Before You Go
Before you head out on the water here are a few simple tips to assist in trouble free boating:
- check that your boat is in good condition
- check that you have all the required safety equipment on board. Ensure all safety equipment is in good condition and easily accessible in the event of an emergency
- report your trip. Let someone know where you are going, how many people are on board and when you intend to return
- make sure you and your crew know how to handle the boat, especially in the waterway that you’re using. If in doubt, get information from locals or contact your local NSW Maritime operations centre.
- check the weather before you go out. Forecasts are available by phoning NSW Maritime on 13 12 36
- make sure you have sufficient water and fuel for the duration of the trip
- go easy on the drink – waves, wind and weather multiply the effects of alcohol. One third of all boating fatalities involve alcohol.
Weather
The NSW Bureau of Meteorology issues forecasts each day at around 5am, 10.30am and 4pm. The Bureau tailors the weather forecasts to six zones: Far-North Coast (Tweed Heads to Wooli), Mid-North Coast (Wooli to Seal Rocks), Hunter (Seal Rocks to Broken Bay), Sydney (Broken Bay to Port Hacking),Illawarra (Port Hacking to Ulladulla) and South Coast (Ulladulla to Gabo Island) plus Sydney Enclosed Waters (Pittwater, Port Jackson and Botany Bay). See the Bureau’s website for a location map.
Warnings for strong winds (winds averaging 25 to 33 knots), gale force winds (34 to 47 knots) and storm force (48 knots or more) are issued when necessary and updated every six hours.
Forecasts and warnings are also broadcast frequently over AM and FM radio stations. Warnings are available by phoning 1300 659 218 (low cost call) and selecting Option 3.
NSW Maritime provides forecasts on phone 13 12 36 (Option 3).
The Bureau also offers a facsimile service which provides all forecasts, weather observations, satellite cloud photographs and synoptic weather charts. A full menu of available items can be obtained by polling Freefax number 1800 061 439.
Once on the water, it is important to monitor regular weather reports, especially if changes are predicted. The movement of fronts is sometimes difficult to forecast and the predicted time of arrival may be revised.
The Bureau of Meteorology broadcasts forecasts and warnings on HF bands, via voice and fax. A number of organisations also broadcast this information on marine band radios (27 MHz, VHF and HF bands) at regular intervals or on request. They include: Sydney Ports, Penta Comstat, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol.
See www.bom.gov.au/marine/ for details.
Click here for the safety awareness message on weather.
Overloading
Overloading/Stability
Overloading can contribute to the capsize or swamping of a vessel.
Never load your boat with passengers or cargo beyond its safe carrying capacity. Too many people or gear will cause the boat to become unstable, resulting in capsize or swamping. Always balance the boat to maintain proper trim and use the vessel’s capacity plate or Australian Builders Plate to determine the maximum number of persons you can safely carry in calm weather.
Going Aboard Small Vessels
When moving onto or off small craft remember:
- step aboard as near amidships as practicable, crouch down and hold onto something
- never jump into a vessel or pause with one foot aboard and the other foot ashore
- if you move about in the vessel, keep to the centreline and crouch down to lower your centre of gravity.
Loading a Boat
Always stow heavy items as low as possible in the boat. Make sure they are secure. Ensure loads are distributed evenly to maintain appropriate freeboard and trim of your vessel.
Preparing Children For Boating
If you take your children boating, teach them emergency procedures. It will improve their confidence and your peace of mind.
1. Make sure that they have well fitting lifejackets. See if they can put them on in the dark or while in the water. Small children including toddlers and babies should be encouraged to wear an appropriate lifejacket at all times.
2. Learn to swim and practice emergency positions like HELP and Huddle.
3. Teach them to stay with a capsized boat or an easily seen floating object, making them easier to be seen by rescuers.
4. Show them around the boat and where all emergency items are located. If they are old enough to understand, show them how to use equipment such as radios, EPIRBs and flares, stressing the importance of not using them unless real trouble exists and the penalties that exist for misuse.
5. Teach them about stability and loading the boat, how to get in and out of dinghies and small boats.
6. Teach them the rules about keeping a good lookout, avoiding collisions and reducing wash.
use sun-protective clothing, sunscreen and hats.
Report Your Trip
COMMUNICATE
- WHERE YOU ARE GOING
- HOW MANY PEOPLE ON BOARD
- WHEN YOU WILL RETURN
Log In
Use your marine radio to log in with a coastal radio base before you leave.
Tell them where you are going, estimated time of return, vessel name and how many people on board. You should also consider leaving their details with a responsible contact person.
Log off on return. Report in if the trip is extended.