More first-time boaters hitting NSW waterways

As of the end of November, almost 690 more people had obtained a general boating licence compared with the same period in 2019. The number of boat registrations had also jumped compared with last year, sitting at 1282 boats above 2019’s tally.

“Anecdotally, vessel usage has increased significantly during COVID-19, including existing vessels being used more often, as well as new vessels out on the water,” NSW Maritime executive director Mark Hutchings said.

“Starting in March 2020 and continuing right through winter and into spring, statistics show an uptick in both boat licences and registrations, which likely relates to COVID-19 causing an increase in interest in boating as one of the remaining leisure options.”

Robert Sanasi took delivery of his first boat – a 7.5-metre motorboat – and was issued a mooring licence after successfully passing the test for his boat licence a couple of months earlier.

“We are empty nesters and recently moved to Lane Cove and it seemed like the thing to do,” Sanasi said.

"In March there wasn’t much to do, so my son and I got our boat licences.

“We aren’t your typical boaters, though,” he said. “A lot of people have had boats in the family, whereas, I have zero boating history, so I’ve hired a guy for six one-hour slots to teach me gradually what to do on my own boat.

“If you make a mistake on land, the consequences are different.”

Hutchings said the number of first-time boaters heading out on the water gave NSW Maritime more reason to ensure safety was top of mind over the traditionally busy summer boating season – such as stickoing to speed limits.

“Sydney Harbour is for everyone to share, regardless of the size of the boat you are in,” Hutchings said.

He said NSW Health’s current COVID-19 restrictions did not apply to members of the same household when it came to how many people could board a boat.

“If those on board are not members of the same household, they should maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres from others, as is reasonably practicable and always remember to practice good personal hygiene.”

Sydney yesterday lifted strict stay-at-home measures for its Northern Beaches district as it fought a potential COVID-19 outbreak that forced the cancellation of last year's Sydney Hobart yacht race – the first time in the event's 75-year history that it has not gone ahead.

Under the strict lock-down conditions, people living in the Northern Beaches area could still go out boating, but were restricted to staying in the Pittwater area.

The Northern Beaches area is now under the same COVID-19 pandemic control measures as the greater Sydney area.