Ask the Experts – Summer Safety

Three boating safety experts share some key advice to help runabout and personal watercraft (PWC) owners stay safe on the water and avoid collisions.

Michael Lieberman, Marine Surveyor and Loss Adjustor.

• There is a general uptick in incidences and accidents over the warmer months. We have a higher volume of vessels operating on the various waterways, which means they’re all in close confines. As a skipper or owner of a vessel it’s important to thoroughly understand the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).
• The COLREGs outline a lot of details about how skippers of vessels need to react and place their vessels on the waterways so that they don’t put themselves at risk of a collision. These include some simple rules such as keeping to the right/starboard side of a channel. So, if you’re coming up a channel you would keep to the starboard side of the channel and vessels coming the other way would do the same.
• Another rule that is easy to understand is if you’re facing a potential collision situation with an oncoming vessel, you should always steer to the right to avoid collision. It’s important to take positive action early. Not a small alteration in course but a large and obvious alteration in course at least 200m ahead. Turning hard right will communicate your intentions to the other skipper.
• Every state has regulations regarding recommended safe distances between your vessel and other vessels, objects, people, wildlife, beaches etc. Knowing these distance restrictions and adhering to them is a requirement of your boating licence.
• Similarly, you should know what the speed restrictions are within the waterway you’re about to enter. These are shown on the charts.
• You should always know the waterway which you are launching your boat into. You should know where the sandbars are, where there’s shallow water etc.
• Following heavy rains, waterways are often quite murky which can make it harder to see shallow water than when the water is clearer. In lakes and rivers, you can also have a lot of water movement, including strong currents and eddies, which can affect the handling of your vessel.
• You can also encounter lots of floating and submerged objects after heavy rain. In many instances, the best idea will be not to go out on these waterways after heavy rain. If you do, it’s crucial to drop your speed and keep a constant lookout to give yourself the best chance of avoiding these hazards.
• If you’re on holiday or new to boating in an area, as well as consulting the local charts, it is also a good idea to do some sighting trips on your first day at a reduced speed. Head out nice and slow and get familiar with where sandbars and outcrops are and where the shallow water is.
• Taking care to avoid submerged objects is especially critical when you’re towing people, as the person being towed is at heightened risk.
• You want to enjoy your time out on the water. The way to do that safely is to educate yourself about the waterway you’re about to enter and know where you can operate your vessel safely. Know the COLREGs and feel confident about how you should interact with other vessels you encounter on the water.

Paul Field, Marine Loss Adjustor and Coastguard NZ Senior Master.

• Make sure you know the safe distance requirements for the area you are boating in, as these can vary slightly between states. In New Zealand, the Five Knot Rule applies, meaning your vessel must not exceed five knots if you are within 200m of the shore, of any structure, or within 200m of a vessel displaying a diver below flag (Flag Alpha), and within 50m of a person swimming, if bow riding or if any person has part of their body outside of a powered vessel.
• Be mindful of No Wake Zones where even five knots may cause issues for other recreational boaties. This is especially important where people are embarking or disembarking their craft.
• There’s a wide variety of water toys in the market including inflatable ski biscuits, wakeboards and skis. These can all be great fun, however it’s important to remember the ages, fragility and water skills of those being towed. The faster you go, the harder the water becomes if you fall off.
• When out waterskiing or biscuiting, be aware of access channels and lanes to and from beaches or landing sites. Ensure you’re familiar with how to operate around ski lanes, and use the lanes as intended. Usually there will be signage posted nearby giving a clear indication of where these are located with accompanying floating markers or poles painted black and orange.
• Consider the swing circle of your towed passenger, as you’re now effectively 30-40m wider on the water. Be careful of your water depth for not only your vessel but also for your tow passenger.
• Be mindful of surrounding vessels and always have an observer keeping a direct watch on the person being towed. Make sure you communicate and give a briefing on clear and simple agreed hand signals ahead of time, between the observer keeping watch and those on the towed water toys. You can’t always hear verbal shouts clearly with engine noise, water spray and the wind rush.
• Boats will be being driven harder when towing than on a long slower cruise, so be mindful of your fuel usage as this will be higher than normal.
• Secure onboard contents properly before towing so they don’t go flying around.
• Invest in a proper floating tow line, as ingesting into a water intake or wrapping your propeller can ruin your day out. Make sure your craft’s tow points are suitable for use, too often we see heavy loading on incorrectly configured cleats tear out of tow vessels.
• Ensure everyone on board has a correctly fitting personal flotation device (PFD). There’s now a wide variety of tailored PFDs on the market so be prudent and invest in some good gear.
• Too often we see and hear of swimmers injured by vessel operators not adhering to safety protocols and/or preventable collisions occurring between vessels.
• When heading out and returning, take it easy on the first and last 200m. There is no excuse for departing or returning to/from a beach at 30 plus knots and endangering people and other vessels.
• Check to ensure you don’t impede other vessels that may be constrained by their draft, their ability to manoeuvre or simply by operating in designated channels. Waterways are there to be shared considerately.
• Be mindful of anyone onboard who has consumed alcohol as this can slow reactions and cause a lack of self-awareness.

Visit coastguard.nz

Alex Barrell, Commissioner and CEO, Marine Rescue NSW.

• To avoid grounding your vessel, be aware of the tides, the environment and the conditions.
• No matter where you’re planning to boat (enclosed or open waters) always log on to the local volunteer marine rescue (VMR). Incidents can – and do – happen close to shore.
• If boating in an unfamiliar area, look at local charts and speak with the VMR before hitting the water.
• Whether heading out on enclosed waters or offshore, it is vitally important for boaters to carry the correct safety equipment. Make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket. Check the weather and continue to monitor conditions on the water, storms can catch you out.
• There is absolutely no shame in getting to the boat ramp and deciding not to go out because of unfavourable conditions, it is not worth endangering your life or others for a day on the water.
• Following storms or floods, pay attention for submerged hazards.
• Always follow navigational markers and don’t cut corners.
• A sudden change in conditions, combined with engine failure or running out of fuel in the wrong location, can lead to life-threatening incidents, such as capsizing or running aground. Make sure your engine and batteries are in good working order, and have your vessel serviced regularly. Boat like your life depends on it.
• Use clean fuel and always carry enough with plenty in reserve.

Visit marinerescuensw.com.au

Must-visit websites

VIC: safetransport.vic.gov.au/on-the-water
boating.vic.gov.au/knowledgehub

QLD: msq.qld.gov.au/safety

NSW: nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/boating-and-marine

SA: marinesafety.sa.gov.au

WA: transport.wa.gov.au/imarine

TAS: mast.tas.gov.au/safe-boating

NT: nt.gov.au/marine/marine-safety

ACT: accesscanberra.act.gov.au

NZ: maritimenz.govt.nz

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