Public Notices

Parks Victoria publishes public notices where relevant, including information regarding leases and boating and waterway activity exemptions.

Declaration of Boating Activity Exemption

Event name:

Cowes Classic & Little Penguin Dash

Date/time of event:

10:30am to 4:00pm on Saturday 2 March 2024

Location:

Waters surrounding Cowes Jetty, Western Port Bay

Details:

PUBLIC NOTICE

DECLARATION OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXEMPTION

Parks Victoria as the declared waterway manager for Western Port Bay, makes the following declaration under section 203(3) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic).

For the purposes of boating activity conducted by Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated, persons and vessels involved in the Cowes Classic & Little Penguin Dash events are exempt from the following requirements:

State Rules made under the Marine Act 1988

1. Clause 2(a) – must not exceed 5 knots within 50 metres of a person in the water

2. Clause 2(c) – must not exceed 5 knots within 50 metres of another vessel

3. Clause 4(a) – must not exceed 5 knots within 200 metres of the water’s edge

4. Clause 4(b) – must not exceed 5 knots within 50 metres of a wharf, jetty, slipway, diving platform or boat ramp

Waterway Rules made under the Marine Safety Act 2010 / Marine Act 1988

5. Clause 5.3. (a)(iv) of Schedule 5 – Five (5) knot speed restriction zone at Western Port

6. Clause 5.4. (a)&(b) of Schedule 5 – Areas prohibited to vessels in the Waters of Western Port

Subject to the conditions detailed below:

· Masters of rescue vessels (and PWCs) are only exempt from item 1 to 5 when undertaking a rescue operation to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs and deliver them to a place of safety on shore.

· Masters of rescue vessels (and PWCs) are only exempt from item 6 for the duration of the event.

· Occupants of powered vessels involved with the event must wear a lifejacket at all times during the event and vessels must have all prescribed safety equipment, including rescue vessels

· The exemptions apply from 10:30am to 4:00pm on Saturday 2 March 2024 within the waters surrounding Cowes Jetty, Western Port Bay

· The exemptions apply provided the stated safety controls and undertakings detailed in the application form and associated documentation are adhered to.

By order of Parks Victoria
Dated: 11/01/24