World Youth Day 2008 

  NSW Maritime is working closely with the World Youth Day 2008 organisers to provide the necessary support for any aquatic events during the visit by Pope Benedict XVI in July. 
  More than 200,000 people from around the world are expected to participate in a range of planned events – including on-water activities on Sydney Harbour – for World Youth Day 2008 which will be held from 15 to 20 July. 
  The Pope will be on Sydney Harbour on the afternoon of Thursday 17 July. A ‘boatcade’ of escorting vessels will accompany the papal vessel to the destination of Barangaroo. 
  Local navigation restrictions will apply on the afternoon of 17 July to this event, with the rest of the Harbour unaffected. There will be a 6-knot no wash restriction in place in the event area. 
  For security reasons, further details are unable to be made public. However, more details will be made available closer to the event. Check the NSW Maritime website www. maritime.nsw.gov.au for details and any restrictions. 

2008 Sydney International Boat Show 

  NSW Maritime will again support the 2008 Sydney International Boat Show – from 31 July to 5 August - as a major sponsor with a presence again in Hall 5. 
  This year, a ‘maritime precinct’ will be created in the footprint of the traditional NSW Maritime stand at the show, as a coordinated effort of gathering together similar maritime services to the community. 
  Down for representation in the maritime neighbourhood, at the rear of Hall 5, are: 
  • Australian Maritime Safety Authority 
  • Australian Volunteer Coastal Patrol 
  • Bureau of Meteorology 
  • NSW Department of Lands 
  • NSW Fisheries 
  • Water Police 
  • Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol 
  A continuation of the You’re the Skipper, You’re Responsible theme will be used throughout the ‘maritime precinct’ – reminding skippers of their responsibilities on the waterways and the need to continually observe maritime regulations and safety requirements. 
  Boat operators, or skippers, are responsible for the safety of their vessel and the people on board. 
  Often, a lack of judgment, alcohol and excessive speed are the biggest contributing factors in reported boating incidents across the State. 
  Already this year, NSW Maritime has taken this campaign to the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show and the NMSC conference, and has plans to roll it out in the Melbourne Boat Show, 3-7 July.