FAQs: exemption from registration for low-powered kayaks
Q: Can I get a refund if I cancel my registration and surrender my marine licence?
A: You can get a pro-rata refund on the unexpired portion of your marine licence if you return it to VicRoads. You can either visit a customer service centre or complete a refund form and return the licence card to VicRoads, GPO Box 1644, Melbourne 3001. There is no refund on registration fees.
Q: What should I do if I have a boat that satisfies these conditions and is currently registered?
A: You can request the cancellation of the registration or allow it to lapse when it reaches the expiry date. Once the vessel is no longer registered you should remove or cover the registration number. You may, however, chose to keep your vessel registered for insurance purposes or because you do not wish to be restricted to a speed of 5 knots.
Q: If the vessel qualifies for the exemption but I choose to register it, how does this affect the other terms of the exemption?
A: In this scenario, the vessel will need a current marine licence holder to act as the master, and will have to carry the safety equipment that is mandated for a powered vessel.
Q: I have a canoe which is powered by a 2 horsepower motor. My speed never exceeds 5 knots. Am I still eligible for the trial exemption?
A: No – the trial exemption only applies to kayaks and canoes fitted with electric motors of forty pounds thrust or less (equivalent to 1 horsepower or 750 watts). Owners and masters of vessels which do not meet these requirements could be charged with registration and licensing offences.
Q: If I surrender my licence and then subsequently find that I need one at a later date will I have to take the test again?
A: If you held a valid marine licence in the previous five years you do not need to re-sit the test in order to apply for a new licence.
Q: Which boats are covered by this exemption?
A: The exemption applies to the owners and masters of kayaks and canoes powered by an electric motor of no more than 40 pounds thrust (1 horsepower or 750 watts). The exemption is subject to conditions as follows:
· the vessel travels at a speed of no more than 5 knots at any time;
· the vessel is equipped at all times with one or more paddle/s, or a pedal mechanism;
· when operating on inland waters, the vessel is equipped with either a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, a personal locator beacon (PLB) and a waterproof buoyant torch;
· when operating on enclosed waters or coastal waters that are less than 2 nautical miles from the coast, the vessel is equipped with at least one means of raising the alarm (ie. a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, an EPIRB, a PLB, a marine radio or flares) and a waterproof buoyant torch;
· if more than 2 nautical miles from the coast, the vessel is equipped with the following additional equipment –
- two hand-held orange smoke signals;
- two hand-held red distress flares; and
- waterproof buoyant torch.
Q: Does this affect the safety equipment that I will have to carry?
A: Yes. Refer to the attached guidance sheet.
Q: This is a trial. How will I know if the trial is not continued with after twelve months?
A: If a decision is made to not continue with the exemption this will be publicised on the Transport Safety Victoria and VicRoads websites, social media sites (Facebook and Twitter) and in print media. The peak sporting and retailing bodies will also be notified.
Q: What do I need to consider when fitting a motor to a kayak?
A: See the attached guidance sheet for more details
Q. What is TSV doing to make sure that safety isn’t compromised by this exemption?
A: TSV is working with a range of stakeholders to monitor and understand paddle activity as the trial progresses. We will want to understand that people are benefitting from the trial, but are still safe on the water. We will work with partners such as the Victoria Water Police and other enforcement partners, waterway managers and peak bodies to get this information as the trial exemption progresses.
Q. What do I do if I see a kayaker in trouble on the water?
A. Call 000 immediately.
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