Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) issued a reminder to sailing vessels in the Hunter and North Coast of NSW last weekend, stressing the potential dangers facing vessels operating offshore or in open waters.
Executive Director, Maritime at RMS, Mark Hutchings kicked off Operation Blue Waters on Saturday (4 May), which ran until sundown the following day.
“Now the peak summer boating season has finished, Boating Safety Officers will be focusing on vessels operating offshore, starting with this operation in the State’s north,” Mr Hutchings said.
“When you are offshore, there are different dangers and different safety equipment you need to have on board to comply with NSW boating safety legislation.”
He said there had been a number of recent incidents along the North Coast involving vessels hitting rocks or capsizing when attempting to cross a coastal bar, resulting in the rescue of several people who ended up in the water.
“These incidents serve as a timely reminder for boaters to be prepared when heading offshore and crossing coastal bars, to carry a radio beacon, wear a lifejacket and carry the correct safety equipment,” Mr Hutchings said.
“In May there is usually an influx of fishing and offshore vessels so this operation acts as a reminder to all boaters about the risk of getting into trouble or capsizing at bar crossings,” he said.
