60 Knot Maximum Speed Restriction – Towing Persons

Tuesday 5 May 2026 to Friday 30 Apr 2027 · Source: NSW Government

Where

All NSW navigable waters

When

From Friday, 1 May 2026 to Friday, 30 April 2027

Restriction

Vessel operators are advised that a maximum speed restriction of 60 knots (approximately 111 kilometres per hour) is temporarily imposed on all powered vessels towing persons of any age on all NSW navigable waters, pursuant to section 11(2A)(a) and 11(3)(c) of the Marine Safety Act 1998, from Friday, 1 May 2026 to Friday, 30 April 2027.

Explanation

For the safety of the public, Transport for NSW has determined to limit the speed of any vessel towing any person in NSW navigable waters to 60 knots pending review of the waterway traffic arrangements for the State, in particular concerning the safety of persons involved in watersport activities.

Clause 46 of the Marine Safety Regulation 2016 restricts the speed of any vessel towing a person under the age of 18 to 60 knots, and by this determination that regulation is effectively extended to cover any person of any age being towed.

Regardless of the maximum speed restriction of 60 knots (approximately 111 kilometres per hour), vessels operators and persons using NSW waters must adhere to all other local waterway restrictions, keep a proper lookout, and maintain a safe speed and distance from persons, vessels, land or structures.

Directions

Transport for NSW advises penalties may apply (section 11(4) Marine Safety Act 1998). Persons within the exclusion zone must comply with a direction given by any Boating Safety Officer or Police Officer to leave the exclusion zone. Failure to comply with the direction is an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.18B(4) – Maximum Penalty $1,100).