NEWS - NSW Maritime supports Murray River Charity Ride

NSW Maritime has provided an exemption from the speed restriction on the Young Adult Personal Watercraft (PWC) Licence for a charity ride on the Murray River to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.

An exemption from the 10kts speed restriction has been granted to Coen Ashton, a 13-year-old cystic fibrosis sufferer, in order to reduce fatigue and shorten the overall trip time.

Ashton hopes to cover about 2000km of the Murray River from Yarrawonga Weir in Victoria to Goolwa in South Australia by PWC, arriving in time for 2011 Australia Day celebrations.

“An exemption
has been granted that

will allow him to travel

at speeds of
up to 20 knots, allowing him to
complete the challenge safely, responsibly and in a reasonable time,” said a NSW Maritime spokesperson. “The journey is based on an average of 60km per day and the exemption will reduce
the risk of fatigue.”

Ashton’s goal is to sign 1000 new names to the Australian Organ Donor Register.

A support vessel will accompany him for the duration of the trip, which will include health awareness talks in towns along the way.

NSW Maritime will liaise with Ashton, and his father and crew at Mulwala and conduct a safety review prior to the teenager setting off on his attempt.

NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officers
will
monitor Ashton’s progress and will
be available to assist with safety or navigation.

The NSW Young Adult PWC Licence is a restricted licence for those aged from 12 to 16 who wish to ride a PWC such as a jetski. Those who wish to apply for a Young Adult PWC licences must already be holders of a General Young Adult Boat Licence.

For more information, go to http://maritime.nsw.gov.au