A Jet Ski rider has been fined by police in the calm waters of Cabarita – a popular area with rowers – which is a personal watercraft exclusion zone because it is part of the vast Sydney Harbour waterway.
It is believed to be the first time a Jet Ski or personal watercraft rider has been fined in that particular exclusion zone in the 20 years since the ban was introduced.
Above: Police approach the rider of a Jet Ski in the Cabarita exclusion zone, 12 August 2021. Source: Facebook.
A statement from NSW Police to Watercraft Zone said: “About 4:40pm on Thursday (12 August 2021), Sydney Water Police were notified of a Jet Ski being ridden in France Bay, Cabarita.
“Officers attended and spoke to the rider, a 23-year-old man, regarding the exclusion zone.
“He was issued an infringement (notice) for ‘Operate Personal Watercraft in Exclusion Zone – First Offence’.”
Above: Police speak with a Jet Ski rider in Cabarita, 12 August 2021. The calm waterway is popular with rowers. Source: Facebook.
The fine for a first offence in an exclusion zone is $500. A second offence carries a fine of $750 and the rider “may be disqualified from holding or obtaining any boat driving licence,” according to NSW Maritime.
In NSW, police also have the power to seize personal watercraft for dangerous riding behaviour.
As Jet Ski sales surge in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic – and there are more novice riders on the water than ever before – police have noticed more riders venturing into banned waters.
Above: Police and NSW Maritime speak with two riders on a Jet Ski in Sydney Harbour in June 2021. Source: Instagram.
Earlier this year, police fined a Jet Ski rider after launching in Sydney Harbour and riding out through the heads – ignoring warnings from bystanders at the boat ramp, who advised the rider and his passenger that personal watercraft are not allowed in the waterway.
In the 20 years (since October 2001) of the Jet Ski and personal watercraft ban on Sydney Harbour and its associated waterways, police have issued 14 tickets, including two since December 2020, plus the rider caught in Cabarita this week.
In NSW, all riders are warned about exclusion and “restriction” zones when they get their personal watercraft licence.
Plus, all personal watercraft registered in NSW must display a “behaviour label” (pictured below) that reminds riders about exclusion and “restriction” zones, safe distance rules, and other requirements that differ from boats.
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