Roads and Maritime Services urge boaters to check safety equipment

by Roads and Maritime Services on 11 May 2015 Roads and Maritime Services has started two state wide boating safety campaigns targeting safety equipment required for boating offshore and on inland waterways in NSW.

Maritime Director Angus Mitchell said the concurrent campaigns, which will run until Sunday 17 May, would provide information about the level of compliance of vessel operators around carrying essential safety equipment like waterproof torches on board and wearing lifejackets, where applicable.

“Incorrect or missing safety equipment is the leading category of non-compliance in boating safety in NSW and can result in fines,” Mr Mitchell said.

“In the 12 months to July last year, 59 per cent of all fines and 40 per cent of all warnings which were issued were for missing or deficient safety equipment.

“Requirements differ depending on the conditions and where you are going boating, the size of the boat, whether there are children on board or if someone is boating alone.

“Additional safety equipment is required when boating on open waters and includes the requirement to carry 406 MHz EPIRBS and a marine radio on any boat travelling more than two nautical miles from shore.

“Random safety checks will be carried out by Boating Safety Officers to ensure vessel operators are aware of their responsibility to check their vessel is appropriate for conditions and in good working order before setting out.

“During the campaign, Boating Education Officers will engage with boaters at boat ramps and clubs about key safety measures for offshore boating including the dangers associated with crossing a coastal bar and the importance of servicing lifejackets.

“They will also be reminding boaters of the requirement for a lifejacket to be worn by every person in a boat during the crossing of a coastal bar.”

For more information on boating safety and lifejacket requirements, click here.