Editor's ColumnRobin Copeland

Prop strikes and Dredging … people’s voice turns the tide


  In this column last November we put forward the case for protection from lethal propellers and we are pleased to report that NSW Maritime has taken the lead with its new awareness campaign, ‘Prop Strike’.
   Propellers are an integral part of boating but a potential danger, too long overlooked.
   NSW Maritime records reveal there have been 41 propeller strike incidents since January 2003 on NSW waters, resulting in five fatalities, 29 serious and seven minor injuries. It’s easy to forget that under a powerboat boat is a whirling cutting machine, spinning at 3200rpm, able to inflict 160 slivers a second – a three-bladed maiming machine.
   But prop strike is preventable and we can make boaters aware that these accidents can happen because through greater awareness, change can be achieved. Not through more regulation – we have enough already - but through more communication, more education, better information and better products.
   When NSW Maritime issues Aquatic Licences to sailing, yacht, rowing and powerboat clubs for conducting events, they strongly recommend propeller guards be fitted to all outboards on coach and rescue boats.
   Many responsible yacht and rowing clubs have already fitted prop guards for their coach boats and patrol boats and the NSW Rowing Association and Yachting NSW strongly recommend the use of prop guards on vessels used around people training.
   NSW Maritime is soon to promote the term ‘Hazard Zone’ and will provide adhesive labels to be stuck on outboard legs and transoms as an education tool. Good thinking … because the most obvious problem is a danger out of sight is a danger out of mind.
   No one should go into this hazard zone until the motor is off and the prop has stopped spinning. Good skippers will work out their own method to ensure the hazard zone is clear before starting the engine.
   NSW Maritime’s lead to create a hazard zone and raise awareness of the potential danger is to be applauded. Boating agencies in other states should follow their example.
   The boating industry quite rightly does not want to see government agencies launch a shock and horror campaign that turns people off boating. The industry is doing it tough and does not need authorities making trading more difficult. But manufacturers do have several responsibilities. The first is to improve gearshift design on outboards so that when neutral is engaged, forward or reverse cannot be engaged by a jolt. Manufacturers should offer propeller guards as an option on new outboard motors … and remove the voiding of warranty if guards are properly retro-fitted to existing motors.
   Until boating agencies, industry and boaters take corrective action, prop strike will continue to cause horrific injuries.

Robin Copeland

More good news … In its June Budget, the NSW Government has allocated $300,000 towards the dredging of the Swansea Channel (Afloat over the past year or so).