BOATING ALERT - Operation Blue Water
Boaties navigating NSW’s open waters should check that their boat and safety gear are up to scratch, ahead of a safety blitz commencing Saturday, February 11 until February 19.
NSW Minister for Ports Duncan Gay has confirmed that boating safety officers will be targeting offshore boating and crossing coastal bars in Operation Blue Water, following three fatal offshore incidents in 2011 that resulted in the loss of six lives.
“It is tragic to have lost these lives,” says Mr Gay.
Mr Gay reminds skippers to maintain contact with Marine Rescue NSW via marine radio, ensure they carry a 406MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) if travelling more than two nautical miles offshore, and that all boat travellers must wear a lifejacket if crossing a bar.
In a bid to improve safety, Roads and Marine Safety offers web-cam vision of many coastal bars to help in preparing for a voyage.
“Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll return, and keep checking the weather,” says Mr Gay.
http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/webcams/web-cam.html