NSW Maritime presses pause in the name of safety
Operational and frontline staff at NSW Maritime will pause ‘business as usual’ activities this Wednesday to ensure ‘maritime safety’ remains front of mind at the beginning of the Summer Boating Season – and to recognise National Safe Boating Week.
NSW Maritime General Manager Operations Chris Doolin said the inaugural Operational Safety Pause activity is the first of its kind for NSW Maritime and offers staff the opportunity to step back, review, listen, and discuss safety and risk related activities they may face in the often complex and challenging marine environment.
“Today is about ensuring our staff have the tools and training to help manage their health and wellbeing during busy periods of the year” Mr Doolin said.
“It is really important for staff to come together during National Safe Boating Week, which leads into the start of the Summer boating season to ensure our equipment, vessels and minds are ready for the challenges of another busy boating season.
“We are expecting the 20/21 boating season to be busier than ever with a large number of people boating through the winter months, particularly with COVID-19 keeping people close to home.
“Our work plays a significant part in how we manage our own health and wellbeing, which is why I am pleased we are pressing pause to reflect on our readiness for a busy summer on the water.
“We want people to stop and think about what else could be done to improve safety before and during every trip on a boat.
“To all the boaties, fishos, sailors and paddlers out there, as well as those who are just along for the ride, we all have a responsibility to be smarter about safety on water,” Mr Doolin said.
“Maritime authorities are taking a zero tolerance approach to high risk safety breaches in a bid to drive down unsafe behaviour and save lives on NSW waterways.
“One death on any of NSW waterways is too many. Since 1 July, six people have died on our waterways and this is why we are conducting a safety blitz, with high risk safety and lifejacket breaches in our sights”.
The week culminates with ‘Wear a Lifejacket to Work Day’ on Friday 2 October, and we are encouraging all boaties to wear their most essential piece of safety equipment during work hours.
For more information on safer boating on NSW waterways visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime
