Guide to Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules for Victorian Waters December 2025 Version 45 click link to view

👉VOZR - Safe Transport Victoria Document

Safe Space for Personal Watercraft (PWC) Usage

Urquharts Bluff – Point Roadknight

Victorian Waters

This area operates under specific zoning and vessel operating rules as outlined in the:

Guide to Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules for Victorian Waters – December 2025 (Version 45)
👉 VOZR – Safe Transport Victoria Document

Waterway Manager:
Director, Transport Safety

Legal Authority:
Gazette No. S221 (28 June 2012)
Made under the Marine Act 1988, Section 15

📍 Key Operating Rules

1️⃣ Excluded Speed Limit (Clause 15.1)

The waterway between Urquharts Bluff and Point Roadknight is excluded from the general speed limit clause (Clause 4a).

This means the standard statewide speed limit does not automatically apply within this designated section, subject to the zoning conditions outlined below.

2️⃣ 5-Knot Speed Zone (Clause 15.2)

A 5-knot speed limit applies:

• Within 200 metres of the low-water mark

• In areas between the:

  • ‘Vessels Only’ zone

  • ‘Vessels Prohibited’ zone

  • ‘Personal Watercraft’ zone

Operators must reduce speed accordingly when entering these proximity zones.

3️⃣ Vessels Prohibited Area (Clause 15.3)

A designated section is closed to all vessels:

• Located between two sets of beacons

• Positioned approximately:

  • 50m northeast of the ‘Vessels Only’ zone

  • 250m northeast of the ‘Vessels Only’ zone

• Extending 200 metres seaward

No vessels may enter this area under any circumstances.

4️⃣ Exclusive Use / Special Purpose Areas (Clause 15.4)

(a) Vessels Only Zone

• Located directly in front of the public convenience building at Urquharts Bluff

• 80 metres wide

• Extends 200 metres seaward

• Reserved for general vessel access (not exclusive to PWC)

(b) Personal Watercraft (PWC) Zone

• Located 300m to 600m northeast of the Vessels Only zone

• Operates from:

  • 1 hour before sunrise

  • Until 1 hour after sunset

• Exclusive for Personal Watercraft

This designated zone provides a recognised operational area for PWC activity within the broader waterway management framework.

5️⃣ No Engine-Powered Vessels (Clause 15.5)

The area:

• West of the ‘Vessels Only’ zone

• Extending 200 metres seaward

Is prohibited to vessels with engines used for propulsion.

This restriction protects non-motorised water users and ensures spatial separation from powered activity.

⚖ Legal Status

These zoning and operational rules are legally enforceable under:

• Marine Act 1988 – Section 15

• Government Gazette No. S221 – 28 June 2012

• Administered by the Director, Transport Safety