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National Safe Boating Week runs from 30 September through to 6 October 2023. It is an important week dedicated to raising awareness of safe boating behaviours across Australia. If you love boating, you’ll understand the importance of preparation, safety and responsibility, which is why government agencies work hard to provide frameworks and laws for the boating community in Australia. The responsibility for safety and ensuring boaties get home from the water in one piece belongs to everyone. It is only together that we can establish and maintain important guidelines to ensure safe boating practices.
Firstly, you need to “Know It” — safe boating means knowing the limits of your vessel. Before you go, ensure your boat is seaworthy and appropriate for your chosen activity. Valuable knowledge can go a long way. Vessel operators should always be sober and vigilant of potential threats in and on the water – operator inattention is a common cause for accidents.
To assist skippers and reduce the number of boating breakdowns the Department of Transport has developed the BEST boat check. The BEST check ensures your day is not ruined by an oversight, it's a quick activity to give peace of mind. It should be completed prior to every trip to ensure your Boat, Equipment, Safety equipment and Trailer are all in good order for a day on the water.
A well serviced boat should not let you down. The annual 45-point check will help skippers identify issues before they become a problem, but it all starts with having a regular service. Take the time to have your boat serviced at least once a year. The BEST and 45-point annual check lists will not cover all types of boats and voyages but there is no doubt they can help make your next voyage less stressful and possibly much more enjoyable.
If you haven’t already done so, now is the BEST TIME to undertake the following BEST check guide below to guarantee the BEST day on the water:
Check your Boat
Batteries
Fuel and oil (plus 50% in reserve)
Steering
Keys and Bungs
Suitable for the area of operation
Check your Equipment
Test run your motor
Use your trailing bracket
Load your equipment for the voyage
Check your Safety equipment
Safety equipment for the area of operation
Check boating weather forecast
Log on with Marine Rescue Jurien Bay
Check your Trailer
Check your lights work
Wheel pressure and bearings
Tow hitch and safety chains
Tie downs
(Credit: Department of Transport - brochures available from Marine Rescue Tower).
In addition to the above, please remember to:
Check the marine weather report and ensure you and your boat are suited to the prevailing conditions. Are warnings current for your boating area? Are there weather conditions affecting safe navigation and comfort? What are the wind trends? What are the wave conditions? When is the next high and low tide?
Be aware that wind gusts can be 40% stronger and maximum waves may be twice the height of what is forecast;
Ensure you have the required safety equipment (life jackets, flares, EPIRB) for the area you intend to go;
Wear your life jacket! It can save your life;
Ensure you have sufficient fuel. Aim to carry 50 percent more fuel than you expect to use;
Log on and off with us!! Play it safe and use our services, or at least tell a relative or friend of your boating plans.
Why log on with us? It’s your safety we’re concerned about!!
Logging on with us enables us to quickly locate you, as we will have your details and destination, should a rescue be necessary.
We cover the area from Grey to Greenhead, including Cervantes, Sandy Cape, in fact any place within this area where a boat can be launched.
Our Radio Operators man the Tower in 5-hour shifts and love nothing better than logging on boaties – it keeps them interested in their task and gives them a sense of purpose. The busier they are the happier they are!! It’s frustrating when they see 30 boats leaving the Marina with only 5 logging on.
Our telephone – 9652 1950 – is monitored 24 hours a day.
It is a FREE service.