners and Sea Doos. Regardless of the type of PWC it is important to remember PWC are just another form of powerboat, and are generally subject to similar regulations and laws. However, there are also some special rules that apply to the use of these craft. PWC are much more manoeuvrable than traditional power boats, have different handling characteristics and when used carelessly they can present a danger and nuisance to both the operator and to other people using our waterways.
To obtain a PWC Licence, or to upgrade an existing General Licence, you must make an appointment to attend a NSW Maritime office, or attend a Boating Safety Course and successfully answer additional licence test questions (fee applies).
Note: Heavy penalties apply to PWC owners if their craft is ridden by an unlicensed person.
All PWC MUST be registered if used on NSW waterways.
Registration numbers, not less than 100mm high, must be displayed on both sides of the craft (not on the central control arm).
Registration numbers must stand out against any decals and striping on the PWC and be clearly visible when the vessel is being operated.
The registration label must be attached on the port side where it is visible.
Ride Smart Behaviour Stickers
PWC operators are required to display a “behaviour sticker” on their craft. This sticker summarises the key safety issues required to be followed while on the water.
The sticker must be affixed to the PWC near the controls where it can be easily seen.
PWC may be prohibited or have restrictions placed on their speed and/or driving pattern as follows:
(1) PWC Exclusion Zones
The operation of PWC is prohibited in certain areas such as:
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Sydney Harbour, including the waters of all tidal bays, river and their tributaries (includes Parramatta River, Middle Harbour and Lane Cove River)
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Darook Park at Port Hacking
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La Perouse at Botany Bay.
(2) PWC Restriction Zones
This zone encompasses the bays, rivers and other waterways within the Sydney basin area which lies between Port Hacking, Wamberal and the Blue Mountains but does not include water off the coast.
PWC are not permitted to be used for ‘irregular driving’ within 200m of the shoreline of the above. Examples of ‘irregular driving’ are:
- driving in a circle or other pattern
- weaving or diverting
- surfing down or jumping over or across any swell, wave or wash.
This means that PWC are required to be operated generally in a straight line within 200m of the shoreline.
(3) All Other Navigable Waters
In all navigable waters, other than (1) and (2), and including all of the NSW coast, ‘irregular driving’ is not permitted within 200m of the shoreline where one or more dwellings are visible within 200m of that shore.
Note: Irregular driving does not apply when a PWC is towing a water skier or aquaplaner. However, as soon as towing activity is finished the no irregular driving rule comes into effect.
After Sunset
Riding a PWC between sunset and sunrise is prohibited regardless of whether navigation lights are fitted.
When driving a PWC at 10 knots or more, you must keep 60 metres away from:
- a person in the water; and
- small, non-powered vessels such as surf skis, canoes, vessels 4 metres or less in length without mechanical propulsion.A PWC being operated at 10 knots or more must be kept 30 metres from:
- any power driven vessel (including other PWC);
- any river bank or shore and structures such as jetties or moorings; and
- non-powered vessels over 4 metres in length.
- Riders and passengers should also beware the ‘jet stream’ from the engine. At close range this jet stream can be harmful to a person.
Distances to be kept when Towing
When towing a water skier or aquaplaner the same rules apply as to other vessels.
Tow-in Surfing
Tow-in surfing is a technique where a surfer is towed onto a breaking wave by a person riding a PWC. The following conditions apply to tow-in surfing.
- tow-in surfing is only permitted at surf breaks only where there are no paddle surfers present
- both the operator of the PWC and the surfer must have a current PWC licence, current first aid certificate and wear an appropriate lifejacket when the activity is being undertaken
- both must attend any course or pass any test required by NSW Maritime
- the operator may not tow more than one person at a time and must give right of way to all other boating or recreational activities
- the operator of the PWC must maintain a distance of at least 200m from all vessels and people in the water.The PWC is to be equipped with a:
- rescue sled
- second kill switch wrapped around the handle bars
- two-way communication device
- dive mask
- dive fins
- safety knife
- tool kit
- torch
- quick release floating tow rope with a minimum length of 7m
- bow tow-line with a minimum length of 7m.
Only PWC may be used for tow-in surfing. No observer is required on the PWC provided there is a compliance with all these conditions at all times.
Heavy penalties apply for non compliance.
NOTE: PWC may not be ridden on Sydney Harbour even though signs may not be in evidence. Penalties exist for breaches of PWC exclusion zones.
What is a Designated Surf Zone/Swimming Area?
A designated surf zone is defined as the area extending 500 metres out from shore between surf patrol flags or signs. A swimming area is defined as the area extending 60 metres out from shore between signs for swimmers.
A PWC must not be operated in these zones or within 60 metres either side of the flags or signs marking such zones. The only time you can enter a surf or swimming zone whilst operating a PWC is when you use your PWC to rescue a person from danger.
Local councils can erect signs, designating PWC free zones. These new exclusion zones would be posted on the NSW maritime website when operational.
Safety Equipment
The driver and passengers must wear a suitable lifejacket.
On enclosed waters an approved lifejacket of type 1, 2 or 3 is required. On offshore waters an approved lifejacket type 1 or 2 is compulsory.
Noise Annoys
One of the most common complaints received about PWC is noise.
Many PWC operators tend to congregate near residential or popular recreational areas and drive around repeatedly in the same area. This can aggravate other people and disturb wildlife and result in on-the-spot fines, or heavier penalties. Be considerate, particularly:
- early in the morning (in calm conditions noise travels a long distance)
- when winds are blowing towards residential areas, the noise travels there too
- in enviromentally sensitive areas.
Continuous driving of a PWC close to residential, picnic or recreation areas should be avoided.
Towing People
The Ski/Towing Boat
- Must have current registration
- must have a minimum crew of two
- the master (driver) and an observer (also applies to PWC when towing)
- must have a capacity sticker
- must carry appropriate safety equipment
- cannot be remotely controlled.
- must hold a General Licence if the vessel will be operated at 10 knots or more, or PWC Licence when operating a PWC at any speed
- is responsible for the safety of the boat and towed people and for maintaining the minimum distances off applicable to the boat and the skier(s).
- must be 16 years of age or older, or the holder of a Young Adult Licence
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must not suffer hearing, sight, or other disabilities which could affect the performance of observation duties
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has the prime responsibility of observing the towed people and reporting all matters affecting them to the master
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tells the driver about other vessels approaching from behind
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should be familiar with the standard hand signals.
- No more than 3 skiers can be towed at once
- Must maintain the minimum distances off, and when returning to shore must do so safely
When towing keep both the vessel and the towed person at least:
- 30 metres from vessels not towing skiers, the shore, jetties, moorings, pump inlets, bridges
- 60 metres from persons in the water (fallen skiers and aquaplaners, swimmers)
If towing aerial equipment (e.g. paraflying) keep both the vessel, towed person and equipment at least:
- 300 metres from any bridge, cable, wire, pipeline or structure
Note: This regulation also applies to two or more vessels towing people travelling one behind the other.
In some areas skiing and wakeboarding etc may be prohibited and signs may be displayed. In other areas skiing may not be possible because of the location of hazards or a safe distances off cannot be maintained.
Towing Prohibited
Towing is prohibited between sunset and sunrise.
Kite Surfing
A surf kite and board is classified as a “vessel” and therefore comes under NSW marine legislation.
A Code of Conduct for kite surfing has been developed by NSW Maritime in conjunction with the Australian Kite Surfing Association (AKSA).
- Kite surfers and their equipment, including kite and lines, must maintain a minimum distance of 30m from any persons or objects in the water at all times
- Stay out of a designated surf zone. A designated surf zone is defined as the area extending 500 metres out from shore between surf patrol flags or signs
- Stay out of a swimming area, which is defined as the area extending 60 metres out from shore between signs for swimmers.
Sydney Harbour is a no-go zone for kite surfing. The no-go zone is an area between North and South Head and the head of navigation on the Parramatta River and includes Middle Harbour and the Lane Cove River.
Pittwater off Station Beach – caution is required as this is a seaplane landing and take-off area. Appropriate warning signs have been established north and south of the seaplane wharf.
- Take extreme care when launching
- Keep a proper lookout at all times
- Kite surfers must maintain proper distances off when operating in the vicinity of surfers outside the designated surf zone
- Kite surfers must keep a proper lookout at all times for obstructions, other craft or swimmers
- Look all around - even behind you.
Power driven craft must give way to sailcraft such as kite surfers unless the kite surfer is in the process of overtaking. A kite surfer overtaking any other craft (power or sail) must keep well clear of the vessel being overtaken.