Eliminate risks and potential fines by being responsible on the water

by Transport Roads and Maritime Services on 1 Sep 2015 Skippers are reminded of their responsibilities after a recent decision in Albury Local Court which saw a 27-year-old woman disqualified from holding or obtaining a NSW boat licence for six months, fined $500 and put on an 18 month good behaviour bond.

Director of Maritime Angus Mitchell said the woman had been operating a personal watercraft when it collided with a ski boat on Lake Mulwala late last year.

“She pleaded guilty to negligent navigation occasioning grievous bodily harm,” Mr Mitchell said.

“The victim was a rear seat passenger in the ski boat and suffered a fractured skull, broken neck and crushed artery at the base of her skull.

“Thankfully the victim has almost fully recovered but the incident certainly highlights the need to act responsibly and safely when operating any craft on the water, or you run the risk of not only injuring someone but being penalised heavily in court.”

Mr Mitchell said now it’s spring and with the weather warming up after winter, more people will be taking to the state’s waterways.

“It’s that time of year when people hook up the boat trailer and head down to the nearest ramp to enjoy the best of our wonderful waterways,” Mr Mitchell said.

“But boaters are reminded of their responsibility to personal safety and the safety of other water users.

“Every skipper is responsible for the safe operation of their vessel and the safety of all on board.

“We want people to enjoy our waterways and we want them to do it safely.”

Mr Mitchell said following on from the NSW conviction and disqualification, Transport Safety Victoria is seeking to have the PWC operator’s Victorian boat licence also cancelled for six months.

For information on boating safety visit website.