Tuna fishing- Be boat safe and know the risks

by Emma Riordan on 18 May 2011 Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) in conjunction with the State Minister for Ports Dr Denis Napthine is asking those who plan to head offshore for the tuna fishing season to be boat safe and know the risks involved.

Tuna fishing season is held from March to August each year and is especially popular in south western Victoria around Portland, Port Fairy and Warrnambool.

TSV’s Acting Director Maritime Safety, Lisa Faldon, said Victoria’s tuna fishing season was a popular event on the fishing calendar, but warned that there were risks that people needed to be aware of.

'Tuna fishing attracts a range of people including experienced commercial fisherman, regular recreational boaters, and the first time angler looking for a new experience,' said Ms Faldon.

'For each of these groups there are different risks and challenges.'

Dr Napthine said boating safety must be a top priority for all tuna fishermen, so they can come home safely to their families.

'We are seeing a growing number of boaters heading off tuna fishing from south west Victoria, and we want the message to be clear that on-water safety must be the number one concern for boaters,' Dr Napthine said.

Ms Faldon asked boaters to ensure that they are prepared for the challenge of offshore fishing by wearing a life jacket at all times and carrying all other necessary safety equipment on board.

'Tuna can be anywhere up to 50 nautical miles offshore and boaters need to be aware that the safety equipment requirements are different for offshore boating,' said Ms Faldon.

'It is essential that if you travel more than two nautical miles off the coast that you have radio communication, flares and a distress beacon to raise the alarm, as if you get into trouble this equipment may save your life.

'Travelling in groups is also always recommended so that there is someone close by to help out if something goes wrong.'

Ms Faldon explained that there are also serious risks of people overloading their boat if they do not know the capacity of their vessel.

'A large tuna can weigh up to 150kg. Overloading your boat with tuna could affect its stability, resulting in your vessel capsizing and people going overboard,' said Ms Faldon.

Some common risks:
• Overloading of vessels with large fish, which can affect the stability of your boat leading to capsizing, swamping or persons going overboard
• Inexperienced recreational boaters, who don’t have the knowledge, skills or equipment for offshore travel
•Long-haul trips induce fatigue, which can heighten the risk of human error and increase incidents onboard

TSV recommends boaters:
• Wear your life jacket at all times
• Travel in groups to assist if something goes wrong
• Ensure all the regulated safety equipment is on board for offshore boating more than two nautical miles from the coast, including flares, radio and a distress beacon (EPIRB)
• Conduct regular vessel maintenance before you head out
• Rest regularly to reduce Transport Safety Victoria website