Jet skis cruising along the beaches and waterways often soundtrack holiday time in Port Stephens, particularly in summer.
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The relative ease and exhilaration experienced when using a jet ski make them a popular water vessel of choice but their use often comes hand-in-hand with complaints about speed and the noise they create.
Speaking to the Examiner, a NSW Maritime spokesperson said there are a number of ways jet ski riders can minimise the noise they make while still enjoying themselves on the water.
"Irregular riding, speeding, pursuing larger vessels, wash and wave jumping are common issues seen on NSW waterways by boating safety officers," the spokesperson said.
"Jet ski users could receive a penalty notice for issues such as speeding and not maintaining the required distance off from other waterway users or fixed objects. Speed restrictions are in place from Jervis Bay to the Tweed River to reduce noise and increase safety.
"Skippers and jet ski operators are reminded to check the area they want to visit prior to accessing the waterway for speed restrictions and marine parks... to check the speed limit and restrictions before accelerating. Penalties for speeding in a jet ski start at $250 and increase according to penalty."
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In Port Stephens, jet skis are permitted in most areas. Marine Park sanctioned areas are off limits to jet ski users - information that is located on signage at boat ramps.
Jet ski operators need to remain 200 metres from the shore or beach, must hold a current licence and carry it at all times while operating the vessel.
The jet ski is required to have a personal water craft behaviour sticker that is visible and all riders of the jet ski must wear a lifejacket when it is in use.
Legal obligations aside, the Martime spokesperson said it was good etiquette for jet ski users to be "considerate of other waterway users and keep the required distance from swimmers and paddleboaders".
"Be courteous and do not chase marine life such as dolphins or whales. Stay patient at the boat ramps which may be crowded over the holidays."
Maritime boating safety officers patrol NSW waters all year round to ensure jet ski riders and operators of other vessels are following the general and local waterway rules.
In addition to this, a number of joint on-water safety operations focusing on safe jet ski behaviour, licensing and safety checks are carried out from December to April.
Maritime also works with National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment throughout the year to support 'marine mammal distance off' legislation to ensure jet ski and boat operators do not allow their craft to get too close to whales and dolphins.
Jet ski riding need to know at a glance
What checks should a jet ski rider do when planning to take their craft out on the water?
- Jetski users are reminded to regularly service their jet ski and ensure there are no maintenance issues
- It is also important to check the Bureau of Meteorology before and during a trip on the water and be aware of any local restrictions in place such as speed limits and in marine parks
What must a Jet Ski rider carry with them when they're out on the water?
- All jet ski operators must hold a current licence and must carry it at all times while operating the jet ski. If a NSW Maritime boating safety officer or police officer requests to view the licence, it must be produced.
- Everyone on a jet ski is required to wear a lifejacket at all times and it is a condition that all jet skis have a Personal Water Craft (PWC) behaviour sticker attached where the operator can read it
What are the speed restrictions for jet skis? How can a rider limit their noise impact?
- Skippers in vessels and jet ski operators need to be mindful of the noise they generate while waterskiing, wakeboarding and using jet skis.
- Skippers and jet ski operators are reminded to check the area they want to visit prior to accessing the waterway for speed restrictions and marine parks
- Jet ski operators are reminded to check the speed limit and restrictions before accelerating. Penalties for speeding in a jet ski start at $250 and increase according to penalty
What are some driving behaviors that might attract the attention of a Maritime boating safety officer?
- Irregular riding, speeding, pursuing larger vessels, wash and wave jumping are common issues seen on NSW waterways by boating safety officers. Irregular riding is considered anything other than a straight line
- Jet ski operators need to remain 200 metres from the shore or beach
What are some of the common reasons why a jet ski rider will receive a fine?
- Jet ski users could receive a penalty notice for issues such as speeding and not maintaining the required 'distance off' from other waterway users or fixed objects.
