This month we caught Peter Hopkins from Marine & Safety Tasmania, to chat about what to expect this Summer on the water.
The Boatwise Spring edition is out, and there’s several important messages for boaties on staying safe this season. Here’s what Peter had to say.
Summer is here and it’s time to head out on the water for what will hopefully be a great time for boating. Whether you are into cruising, racing, fishing or simply paddling, being on the water during summer is great fun.
However, it’s important to pause and consider some fundamental aspects before heading out, regardless of your boat’s size.
Make sure you have an up-to-date weather forecast. MetEye on the Bureau of Meteorology site provides reliable information and downloading Deckee is also a great idea. Prior to heading out, take some time with your crew to inspect all your safety gear. Check expiry dates, service inflatables and decide if those out-of-date flares will be replaced with a new EVDS? Familiarise your crew with the gear’s location and ensure they know how to use it. Is everything easily accessible within 30 seconds? Try the MAST 30-second challenge and find out. You may be surprised!
It’s always essential to tell someone where you are going and your expected time of return. Consider becoming a member of Tas Maritime Radio so you can log on and off, especially if you are away for a few days cruising Tassie’s magic waterways.
The increasing number of boats exploring the channels, navigating the east coast to Port Davey, or discovering the wonders of the Bass Strait Islands underscores the importance of staying connected. For valuable cruising insights, MAST provides excellent tips on our cruising page at https://mast.tas.gov.au/safe-navigation/cruising-tasmania/, covering fuel services, showing drone and video footage of popular anchorages, comprehensive geographical information, and links to other useful resources for cruise planning.
With a hot and dry summer predicted, please ensure you are aware of Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) rules regarding fires ashore. There is nothing better than a fireside chat, but it is imperative to adhere to PWS guidelines, which can be found on their website. Additionally, for those dropping a line or setting a pot, new rules and regulations took effect on November 1 this year. MAST recommends checking the Fishing Tasmania website for the latest updates, including introduced bag and size limits. Stay informed to ensure a safe and compliant boating experience.
Of course, safety should be a top priority for everyone. Historically the summer season, especially over the Christmas/ New Year period, has witnessed fatalities over the years. This is where your planning is crucial. Before heading out, check the weather forecast, ensure the sea conditions are safe for retrieving pots, carefully choose your anchorage and consider whether you will have sufficient energy to paddle back if you venture down the coast with the wind.
Making the right decision is crucial to having a great day on the boat. None of the 63 recreational fatalities since 2001 expected not to return home to their families after a day out.
Boating is meant to be fun and safe boating is even better!
Other interesting articles:
The Discover Boating A world apart, not a world away.
Travel Boating Lifestyle article by Fiona Harper.