Latest update on Boating Zone Review

KBV met with Parks Victoria for an update on the Boating Zone Review and related kiting matters. The results of the meeting are documented on the KBV web site.

Kiters are responsible for informing themselves of the zones and applicable rules. All the zones are clearly shown on the Parks Vic charts available here:

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources/mresources/haveyoursay/zones/FinalRecommendationMaps_LowRes.pdf

Any related queries can be directed to Parks Victoria between 9am and 6pm (5pm on weekends) on 13 19 63

Parks Victoria is also finalising a Guide to Kiteboarding brochure for Port Phillip and Westernport Bay - KBV will try to get these sent out to members once available.

So can you give us a quick summary? (I cannot download that file, my internet connection is @*^$#&)

Has hampton been cut down to the 150m between the two rock groynes?

Has altona been severely limited?

Is Port Melbourne now completely of limits?

Has most of the rest of the bay been excluded for no apparent reason, or have you actually managed to negotiate better terms than i have seen previously

Cheers

According to KBV the published results are "first round" - as mentioned in the announcement on the kbv site there are other bay beaches suggested by KBV for the next round (Edithvale, Rosebud, Safety Beach etc).

Also something important to note is that just because there is no kiting zone declared doesnt mean the area is off limits to kiters (unless it is a no-boating zone) - it merely means that we have to transition the 5-knot zone "according to regulation" (ie body drag) to get to open water.

My understanding is that kiting zones mean no 5-knot issue within the zone but that the zone is not exclusive to kiters - so it can still be used by swimmers, boats etc and the standard "stay clear" rule applies.

It is important to note that the nominated kiting areas, as previously stated, are not exclusive to kiteboarding. In short as soon as a swimmer or other craft is in the zone, the standard rules apply, i.e. 5knts, distances etc.

It was for this very reason we originally marked out and requested lots more areas as on a hot summers day we would have to abide by the standard rules but when the wind kicked in and the people left the beach we could "legally" kite in the areas.

It was a disappointment that so few zones were designated.

No boat zone generally means 5 knot rule, no kiting within 50m of piers etc. I.e. you could use it as a channel to get out but you would have to kite slowly and then remain outside the no boating zone markers until you're ready to come to shore. Jumping and high speed carves inside the zone are a definitely no-no and give swimmers lots of room while getting out.

In some cases you could get away with being inside the zone, i.e. 30 knot days where its cold and miserable and the only people on the beach are kiters, but I wouldn't plan on it, and there is still a big likelihood that you will be fined so its better to just stay out and avoid the problem altogether but technically, even if the beach is quiet they could fine you for it.

Apologies, I stand under correction, I was thinking of the 5 knot zone, not the no boating zone. From the KBV website "Kiters must not enter any "no boating zone" and should body-drag through any 5-knot zones. Kiters are responsible for informing themselves of the zones and applicable rules. All the zones are clearly shown on the Parks Vic charts available here"

Just to clarify on swimmers, the 5 knot rule applying to swimmers applies in ALL area, boating , 5 knots, or kiting. In short, even if a swimmer is not supposed to be there, you should slow down to 5 knots while within 50m of them. I know this is harsh, but the laws protect swimmers.

If you want to understand more about the boating rules, you can download the entire Vic manual here:

transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety

Here is an overview of the zones and what each zone means:

www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources/mresources/haveyoursay/zones/Boating%20Zone%20Review%20Information%20Flyer.pdf