Soldiers Point boat ramp on Port Stephens.NSW Maritime News

Preparing for the boating season

With the arrival of spring and the official boating season due to kick off on the October long weekend (2-4 October), now is the time to get organised for going back out on the water.
The major causes of breakdown at sea are engine failure, fuel shortage or contamination, mechanical failure and battery failure. So it is important to ensure your vessel is in good order by inspecting its key features each time before you leave home or the ramp, mooring or wharf, especially if your boat has not been used over the winter months.
Now is also a good time to pay attention to the condition of your boat’s trailer, with some DIY maintenance or a professional service. If your boat lives on a private mooring, make sure this is in good condition and serviced on at least an annual basis or more frequently if subject to specific mooring conditions. NSW Maritime strongly recommends that the service be carried out by a professional mooring contractor.
Boating safety equipment should be carefully inspected too, to ensure it is all in good working condition. Check all required safety equipment is onboard and where necessary, replace items like flares and fire extinguishers if they have passed their expiry date.
For a complete list of the safety equipment that must be carried on your boat, check your copy of the NSW Maritime Boating Handbook or visit the website at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au.
Use the following boat and safety gear checklist as the basis of your preparation for every outing afloat:
    •   On entering the vessel and before operating any switches or engines, check for petrol and/or LPG odours; fix any faults before you go out.
    •   Ensure the vessel is well ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide build up from exhaust systems.
    •   Inspect the bilges. If there is more bilge water than usual, find and rectify the fault. Note: when pumping bilges be aware of the environment. Polluting the waterways is an offence.
    •   Check fuel, engine oil and coolant levels. Top up if required. Examine batteries, terminals etc. Do the same for the second engine if carried.
    •   Check the fire extinguisher is in good condition.
    •   Ensure there is sufficient fresh water and food for the length of the voyage, with some extra in case of emergency.
    •   Make sure your lights are in working order; it may be a daylight outing, but you could be delayed in returning.
    •   Fuel should be fresh (not last year’s) and you should have enough fuel for the full trip plus reserve.
    •   Self-draining holes should be clear.
    •   Ropes and lines should be in good condition and stored ready for use.
    •   Steering cables and connections must be in good working order.
    •   Inspect the battery.
    •   Check that appropriate anchors are on board and are properly rigged, stowed and ready for use.
    •   Have one appropriate lifejacket for each person on board and accessible.
    •   Children should have suitably-sized lifejackets and look at means of rigging lifelines in open areas so that children have enough handholds.
    •   If you have a radio, make sure it is on and working. The best way to do this is to report the details for your vessel and voyage to a coast radio station or local base station.
    •   Have up-to-date charts showing ports along your route.
    •   Ensure you have a complete first aid kit.
    •   Essential tools and spare parts should be in good condition.
    •   Keep a sharp knife in a handy place; you may need it to cut ropes, etc.
    •   Have a rescue quoit or lifebuoy ready for use.
    •   Have a whistle, mirror, marker dye, flares for emergency signalling.
    •   Do not overload your vessel.
    •   Don’t forget the bung!

Check your lifejackets

Lifejackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on any vessel. Check them periodically for cuts, tears and rot, and make sure the tabs are in good condition and not frayed. If you have inflatable lifejackets, the manufacturers will specify intervals when you should return them for servicing, at least annually.
From 1 November 2010, new compulsory lifejacket wearing requirements come into effect. Visit www.maritime.nsw.gov.au or call the Infoline on 13 12 56 for more information.