Personal watercraft (PWC) FAQs

No. While most areas on the Swan River are open and available to use PWC’s, there are several zones that are closed, or ‘Off limits. All waters upstream of the Windan Bridge are closed to PWC. 
 

The speed limit at Blackwall Reach is strictly 8 knots and this applies to all boats. Blackwall Reach is a busy waterway subject to heavy boat traffic of varying sizes, and an area with a large number of moorings. Restricted speed limits through this area aids in safe passage and water usage for everyone. Speed limits also assist in reducing erosion to the nearby shorelines.

No. There is only one freestyling area in the Swan Canning Riverpark. This area can be accessed from the Mill Street boat ramp. Freestyling outside of this area is not permitted

5 knots from sunset to 9.00am. A person shall not cause a vessel to travel at a speed exceeding 5 knots upstream of the Canning Bridge except inside the Mount Pleasant water ski area between the hours of 9.00am and sunset. The speed limit for PWC and other vessels close to shore around Deepwater Point area is 8 knots.
 

Yes. All people who use a PWC, including passengers, must wear an approved lifejacket. The wearing of lifejackets applies from time of launching until retrieval. This includes moving of the PWC to a tie up position or beach area following launch.
 

Yes. The area immediately downriver from the point, near the Esplanade, is closed, or ‘Off Limits’ to all boats and/or vessels with motors, including PWC’s. 

No. Freestyle driving, wave jumping, and surfing are not permitted on Logue Brook Dam. Approximately 70% of cautions at Logue Brook Dam are due to PWC users performing freestyle actions.

Yes. The skipper of any recreational vessel that has a motor greater than 6 horsepower must hold a RST. 

Visit the Recreational Skippers Ticket (RST) section to find out how to get your RST.

The speed limit for PWC close to shore in the Lower Canning area is 5 knots. 

The speed limit in the Mandurah Estuary, upstream of the Mandurah Bridge, is 8 knots, however the speed limit drops to 5 knots when entering the canals. The speed limit also reduces to 5 knots downstream of the Mandurah Bridge.

Yes. All people using PWC’s must wear an approved lifejacket. The wearing of lifejackets applies from time of launching until retrieval. This includes moving of the PWC to a tie up position or beach area following launch even though it may only be a few meters. 51% of all infringements in the Mangles Bay area are due to PWC users not following correct procedures with wearing lifejackets, mostly at time of launch.

The speed limit in the mooring zones of Mangles Bay is 8 knots. The 8-knot limitation also exists between the ski take-off zone and the closed waters zone on the foreshore. These areas have yellow in-water navigation markers as indicators to boat users including PWC’s.  PWC users are asked to become aware and familiar with signs at the ramps that explain the speed zones and identify the in-water navigation markers that define the zones.

The speed limit in Perth Waters is 8 knots, except for the channel that runs adjacent to Riverside Drive. This area extends from Heirisson Island through to the Narrows Bridge, excluding Elizabeth Quay where the speed changes to 5 knots. 

Yes. All people using PWCs must wear an approved lifejacket. The wearing of lifejackets applies from time of launching until retrieval. This includes moving of the PWC to a tie up position or beach area following launch even though it may only be a few meters. 57% of all cautions issued at Point Walter area are due to PWC users not following correct procedures with wearing PFDs, mostly at time of launch.

Freestyling is driving a PWC in such a manner that the driver of another vessel would be unable to predict your course and speed in order to avoid a collision with you.

Freestyling is prohibited:

• Within 30 metres of another PWC.
• Within 50 metres of another vessel or person in the water.
• In the Swan and Canning Rivers except in the gazetted freestyle areas

No. PWCs under 3.75 metres in length must stay within 5 nautical miles of the mainland.