CONTROL OF MOTOR BOATS (PORT VILA) REGULATIONS

Joint Rules 3 of 1970

To control the use of motor boats at Port Vila.

1.	Application
These Regulations shall apply at Port Vila within the following areas namely -

(a)	the waters commonly referred to as Mele Bay enclosed to the north and east by a straight line joining Devil's Point (Lat. 17°44’7”S : Long. 168°11’0”E) to Pango Point (Lat. 17°47’0”S : Long. 168°15’7”E);

(b)	the waters commonly referred to as the Erakor Lagoon enclosed to the north and east by a straight line joining Ennis Point (Lat. 17°47’0”S : Long. 168°17’2”E) to Etmat Point (Lat. 17°47’9”S : Long. 168°18’8”E).

2.	Restriction on use of motor boats within 100 metres of shore
No person shall use or cause or permit to be used any motor boat within 100 metres of the shore except for the purpose of leaving or returning to the waters within 100 meters of the shore by the shortest available course.

3.	Restriction on speed of motor boats within 100 metres of shore
No person shall use or cause or permit to be used any motor boat within 100 metres of the shore or of any other person or vessel at a speed in excess of 6 knots:

Provided that it shall be a defence to any person charged with an offence under this section if he shall prove that 

(a)	there were erected at the shore clearly visible warning signs as approved by and in accordance with conditions prescribed by the Commissioner of Police on the application of any person;

(b)	the motor boat concerned travelled to or from the shore by the shortest possible route within the area of water designated by the warning signs; and

(c)	the provisions of section 2 of the Motor Boats (Control) Act, Cap. 57 are complied with.

4.	Regulations not to affect Acts or Regulations
Nothing in these Regulations shall affect the operation of any Act or Regulations regulating the use of vessels within Port Vila Harbour.

5.	Offence
Any person who infringes any provision of these Regulations shall commit an offence punishable upon conviction by a fine not exceeding VT 50,000.