Licences and Regulations

(As they apply in the State of Victoria, Australia)

boat

Licences


* Any person who operates a registered recreational powerboat must have a licence.
* Operators of Personal Water Craft (PWC) must have their licence endorsed accordingly
* Interstate licences will be automatically recognised in Victoria.

To obtain a licence one needs to pass a computerised knowledge test. The knowledge required to obtain a licence is contained in the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook.


Where to obtain a Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL)


The RFL is available from many Natural Resources and Environment offices, also from fishing tackle outlets a list of which is available at the Natural Resources and Environment web site.


Regulations

Recreational Boating Regulations govern the safe operation of recreational boating craft. These are all covered in the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook. The handbook contains all the information on regulations for safe boating as well as information concerning the examination required to obtain a boating licence.


Vessel Registration Requirements


The owners of recreational vessels equipped with an engine that is capable of being used for propulsion are required to register their craft with VicRoads

Angling Licence


An amateur angling or recreational fishing licence is now required in the State of Victoria.

You will not need a licence if you are:

    * under 18 years of age;
    * 70 years of age or over;

    or a holder of a:

    * Victorian Seniors Card;
    * Veterans' Affairs Pensioner Card;
    * Veterans' Affairs Repatriation Health Card coded (TPI);
    * Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card coded either (DSP), (DSP Blind), (AGE), or (Age Blind).

Two Important regulations - Carrying Capacity and Speed


These are highlighted here because of their relationship to boating accidents. A complete list of the Regulations can be found in the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook.

Carrying Capacity - Vessels
less than 6 m in length.

Speed restrictions

Length of Recreational vessel

Maximum number of persons

Less than 3 m

2

3 m to less than 3.5 m

3

3.5 m to less than 4.5 m

4

4.5 m to less than 5 m

5

5 m to less than 5.5 m

6

5.5 m to less than 6 m

7

On all Victorian waters a 5-knot speed limit applies to boat operators and PWC operators within a distance of:
* 50 m of a swimmer or bather
* 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.
* Within 50 m of another vessel. (There are exceptions - please refer to Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook)

On all Victorian waters or ports a 5-knot speed limit applies to boat operators and PWC operators under the following conditions:
* Within 50 m of any wharf, jetty, slipway, diving platform or boat ramp.
* When passing through a recognised anchorage for small craft.
* within 200 m of the water's edge unless specifically excluded by Notice or where designated for other purposes.

On all Victorian inland waters: a 5-knot speed limit applies to boat operators and PWC operators within:
* 50 m of the water's edge unless the local authority specifically excludes those waters by Notice or they are designated for other purposes;

* 50 m of any fixed or floating structure in or on the water.


Safe Boating



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