Boaters reminded to observe safety leading up to Australia Day

by RMS on 25 Jan 2013 Roads and Maritime Services Principal Manager Sydney Trevor Williams today reminded boaters to familiarize themselves with boating safety and water traffic rules in the lead up to Australia Day on Sydney Harbour.

'Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Boating Safety Officers will be out in patrol boats and on personal watercraft ensuring the smooth running of official Australia Day events and checking all watercraft follow boating safety rules,' Mr Williams said.

'Australia Day is the biggest day of the year in terms of planned aquatic events on the harbour and we are expecting around 4000 recreational vessels will be out on the water enjoying the events, which kick off at 8am and run to 5pm.

'Skippers are reminded to keep a proper lookout, maintain a safe speed and keep well clear of participating craft and support vessels.

'Those wishing to be part of the spectator fleet during the Ferrython or the Tall Ships Parade should keep a distance of 50 metres to any participating vessel.

'A speed limit of six knots and no wash zone will apply on Sydney Harbour within 200 metres of any special event exclusion zone.

'All skippers must remain under the 0.05 alcohol limit when in control of a moving vessel and random breath testing will be taking place on the water.

'Skippers should also remember the best way to protect their vessel and passengers from the unexpected is to make sure everyone on board is always wearing a lifejacket.

'A lifejacket never ruined a day on the water – it’s the truth and the message behind the current NSW lifejacket safety campaign,' Mr Williams said.

RMS will establish exclusion zones within which recreational and spectator vessels are not allowed:
• Inside Farm Cove between Mrs Macquaries Point and Bennelong Point during the Great Australian Swim Series from 8am to 10.30am, marked by yellow buoys

• Within 50 metres of the four First Fleet ferries taking part in the Ferrython between Fort Denison, Shark Island and the Sydney Harbour Bridge from 11am to noon

• In Farm Cove between Mrs Macquaries Point and Fleet Steps and out to 200 metres during the 21 Gun Salute from 11.30am to 12.30pm, marked by yellow buoys

• Within 50 metres of tall ships participating in the Tall Ships Parade as they sail on a course from Bradley’s Head to the Sydney Harbour Bridge from 2pm to 3pm

• Within 60 metres of HMAS Sydney when moored at Navy Buoy 3 near Clarke Island

• Within 50 metres of the concert barge when moored for performances

• Within 50 metres ahead and 30 metres either side or astern of the cruise ship Pacific Pearl while under way and within 50 metres when at the Athol RMS

www.australiaday.com.au" target="_blank">Australia Day 2013