All vessels are required to travel at a safe speed at all times. The master of a powerboat must constantly monitor the speed of the vessel to ensure that a safe speed is being maintained.
Slow to 5 knots (approximately 9 kph) when close to shore, other boats (including boats at anchor) around dive flags and swimmers, or fixed structures such as ramps and jetties. Follow signs and buoys marking waterway zones and understand the types of waterway.
Rules applying to all Victorian waters
On all Victorian waters a five-knot speed limit applies to all operators within:
50 m of a person, for example a swimmer
50 m of another vessel
100 m of a vessel or buoy on which a 'diver below' signal corresponding to the International Code Flag 'A' is displayed – a white/blue flag.
Rules applying to coastal and enclosed waters
On coastal and enclosed waters, a five-knot speed limit applies to all vessels:
Within 200 m of the water's edge, except in an access lane
Within 50 m of any wharf or similar structure including a jetty, slipway, diving platform or boat ramp, except in an access lane
When passing through a recognised anchorage for small vessels.
Rules applying to inland waters
On inland waters a five-knot speed limit applies to all vessels within:
50 m of the water's edge
50 m of any fixed or floating structure in or on the water.
Note: the local authority may specifically exclude waters by notice or the waters may be designated for other purposes.
The Steering and Safety Rules and the lights and shapes rules which must be displayed are set out in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (1972) - COLREGs.
This video provides an overview of the speed and distance regulations when boating on Victorian waterways. The speed rules are designed to keep boaters, swimmers and divers safe.
