Marine safety legislation
For the past several years the Department of Transport has been modernising and strengthening Victoria’s marine safety laws.
The Marine Safety Act 2010 was the most significant reform in the regulation of recreational and commercial boating in 20 years.
The details of this reform will be contained in proposed Marine Safety Regulations. A number of options for marine licensing are also being considered.
About the Marine Safety Act 2010
The Marine Safety Act was passed by Parliament on Friday 17 September 2010.
The Act improves safety on Victorian waterways by:
- introducing tougher penalties to crack down on those who flout rules and put safety at risk
- providing a number of additional enforcement tools to address widespread non-compliance with waterway rules
- providing an improved framework to ensure vessels are fit for purpose and those who operate them have the skills to do so safely
- setting out clear accountabilities for all persons and parties that form the chain of responsibility for marine safety, and
- introducing broader testing powers for drug and alcohol impairment.
For details on the process leading up to the passing of the Act, including the extensive stakeholder consultation conducted, see the Review of the Marine Act 1988 page.