NSW Maritime news- Review of Operation Blue Water

by Neil Patchett on 16 Feb 2011 NSW Maritime - Failure to comply with essential boating safety equipment requirements was the most common infringement issued during Operation Blue Water last weekend, according to NSW Maritime Chief Executive Steve Dunn.

Mr Dunn said NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officers had carried out more than 500 on-water safety checks of boats during this offshore boating compliance campaign.

'While overall compliance was reasonable, it is important for all involved in the boating community to always be safe and responsible,' he said.

'NSW Maritime patrols the waterways statewide in an on-going bid to promote a safety culture,' he said.

'On-the-spot safety checks are part of this work. The most important safety item is the lifejacket and there must be one for every person on board, it must be of appropriate size and in good condition.

'New safety rules introduced last year have also increased the times when it is necessary to wear a lifejacket.'

Lifejackets must now be worn in a range of ‘heightened risk’ situations which include the following:

* Children under the age of 12 in a boat less than 4.8m;
* Anyone boating alone, or at night, or on alpine waters, in a boat less than 4.8m; and
* All on board when offshore in a boat less than 4.8m.

NSW Maritime issued 33 infringements and 34 formal warnings statewide during Operation Blue Water.

In total, 12 infringements and 15 formal warnings were related to safety equipment.

www.maritime.nsw.gov.au