Jet skis are classified as personal watercraft (PWC) and must be registered, with the rego number displayed on the side of the vessel. To drive a jet ski, one needs a marine licence with a PWC endorsement and to attain that, one needs to be at least 16 years old. Jet skis typically weigh around 350kg and have top speeds of 60 to 100kph, so they can be lethal in the wrong hands. In 2016, a swimmer was killed by a jet ski in Port Melbourne waters.
The primary restriction governing jet ski use apply within 200 meters of shore in enclosed waters. This limit is marked by yellow poles at most beaches in the City of Port Phillip and typically no boats are allowed inside this zone or only at a maximum of 5 knots (roughly jogging pace). The location of these areas along the Port Melbourne shoreline is outlined below (download larger image here). Each yellow X signifies a pole.
Jet skis must also slow to 5 knots within 50 meters of a person, another vessel or a fixed or floating structure. If within the 5-knot zone, operators of jet skis are required to:
- navigate the jet ski in the safest most direct course to and from the shore. The shore includes the beach, boat ramp or berthing facility including a jetty, pier or mooring.
- avoid any irregular riding or freestyling within the five knot speed restriction zones, for example, donuts, circles, weaving.
If you see a jet ski contravening these restrictions, or being operated in a dangerous or life-threatening manner, record the registration number, and immediately call '000' to report the incident to the Police.