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.
Adhere to the 5 knot rule (approximately 10kph) when close to shore, other boats (including boats at anchor) around dive flags and swimmers, fixed structures (ramps and jetties). Follow signs and buoys marking waterway zones.
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.
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.