Speed Limits and Other Boating Restrictions
Please note that the information on this page and linked list of speed limits is subject to change without notice. Boaters should always look for notices in and near navigable waters and comply with any restrictions imposed.
Speed Limit Scheme Prior to 30 March 2009
Prior to 30 March 2009 speed limits were applied to areas of waterways by Gazette Notice pursuant to Section 13SA of the Maritime Services Act 1935. The existence of a speed limit was also generally indicated to boaters by the display of speed limit signs.
Speed Limit Scheme On and After 30 March 2009
Since 30 March 2009 the statutory basis for speed limits is primarily Section 11 of the Marine Safety Act 1998. Section 11 provides for a range of restrictions on the operation of vessels on navigable waters by display of "notices". Speed limit signs are notices for the purpose of this Section. It is no longer necessary for a speed limit to be notified in the NSW Government Gazette.
Exemptions from Speed Limit Notices
Section 11(5) authorises exemptions from speed limits to be provided in the Regulations under the Act. Clause 14 of the Marine Safety (General) Regulation 2009 contains general exemptions from speed limits where necessary for safety reasons (to avoid an immediate risk of injuring persons or damaging property), non power-driven vessels (which was generally the case in the past through the wording of speed limit notices) and Police and NSW Maritime vessels operated by officers acting in the course of their functions.
NSW Maritime is able to exempt vessels from compliance with a speed limit notice by order in writing under Clause 98 of the Marine Safety (General) Regulation 2009. An exemption may also be given in connection with an Aquatic Licence pursuant to Section 18(4) of the Marine Safety Act 1998.
Speed Limits Without Speed Limit Notices
In addition to the speed limits imposed by the display of notices there are some speed limits that are not imposed in this way as they either operate throughout NSW or apply to certain vessels only and the display of notices would cause confusion. These are:
Safe Speed Under the COLREGs and General Safety Responsibilities of Vessel Operators
Boaters are reminded that the absence of speed limit notices in an area of waterway does not mean that there are no controls on vessel speed. All vessel operators should operate their vessel in accordance with the "Safe Speed" requirement in Rule 6 of the COLREGs and are generally required to operate with due care through the application of provisions such as the "negligent navigation" and "speed dangerous to the public" offences in Section 13 of the Marine Safety Act 1998. Special speed limits also apply to Young Adult licence holders. More information on Young Adults. Other speed restrictions apply when close to other vessels, the shore and structures.
Reference List of Speed Limits
The most recent list of speed limits may be viewed by using the link below:
