NSW Maritime News

NSW Maritime issues propeller warning

  NSW Maritime has issued a warning about the potentially fatal effects of boat propellers – often ignored because they are ‘out of sight and out of mind’.
  This follows a recent narrow escape for a man who fell from his small outboard-powered runabout on Lake Illawarra to find his boat circling him continuously.
  He was fortunate to not have been run over by his own boat. He was boating alone and not wearing a kill-switch lanyard - a simple cut-out line that attaches to the arm and stops the engine when pulled out.
  A typical three-bladed propeller spins at around 3,200rpm and can make more than 100 impacts a second.
  NSW Maritime records reveal there have been 41 propeller strike incidents since January 2003 on NSW navigable waters, resulting in five fatalities, 39 serious and seven minor injuries.
  The key thing to remember is that propeller injuries are preventable. ‘Propeller strike’ can be horrific, but it’s worth setting some prudent rules for passengers and operators alike.
  The skipper of every boat is responsible for the safety of people on board, so every skipper should be vigilant and consider the area around the prop as a ‘hazard zone’.
  Being aware of this hazard zone is particularly important for people involved in tow sports like water-skiing and wakeboarding, and anytime powerboats are used near swimmers or children such as sailing schools and surf clubs.
  It is also important inexperienced people who occasionally hire powerboats such as tinnies and houseboats appreciate this hazard zone.
  NSW Maritime who had raised the issue of prop strike last month at a national level, is writing to boating and surf clubs that conduct youth training, and is liaising with industry on the issue of prop guards.
  NSW Maritime recommends some basic safety guidelines as follows:
  • Keep legs inside the boat and not over the bow or sides;
  • It is illegal to ‘teak surf’ or hold on to the stern of a boat that is underway;
  • Keep a proper lookout at all times when underway, especially when near swimmers;
  • Inspect the area near the stern to ensure the area is all clear before starting up the engine;
  • Turn the engine off near people in the water as some propellers may continue to spin, even in neutral;
  • Stay out of designated swimming areas;
  • Observe the ‘distance off’ rules and keep clear of people in the water, passive craft and other vessels; and
  • The skipper/owner briefs any person driving the powerboat on the risks.
  Skippers can also consider technology such as wireless engine cut-off switches, propeller guards and alternative propulsion systems.
  The best action is for skippers to take care, keep a proper lookout at all times and keep people out of the hazard zone.
  More information on boating safety can be found at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au