Essential resources for safe Easter boating

NSW boaters have been encouraged to join more than 11,000 others by downloading the MarineRescue App to help them stay safe on the water over the Easter long weekend.

The free App enables boaters to Log On with a Marine Rescue NSW unit quickly and easily from their mobile phone or other device, ensuring someone responsible is watching over their trip.

More than 11,000 boaters have downloaded the App during the year since its release in March 2015. Its use has grown steadily over this time, with an average of 15 per cent of all Log Ons now made via the App.

But that means 85 per cent of Log Ons are still made the traditional way via a marine radio or telephone call direct to a MRNSW unit.

MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said no matter which way NSW boaters Logged On, MRNSW volunteers would be on duty to provide a safety net for Easter weekend boating.

"This may be the last chance for many boaters to get out on the water for a few days before the colder weather sets in," he said.

"Skippers who use the free MarineRescue App can also choose its safety tracking option, which updates their position in our tracking system every half hour. This gives them the extra confidence of knowing that rescue crews will know where to start searching for them in the event of an emergency."

The Commissioner reminded skippers to always ensure everyone on board was wearing a lifejacket. Rock fishers also should wear lifejackets.

The MarineRescue App, suitable for both Apple and Android phones and tablets, also gives boaters quick access to a range of safety features:

The MarineRescue App is a valuable tool in a boater’s safety toolkit. Download at the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google play (for Androids).

BOM WEATHER RESOURCES
Meanwhile,
the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has create a Check the Marine Weather Before You Go

website that is well worth bookmarking and getting aboard for your Easter boating holidays.

To help you understand and plan for current and approaching weather, wave and tidal conditions, BOM has developed the Five Vital Checks. These are the questions you need to ask about the weather and how your boat will perform and react before you head out:

Make the right choice about where and when it's safe to go boating. Here are some key BOM forecasting resources:

More  information on the 
Five Vital Safety Checks for boaters at www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/vital-checks.shtml and www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/marine-safety.shtml.

Wherever you’re sailing or boating in Australia, the marine weather warnings, forecasts and information you need are available on the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au/marine/.

BOM's graphical mapping tool MetEye allows you to zoom to any location and visualise the weather forecast. To help you better plan your journey, MetEye has recently been upgraded to include new wind wave and swell forecasts. Your boatsales and BoatPoint crew thoroughly recommend this excellent forecasting tool available at www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye.

When out on the water, tune into the weather on your marine radio at www.bom.gov.au/marine/radio-sat/marine-radio-sat.shtml.

Remember, weather is only one aspect of marine safety. Check in with your state or territory marine safety agency to find out what other precautions you should take to stay safe on the water. More at State and Territory regulations