NSW Maritime has reminded boat owners of their responsibilities in case their boat is dumped and requires salvaging.
The reminder was sparked by the agency’s need to step in to remove an 11-metre derelict boat left at an emergency mooring at Camden Haven.
Executive Director of NSW Maritime, Mark Hutchings said Transport for NSW would be seeking to recover an estimated $20,000 in costs from the boat’s owner for salvaging the derelict 11-metre ferro-cement sailing boat.
“Since May, the boat has been left attached to an emergency mooring with attempts by NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officers to encourage the owner to remove the vessel and dispose of it responsibly which has not happened,” Mr Hutchings said.
He said crews from a salvage contractor were onsite last week with a crane to transport the dilapidated vessel from the emergency mooring to the tip.
“It is the responsibility of owners to dispose of their boats properly and to respect the various forms of moorings available,” he said.
“These include private moorings which are yellow, commercial moorings which are orange, and pink courtesy moorings which are for recreational boaters to use for up to 24-hours only.”
Mr Hutchings said the blue emergency moorings were for exclusive use by NSW Maritime, Marine Rescue and NSW Police to store vessels short-term, during an emergency.
“A boat owner whose boat breaks away can be responsible, and not covered by insurance, if it causes damage to other moored vessels, maritime infrastructure, the environment or other boating users.”
Mr Hutchings advised boat owners to engage an experienced mooring contractor to insure their moorings were installed correctly.
