Keep Jervis Bay Unspoilt and Safe

REPORT UNSAFE INCIDENTS

“no point in complaining because nothing is done about it”

WRONG!  Whilst it is confusing which agency is responsible for what, they are listening and the more details and evidence the authorities have the more able they are able to do something.  Watch for a jet ski policing blitz this summer …

We are pushing for legislative changes but in the meantime, it is essential that we keep reporting bad Jetski behaviour to relevant authorities. With good reporting we can make sure there are proper statistics on the problem which will support our push for better compliance oversight and tightening of the legislation and regulations.

What to Report:

•   irregular driving (burn outs, doughnuts within 200 metres of residential shores)

•   speed above 10 knots in sanctuary zones or within 60 metres of dive flags or humans in the water (without due caution)

•  imminent danger and threatening behaviour

•  harassment of marine life

NSW Maritime Info line is the best as they log the report and pass the documentation to Marine Area Command.  13 12 36 to report a Jetski problem

If it is urgent due to safety issues call Marine Police Area Command on their mobile 0438 274 431  Note they are primarily based in Port Kembla but are targeting the Jervis Bay and Sussex Inlet area this summer in coordination with NSW Maritime. Also here detail and a photo or short video would help if possibleideally with registration number.

If there is imminent danger of a collision with humans and the driver is behaving in a threatening manner call Police emergency 000 or non-emergency 131 444.  Local police must at a minimum log the incident and report to Maritime  Police and the local boating safety officer at Maritime/Transport.

If the breach occurs within what you know is a marine sanctuary zone you can also call: The Fisheries Watch Marine Park on 1800 043 536.

They can respond directly or coordinate with NSW Maritime and the Marine Police Area Command.

Sadly we do not have a good number yet to report harassment of dolphins and whales. The responsible agency is National Parks and Wildlife.  You can call them on their general line 1300072757

You could also call ORRCA a volunteer organization for the protection of whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs on 02 9415 3333 if the whale or dolphin is distressed. They may ask you to call Maritime or NPWS but it is important that they also log the issues and can feedback to NPWS. Be persistent if the harassment is serious and ongoing.

If you are concerned about offensive behaviour of JetSki riders and their effect on our safety and environment contact using this link:

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/submit-vessel-incident-reports

Current Jet Ski Regulations

PWCs are allowed to go anywhere in Jervis Bay Marine Park but are banned in Booderee National Prk. However, there are restrictions as to what they can do in various zones.

•   They are not allowed to carry out “irregular driving” ie burnouts, doughnuts, weaving and diverting, surfing down or jumping over or across any swell, wave or wash – within 200 metres of the shoreline in residential areas. A residential area is anywhere there are houses visible from the water.

•   They are currently allowed to traverse directly through marine sanctuary zones but at a maximum speed on 10 knots. If they seem to breach this speed limit, report to Fisheries as well as Maritime/Transport

•   According to Maritime Transport, they are allowed to “beach” to pick up/drop off passengers. We have argued this is not traversing directly. When they do this they are often close to other swimmers

•   In all areas, proximity to swimmers is restricted to 60 metres but when launching and exiting, proximity is allowed as long as it is done in “a safe manner”

•  They must remain 30 metres away from shore except when launching

•   In Jervis Bay, unlike some other areas in NSW, there are no designated transit zones from regular launching ramps. This means they often have to drive through groups of swimmers as they leave or arrive at the beach or launch site. If they do this at speed or in an unsafe manner report them

•  PWCs must abide by a 300 metre exclusion zone from marine mammals.