Stay safe this Easter

Maritime Safety Victoria (MSV) is cautioning boaters to stay safe on the state's waterways this Easter weekend.

The message comes as MSV figures show that there were 24 reportable boating incidents during last year's Easter weekend.

Paul Corkill, spokesperson for the maritime safety regulator, says that all boaties should be sensible and put safety first: "The Easter long weekend is a particularly busy time for boaters, including campers who go paddling on inland waters.

"While it's a good time to unwind and relax with your loved ones, it should not be an excuse to become complacent with your safety.

"Make sure you are well prepared for the journey. This includes having appropriate safety equipment, such as life jackets, and that the equipment is in good working condition.

Mr Corkill also said that boaters should do the due diligence and check waterway rules before venturing out.

"Different waterways have different operating rules, so it's up to you to familiarise yourself with them. You can find out the rules by using our new online waterway map.

"Once you're under way, stick to the speed and distance rules designated for that waterway, and keep a proper lookout at all times for other vessels," Mr Corkill said.

This Easter weekend, Maritime Safety Officers will be actively enforcing boating rules and will be issuing fines to those who do the wrong thing.

In addition, Roads and Maritime in NSW has jumped on the Easter warning wagon, adding that skippers should ensure they keep to a safe speed, maintain a proper lookout and obey rules around alcohol consumption and lifejacket use.

Roads and Maritime Services Director Maritime Angus Mitchell said the Easter long weekend is traditionally a busy time for boating and skippers should ensure they keep to a safe speed, maintain a proper lookout and obey rules around alcohol consumption and lifejacket use.

"During the latest statewide safety education and compliance campaign, Operation Slow Down from March 14 to 22, Roads and Maritime Services carried out close to 1000 on-water safety checks," Mr Mitchell said.

"Boating Safety Officers carried out 969 on-water vessel safety checks and Boating Education Officers reminded 331 other boaters at waterside locations including boat ramps and clubs and reminded skippers of their repsonsibility to keep to a safe speed for the conditions and to keep a proper lookout.

"During the campaign 49 fines were issued for boating offences, including nine for speeding breaches and 18 warnings for speeding related offences.

"Where there are no signposted speed limits on a waterway, a vessel must be driven at a speed which is safe and takes into account environmental factors such as local traffic, visibilty and conditions.

Mr Mitchell said during Operation Slow Down, a further 15 fines were issued to people not wearing a lifejacket when required by law and 12 fines were issued to people who were not carrying the required number of lifejackets on board. 

"There is still some work to do in reminding boaters about the importance of lifejackets – the most important safety item on any boat," he said.

"Zero tolerance apples for non-compliance with lifejacket  laws in NSW. All boaters should be aware of these requirements which are there to keep everyone safe."

For more information on boating safety visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime