relevant safety factors including weather conditions at the time, visibility, speed of the vessel and obstructions to navigation that are present. It should be noted that where a skipper is issued a penalty for breaching the distance off requirements referred to above and claims that even though this distance off was breached, the distance off was a 'safe distance', the onus is on the skipper to prove this in court. Designated swimming areas Remember the same rules apply for PWC as other vessels operating near surf zones/swimming areas. A designated swimming area in a surf zone is defined as the area extending 500 metres out from shore between surf patrol flags or signs. In all other areas a swimming area is defined as the area extending 60 metres out from shore between signs for swimmers. A vessel must not be operated in these zones or within 60 metres either side of the flags or signs marking such zones unless it is a vessel operated by Surf Life Saving NSW or Council lifeguards. Mooring areas On many waterways in NSW, areas are set aside for the mooring of vessels. These vessels are not required to be lit at night and the masters of other vessels must be aware of the location of such moorings. Check local maps or charts, or contact your local Maritime Operations Centre for details of mooring areas. When navigating near, in or through a mooring area: Drive slowly and keep wash to a minimum, Keep a lookout