Navigation lights will be the focus for Waterways boating officers during patrols on NSW waterways over the next few weeks.

The Waterways Authority Chief Executive, Matthew Taylor, said: “Boaters without appropriate lights are gambling with the safety of their vessels, its passengers and the people on board other craft.

“While navigation lights don’t help you see ahead, they make it possible for other skippers to tell where you are and which way you are going.

“People sitting in a small and unlit recreational craft quietly fishing after dark are difficult to see and run the risk of being run down by other vessels.

“By switching on your navigation lights other skippers have a chance to see you and avoid a potential collision.

“In times of reduced visibility such as fog, darkness, smoke or even heavy rain skippers should switch on their navigation lights.

“Most boaters need only display a red and green light either side of their vessel and a white light visible all round.

“Small paddle craft such as canoes and kayaks, must be able to display a light at night which could be as simple as carrying a torch.

“Waterways encourages paddle craft to display an all round white light.”

Mr Taylor said the most important rules to remember when driving a boat at night are to slow down and keep a good lookout.

“Speeding at night is asking for trouble because you reduce the time to react to unlit objects. So back off on the throttle at night,” he said.

“Waterways boating officers will conduct night patrols throughout the waters of NSW. Failure to display correct navigation lights may result in a $100 on the spot fine.

For more information on Boating Safety call the Waterways Infoline 13 12 56.

11 September 2002
Tackling Sewage from Boats

The Waterways Authority Chief Executive, Matthew Taylor today announced details of a plan to better combat sewage pollution from vessels on all NSW waters.

Mr Taylor said the State Government supported the introduction of measures to establish clearer controls for managing sewage from vessels.

"Boats may not be a major source of pollution in the State's waters but the boating community should share in the responsibility of caring for the marine environment," he said.

"More than four years of community and industry consultation and preparation has gone into this plan.

"This package of measures places NSW at the forefront of national efforts to ensure the boating community plays a part in the overall protection of our waterways."

Mr Taylor said the plan, set to take effect in the upcoming boating season, contains a range of actions, including:

Requiring passenger-carrying commercial vessels and houseboats to install toilets and holding tanks to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage in all NSW waterways;

Designating certain waterways and specific areas within waterways as 'no-discharge zones' for treated sewage;

Specifying new criteria against which the discharge from on-board sewage treatment systems should be tested;

Establishing an inter-departmental group to prioritise applications for pump-out facilities and to support the implementation process; and

Implementing an education campaign to inform the boating community of its responsibilities in managing sewage pollution from vessels.

Recreational vessels fitted with onboard sewage treatment systems installed prior to 13 November 2005 will be permitted to continue to use those systems, outside of 'no discharge zones', for the life of the treatment system. These systems will not be permitted on inland waterways.

New or improved onboard sewage treatment systems developed after 2005 will continue to be considered.

The 'no discharge zones' will be effective out to 500m from moorings, marinas, anchorages and swimming and aquaculture areas, and other environmentally sensitive locations.

The Waterways Authority will ensure commercial vessels fit holding tanks where required under its regulated survey system for such craft. Waterways surveyors will routinely inspect these vessels to ensure tanks have been installed and are maintained in good working order.

Recreational vessels, although greater in number, have a lower passenger capacity and are used less frequently than commercial craft. The Waterways Authority will embark upon an educative approach for owners of these vessels which will highlight the 'no discharge' rule.

"The message for recreational boaters and other commercial vessel operators, such as fishing boats, is simple … they do not have to install a holding tank, they just should not pollute," Mr Taylor said.

30 August 2002
Bar crossing goes wrong: four rescued

Four people were rescued from the water and their vessel destroyed when it hit a sandbar at South West Rocks on Wednesday.

The four men were returning from a day fishing when the inexperienced skipper attempted to navigate his five metre open runabout through a two-metre swell and run out tide on the river bar.

The runabout hit a sandbar and was swamped by a large wave capsizing the vessel and throwing the four occupants into the water.

Waterways Authority Regional Manager, Jim Green praised the effort of local Waterways boating officer, Rod McDonagh who rescued the four men.

"Crossing a coastal bar is one of the more challenging activities undertaken when boating," Mr Green said.

"These men are lucky to escape, as the conditions on the river bar were rough, the skipper of the vessel inexperienced and none of the occupants were wearing a lifejacket.

"It was also an ebb tide which meant it was running out and that is generally the most dangerous time to attempt a crossing.

"Whether heading out or returning over a bar, every person on board should put on a lifejacket for the crossing and in situations where conditions are rough."

Mr Green said every skipper should develop an understanding of the limits of their craft and make sure they have experience appropriate for the boating conditions.

A thorough check of the weather conditions is vital and that includes inspecting the bar before crossing and having an appreciation of how the conditions may change throughout the day.

Mr Green said free copies of the bar crossing safety checklist sticker, Boat n Bars brochure and Safe Boating Handbook were available from any office of the Waterways. A 13-minute video called Blue Water Safety is also available at a cost of $12.

15 August 2002
Jet Ski Rider Fined

A jet ski rider was convicted yesterday in the Finley Local Court for navigating a vessel negligently and driving without a licence in relation to an incident on the Murray River in December 2001.

The Victorian man was fined $2200 plus costs after pleading guilty to the offences.

The 32-year-old man was observed doing a series of 'donut' turns and other manoeuvres on a personal watercraft (PWC) in the Murray River about 8 km downstream of the Yarrawonga Weir. The man on the PWC then hit and passed over the rear of a ski boat where a woman and her two children were seated.

An eight-year-old girl was knocked unconscious and was transported to Yarrawonga Hospital where she remained under observation for five hours.

Waterways Authority Regional Manager for the Murray River, Roy Cornwall said the incident highlighted the need for people to keep a proper lookout for other vessels, swimmers and hazards when operating their craft.

"The majority of PWC riders are law abiding and it is unfortunate that a minority cause some problems," Mr Cornwall said.

"When operating any vessel people need to exercise care, courtesy and common sense; that means not operating a PWC in a dangerous manner in a popular boating area.

"PWC are unique craft because of their manoeuvrability and handling characteristics, and that is why some special rules exist governing the use of these vessels."

Mr Cornwell said some of the key safety requirements for PWC include the following:

riders must carry a photo PWC licence;
wear a lifejacket at all times;
keep 60m clear of swimmers and non-powered craft when operating at 10knots or more;
keep 30m clear of other vessels, structures and foreshores at 10knots or more; and
do not operate between sunset and sunrise.
PWC riders can obtain a free Ride Smart video and sticker when they present their PWC licence to a Waterways Authority office.

2 August 2002
Recreational Boating Facility at Homebush

The Minister for Transport, Carl Scully, today announced a master plan process for the development of a new maritime precinct at Homebush Bay West.

Mr Scully said the plan would explore possible location of facilities to improve public access to the foreshore and waters of Sydney Harbour.

“I have directed the Waterways Authority to embark upon a master plan for the site that has potential to provide a valuable addition to public boating assets around the harbour,” he said.

“Homebush Bay is identified as a key strategic site within the State Government’s Sharing Sydney Harbour vision and is ideally located to suit the people of central and western Sydney.

“Western Sydney is home to more than 20,000 boat owners and this master plan recognises their need, and the needs of others, for improved facilities and access to the harbour.”

Mr Scully said the Waterways Authority owned 18 hectares of land along the Parramatta River at Homebush Bay West surrounding the Homebush Bay ferry wharf and adjacent to the Millennium Parklands.

A draft framework plan for the precinct indicates the eastern portion of the site, which has access to both the river and Homebush Bay, would be suitable for recreational boating infrastructure.

“Activities identified under the master plan include sailing and rowing clubs, possible small boat storage, a boat ramp and support facilities such as a food outlet and chandlery,” he said.

“The western portion of the site has the potential to serve as a working harbour precinct for boat building and repair, wharf construction and maintenance and storage.

“A public park is also identified at Wentworth Point with continuous public access along the foreshore areas. This plan is primarily about adding to public space by the harbour, not reducing it.

“These public facilities will add a maritime and boating dimension to an area which is the country’s leading sporting and recreational district benefiting not only local residents but also the people of the greater metropolitan area.

“The maritime precinct is well serviced by public transport with a ferry and bus interchange already established at the heart of the site.

“All stakeholders, including the boating public, will have the opportunity to put their views during the preparation and exhibition of this master plan.

Member for Auburn, Ms Barbara perry welcomed the development of a master plan for the area.

“ Western Sydney is home to more that 20,000 boat owners and this master plan recognises their need and the needs of others, for improved facilities and access to the harbour.”

Ms Perry said that she expected that the master plan would be completed before the end of the year and go on exhibition early nest year.

“I encourage all boat owners to participate in the master plan process.”

17 July 2002
Lifejackets save two South Coast Boaters

One man was taken to hospital and another towed to safety in separate boating incidents at Moruya last weekend.

A 32-year-old man was taken to Moruya hospital on Saturday suffering severe hypothermia after only fifteen minutes in the water.

The man from Chisholm in the ACT was operating his personal watercraft (PWC) or jet ski when he fell from his craft. The man, who was wearing a lifejacket, attempted to remount his craft but suffered cramps in his legs and arms and became immobilised.

15 minutes later, passers by discovered the man drifting in the breakers and pulled him ashore. He has since made a full recovery and been discharged from hospital.

On Sunday another lucky escape for a Queanbeyan man who was swept from his vessel by a large wave while negotiating the Moruya bar. The 45-year-old man was wearing a lifejacket when he was swept overboard.

The man swam back to his vessel and climbed aboard to discover his small outboard motor had been torn from its mounts, leaving him with no means of propulsion or manoeuvring.

Two nearby surfers assisted the man to get the vessel to shore where the Moruya Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol towed it to a nearby wharf. The man sustained no injuries.

Waterways Regional Manger for the South Coast, Craig Whitmore said without lifejackets these situations might have been more tragic.

“Lifejackets are perhaps the single most important safety item on board any vessel and should be worn when conditions get rough, when operating a jet ski or when crossing a bar,” Mr Whitmore said.

“The cold water temperatures on the South Coast pose another hazard to boaters should they fall into the water, hypothermia.

“The best way to avoid hypothermia is to not put yourself in a situation where you have an increased risk of capsize or swamping. That means, making sure your boat is appropriate for the conditions, checking the weather before and during the outing and wearing appropriate clothing.”

For more information on hypothermia, lifejackets and boating call the Waterways Info Line 13 12 56.