Speed and distance rules
Speeding is a key risk factor on Victoria’s waterways.
Speeds are limited by law in specific boating areas to address safety concerns arising from competing and/ or conflicting use. Speed measuring devices can be used to detect speeding vessels. All speeds are measured in knots for the purpose of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) (MSA) and the Marine Safety Regulations 2012 (Vic) (MSR).
Five knots is considered to be a fast walking pace.
Note:
The five knot speed limit does not apply to boat and PWC operators when:
- within an exclusive area prescribed in a Schedule to a Notice which is set aside for a specific activity under Clause 13 of the Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules (VOZR) in which the width of water prevents the keeping of distance
- engaged in competition or training organised in accordance with the rules of a Victorian sporting organisation or that has been approved in writing by the Safety Director.
On ALL Victorian waters a 5 knot speed limit applied to boat operators and PWC operators within a distance of:
- 50 m of a person, vessel, fixed or floating structure and the shore on inland waters
- 50 m of a person, vessel, wharf, jetty, slipway, diving platform or boat ramp on coastal and enclosed waters
- 100 m of a dive flag
- 200 m of the shore on enclosed and coastal waters
- or as per the scheduled waterway rules
In addition, on all Victorian coastal and enclosed waters, or bays, a 5 knot speed limit applies to boat operators and PWC operators under the following conditions:
- within 200 m of the waters edge unless specifically excluded by Notice of where designated for other purposes
- within 50 m of any wharf, jetty, slipway, diving platform or boat ramp
- when passing through a recognized anchorage for small vessels
In addition, on all Victorian inland waters a 5 knot speed limit applies to boat operators and PWC operator within:
- 50 m of the water’s edge unless the local authority specifically excludes those waters by Notice of they are designated for other purposes
- 50m of any fixed or floating structure