Marine Rescue calls for better maintenance by boaters

by Ken Mc Manus on 19 Sep 2009 Chief Executive of Marine Rescue NSW, Glenn Finniss, reports an increasing number of calls for help from boaties with avoidable breakdowns.

85% of all distress calls currently are the result of mechanical, fuel, electrical or flat batteries.

'The recent good weather on weekends has seen many boaties jump at the chance to get out on the water again after the Winter break. But enthusiasm has got in the way of good boating practice for many of these skippers,' said Mr Finniss.

'The breakdowns that have been reported are almost all a direct result of inadequate maintenance or poor planning. As a result NSW’s marine rescue volunteers have been busier than usual, giving a hand to people whose problems simply should not have happened.'

'Marine Rescue NSW urges boat owners to take advantage of the new Boating Industry Association 50 Point Check List offer. It could be their best boating investment of the year.' said Mr Finniss. 'Skippers are responsible for the upkeep of their vessel, and the safety of all those on board.'

A link to the BIA website and full details of this offer can be found in the Links menu at www.marinerescuensw.com.au

In the past 6 weeks, Hawkesbury volunteers near Brooklyn have had up to three calls a weekend for engine breakdowns, battery failure and fuel problems.

Central Coast crews have had to provide tows for boats with other motor and electrical problems, and the Broken Bay rescue boat had to bring in a 5.6m fishing boat with electrical failure east of Long Reef. A similar pattern of incidents has occurred on other parts of the NSW coast.

Fortunately weather conditions were relatively mild but when seas and winds are up, simple emergencies like these can become life threatening.

NSW Water Police information shows that over 60% of calls for assistance are for mechanical breakdowns or fuel trouble and 25% for electrical or flat batteries.

'Most of these breakdowns could have been avoided with a thorough pre-season boat and engine check up,' said Mr Finniss, 'It concerns me that some people are putting themselves and their families unnecessarily at risk because you can’t just pull over to the side of the road at sea. It also concerns me that our volunteers are using precious fuel for avoidable emergencies.'

When a boat sits on its trailer or lies at its mooring, unused for up to six months, maintenance problems will occur. Fuel can become contaminated, electrical connections can corrode and any number of other minor failures can lead to major problems at sea.

Click on www.marinerescuensw.com.au now and check the 50 point check-list!