Victoria, Australia Issues New PWC Age Restrictions


A press release from OZPWC, announces changes to current PWC laws. People under the age of 16 are no longer allowed to acquire a PWC endorsement on their already restricted marine license.

Peter Corcoran, the Director of Maritime Safety at Transport Safety Victoria, says in order to improve safety, the Victorian Government amended laws in order to prevent new PWC endorsements to persons under the age of 16. People with current endorsements will be grandfathered in under the new regulations.

Corcoran also thinks that young people lack the strength and skills required to control a heavy piece of watercraft that can quickly reach extreme speeds. Inexperienced riders are more likely to injure or kill someone. Corcoran hopes that by implementing this new law, a reduction in the number of serious injuries and fatalities will occur.

Individuals under the age of 16 and other unlicensed people are allowed to operate personal watercraft under supervision. A licensed operator who is 18 or older must be onboard and able to take control of the machine at a moments notice.

Victoria Water Police and Maritime Safety Victoria will heavily parol the waters this summer. They are serious about the crackdown of dangerous jet ski riders on the water. If anyone is caught riding in a menacing manner, they will receive a fine and may have their boat impounded.

For more information or pictures, please contact Sarah Bartlett, Manager, Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at info@transportsafety.vic.gov.au

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Ocean Priselac

An avid mountain and bodyboarder who lives by "if you don't go, you'll never know," with an affinity for wildlife and animal rescue; surf forecasting is a huge part of Ocean's life and was a winner in Red Bull's Project Swell several years ago. The 2014 LB2CAT was her first jet ski competition and can't wait to do it again!

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