Transport for NSW has re-launched the complete NSW official guide to safe boating, revamping the guide and making it available in a new format online.
Acting Executive Director of NSW Maritime, Andrew Mogg said Transport for NSW’s Boating Handbook was the primary source of safe boating information on the waterways and had been updated to make boating rules and regulations clearer for boaters.
“The Handbook is not just for skippers, passengers also have obligations when out on the water,” Mr Mogg said.
“This Boating Handbook update supports the NSW Government’s commitment to making information easy to access and simple to understand,” he said.
Mr Mogg said the Handbook featured clickable contents on topics including staying safe on waterways; licences and registration; lifejackets and safety equipment; being prepared; towing; navigation marks, lights and sounds; waterways and designated areas; and emergencies and incidents
Mr Mogg said the release of the updated Boating Handbook coincided with an increase in boating activity, more people buying boats and getting a boat licence.
“We recorded a nine per cent increase in new boat licences issued in 2020 compared to 2019, as well as a nine per cent increase in the number of new vessels registered,” he said.
“All boaters are reminded to always wear a lifejacket – don’t risk your life.”
Mr Mogg said that in NSW seven out of 10 people who drowned while boating were not wearing a lifejacket.
Transport for NSW’s 167-page Boating Handbook can be accessed at this PS News link.
