Concerned Victorian boat fishos – especially those with offshore gamefish intheir sights – have voiced concern at a section of a discussion paperthat proposes to limit the distance boats under 8 metres in length cantravel offshore.
As part of a review of the 1988 Marine Act, the Victorian Department of Transport is seeking input from the boating public via a discussion paper (downloadable below).
On page 10 of of the discussion paper titled “Improving Marine Safety In Victoria” is a proposal for limiting recreational boats of under 8metres in length to a 20 nautical mile limit from the port of origin.
The discussion paper proposes the following recreational boat restrictions:
Limit certain recreational vessels to enclosed and/or limited coastal waters: Unsuitable vessels would be
prevented from operating in coastal waters. In the absence of information about design standards, vessel ength could be the determining factor in setting limits.
Two possible approaches are set out below.
Recreational vessel Restriction
Length 0 – 4.8m Limited to enclosed waters
Length 4.9 – 8m Limited to 20nm offshore, and must have a VHF radio and be within VHF radio range of a shore station length over 8m Unlimited
OR
Recreational vessel Restriction
Length 0 – 4.8m Limited to enclosed waters and 2nm offshore in coastal waters.
This acknowledges the current 2nm ‘within visual range’ limit for not being required to carry EPIRBs and radios.
Length 4.9 – 8m Limited to 20nm offshore, and must have a VHF radio and be within VHF radio range of a shore station
Length over 8m – Unlimited
Game fishermen who frequent ports such as Portland and Welshpool and regularly travel distances over 30 nautical miles offshore in pursuit of southern bluefin tuna and other gamefish over the continental shelf are up in arms at this proposal and are urging all concerned anglers to view the discussion paper and lodge a submission to voice disapproval.
MSV Discussion Paper- Rec vessel
Submissions can be made by email to:
marineactreview@transport.vic.gov.au
Or by post to:
Marine Act Review
Department of Transport
GPO Box 2797
MELBOURNE VIC 3001
