Boating Tip: Watch your wash

Road and Maritime Services is reminding boaters of their responsibilities on the water after two separate incidents caused by vessel wash in the past month.

A Roads and Maritime spokesperson said the recent incidents act as timely reminder for boat operators to travel at a safe speed and be aware of the wash their vessels create to ensure they do not affect others using waterways or harm the natural environment.

"At around midday on Sunday August 16 at Port Hacking, near Lili Pilli, a 6.8 metre cabin runabout hit another vessel’s wash at significant force, causing the occupants to be thrown from the vessel," a Roads and Maritime spokesperson said.  

"A female passenger and child on board were injured in the incident, with the woman taken to hospital with a broken leg.

"Just a week earlier on Sunday 9 August, a 3.5 metre open runabout capsized in Burraneer Bay at Port Hacking in similar circumstances. Fortunately all involved escaped injury," he said.

Roads and Maritime reminds boat operators that they should be always be aware of the wash from their vessels when moving through confined waterways to reduce the risk of endangering others enjoying the water.

The size of a boat’s wash and the effects it has depend on how the boat is driven, its hull shape and load.

"It is absolutely crucial that boaters remember to regularly look behind their vessels to see the size of the wake and are mindful of the surrounding environment and other traffic on the waterways," the Roads and Maritime spokesperson added.

"Operators must make sure their vessel is not driven any faster than the speed at which it could be safely stopped.

"Skippers must take into account the environment in which they are operating including proximity of other vessels and the wideth and depth of the waterway.

"No Wash Zones apply on some waterways where a vessel’s wash could affect others or damage the foreshore or nearby properties.

"If your wash is causing other vessels to rock, you need to slow down.

"Even if there are no signs, it is still an offence to create waves which cause danger, inconvenience or damage," the Roads and Maritime spokesperson added.

So drive to the conditions, be aware and be mindful of those around you. For further information on boating rules and safety guidelines visit the Roads and Maritime's website.