Boating
Boating Regulations
The same boating regulations that apply in Patterson River also apply in the Tidal Waterways. This means that the maximum speed for any boat is 5 knots (about 8 kilometres an hour), the equivalent of a brisk walking pace.
Speeds above 5 knots are prohibited to:
- reduce danger to swimmers and other boat users
- reduce erosion to beaches caused by your boats wash (or wake)
- reduce the percentage of boating accidents that are attributed to speed.
Melbourne Water has declared the Tidal Waterways a 'No Wash' zone. At 5 knots, most boats will make little, if any, wash. Speeding boats can produce considerable wash or wave action.
‘No Wash’ signs have been erected at the entrance to the waterways and at prominent locations throughout the canals.
For more information about boating regulations visit the Marine Safety Victoria website.
Speeding Boats
The Water Police have the right to use radar guns and their own observations to detect speeding boats.
Reporting Illegal Behaviour to the Water Police
Objectionable or illegal behaviour on our waterways should be reported to the Water Police on 9399 7500 (24 hours). Remember to take down the offending boat’s registration number if you can.
Jetty Guidelines
Melbourne Water is currently updating its Jetty Guidelines.
For information on leasing or licensing, maintenance, ownership and insurance please phone Melbourne Water's Patterson Lakes Community & Works Coordinator, Alan Clements on 9784 6514.
Boat Lifting
You need to apply to Melbourne Water if you wish to install a boat lifting device at your mooring. For an application form and to read Melbourne Water's Boat Lifting Guidelines please visit Melbourne Water's Patterson Lakes webpage
Mooring Leases
You need to apply to Melbourne Water for a mooring lease if you intend to use your allocated mooring.
Mooring leases are prepared by Melbourne Water and detail the:
- size
- location, and
- conditions relating to your mooring.
To apply, or for any other information, please contact Melbourne Water's Patterson Lakes Community & Works Coordinator, Alan Clements on 9784 6514.
Dredging
The mouth of the Patterson River and navigation channel is maintained by Parks Victoria. Parks Victoria has established a webpage outlining their role in our area: Parks Victoria: Patterson River page .
The Parks Victoria Patterson River page provides current information about the depth of the water in the river mouth.
