Victoria's Boating Safety Action Plan 2015-2018

In Victoria's Boating Safety Action Plan 2015-2018, a joint safety initiative between Maritime Safety Victoria and Victoria Police, there's good and bad news.

Among the good news: Victoria's annual fatality rate from boating is now 40 per cent lower than 12 years ago, with almost seven boating related fatalities each year (five year average) compared with 2002 when there was an average of nine fatalities per annum.

During this time, a boating licence was introduced, wearing of lifejackets became mandatory, vessel design improved, the national builder's plate was introduced, and advancements in technology have improved, including widely used boating accessories such as navigational systems, depth sounders, live weather reports and portable distress beacons.

Authorities are aiming to reduce the number of boating fatalities in Vic waters by 30 per cent by 2020. Issues it identifies including lifejacket wearing, high-risk paddleraft and safer boats that are fit for the purpose. This latter point is something we thought we'd expand on.  

SAFER BOATS THAT ARE FIT FOR PURPOSE
- Boats less than 4.8m in length are at greater risk in Vic' changeable weather
Small boats less than 4.8 m were represented in more than half of the serious incidents on Victorian waters in the past five years. In that time 178 capsizing incidents led to 15 deaths on Victorian waters.

Weather conditions exceeding the capability of craft or crew are usually a catalyst for serious incidents and fatalities. Craft involved in serious incidents on enclosed waterways are often too small for wave conditions which can rapidly change, particularly on the bays but also on inland waters.

Boaters who do not get a forecast for their planned trip, or don’t understand what it means, are putting themselves and their passengers at risk

MODIFICATIONS TO BLAME TOO
- Backyard boating repairs and DIY mods highlighted
Many serious incidents are caused by modifications or maintenance done by unqualified or inexperienced technicians. Holes drilled in hulls and bulkheads which are not resealed afterwards, for example, can allow water to enter underfloor spaces (which should remain watertight). These are invisible to the boater while on the water. By the time water ingress is noted it is too late to do anything about it.

Meantime, the absence of adequate skills or good judgement are common factors in most incidents. Operators of bigger boats, from 4.8 m to 8m, are able to access higher risk waterways (offshore in particular) and meet situations in which incidents are more likely to occur. Search and Rescue services are further away and response times are longer.

Of even greater concern is that on these boats occupants are only required to wear lifejackets at times of heightened risk. This concept appears to be poorly understood, says auhtorities.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION
- Enhance awareness in the boating community of the:
>> susceptibility of small boats to capsizing, swamping and man overboard situations
>> dangers of modifying small craft without competent oversight
>> availability and understanding of weather forecasts and warnings.
>> Encourage retailers to sell vessels fit for purpose to safely satisfy customers’ needs.
>> Promote knowledge of the concept of heightened risk and the changes, particularly to weather, wind and waves, that increase the risk.

In the last five years, capsize has been a factor in 25 of 33 fatalities. Collisions and cold-water immersion are problem issues. Crossing coastal bars and anchoring offshore were other issues.

As we head into the holiday season, play it safe and remember that warning about safe boats that are fit for the purpose. Vic's weather is notoriously changeable and small craft can easily be swamped on bays, dams and estuaries. Play it safe and wear your lifejacket. More on the Boating Safety Action Plan here.