10 point boating checklist before heading out

As we head towards the June long weekend in NSW and winter boating is well and truly upon us in all states, waterways authorities are ramping up their safety campaigns.

In NSW, Operation Boatsafe: Know Before You Go is being staged from June 3-12. The safety campaign will see more Boating Education Officers (BEO) and Boating Safety Officers (BSOs) out in force and across NSW waterways.

Boaters everywhere may as well take this opportunity to refresh their knowledge and make sure they are across the following key precautionary measures before they go cast the lines and head out.

Of course, the big one in winter is to make sure you wear an appropriate lifejacket for your intended journey.  Put an inflatable yoke on and reduce your risk in winter. Also, make sure your lifejacket is serviced.

10-POINT BOATING CHECKLIST
- Before you head out on the water consider these simple tips to assist in trouble free boating:
>> Check that your boat is in good condition.
>> Check that you have all the required safety equipment on board. Ensure all safety equipment is in good condition and easily accessible in the event of an emergency and everybody aboard knows its location.
>> Make sure you have local boating maps for the waterways you will be using. Boating maps are available for purchase for a nominal fee. They are a vital tool for negotiating NSW waterways and include handy hints for safe boating. The maps are printed on special waterproof paper and can be viewed online before purchasing - see the NSW Boating Maps.
>> Report your trip. Let someone know where you are going, how many people are on board and when you intend to return
>> Make sure you and your crew know how to handle the boat, especially on the waterway that you’re using. If in doubt or unfamiliar territory, get information from locals or Roads and Maritime offices.
>> Check the weather before you go out. Register for the Maritime Alert system that is based on official weather data. Here is the link to the Marine Alert System in NSW.
>> Make sure you have sufficient water and fuel for the duration of the trip
>> Go easy on the drink. Waves, wind and weather multiply the effects of alcohol. Far too many boating fatalities involve alcohol
>> If crossing a bar, log on to view live web camera footage for a number of coastal bars in NSW. Here is a list of the Web Cameras.

>> Get to know Marine Rescue NSW. Marine Rescue NSW is the state’s volunteer marine rescue organisation and provides boating safety education, marine radio communications and emergency search and rescue services for recreational boaters. To locate your local base, visit Marine Rescue NSW.

Here is some more information about Safety on the Water.