It’s been a soggy start to summer for the eastern regions of the country with flooding occurring in parts of Queensland and NSW. But the conditions haven’t stopped many boat owners getting out and about on inland and offshore waterways. It also hasn’t stopped the authorities being onto their duties. Maritime authorities across the country have been carrying out safety checks since late November with boating safety in focus for the start of summer. To ensure you’re across your obligations, we update on the latest maritime news, boating safety, avoiding infringements and how to go about including safety equipment and gear in the boat loan when buying a new boat.
Boating Safety Tips
We’ve heard that authorities have been out on the waterways recently to check especially safety compliance. One key area of concern is out of date life jackets. Boat owners should be aware of expiry dates on both life jackets and other gear on their vessel and update and upgrade to ensure they comply with regulations.
Regulations around life jackets vary from state to state and are dependent on the waterways and the type of vessel. Riverine and offshore boating have different compliance requirements with life jackets. Refer to your state authority so you don’t get caught out.
Refreshing your knowledge of boating safety can be a great idea for even the most seasoned and experienced boaters. It can sharpen awareness and act as a timely reminder of some aspects of boating that be somewhat taken for granted as we gain greater confidence and skills. Discover Boating offers some great information for all boat owners.
Critical to boating safety is ensuring that communications are working and that all those on board the vessel know how to operate the devices. This includes radios, beacons and other devices. Download the local marine authority app and the BOM app for real time weather updates so you can avoid bade weather.
Logging on to your state marine authority app to advise of your plans and return time is a strong recommendation. It allows authorities to better pinpoint locations if boats are reported by loved ones as not returning on time. And of course, don’t forget to log your safe arrival back in port!
Ramp Safety
For trailer boat owners, safety starts well before you reach the water. Ensuring the trailer components are all working properly should be a regular process before heading out for any day’s boating. Being acutely aware and alert when launching and retrieving at the ramp is important to avert incidents.
Unfortunately for one WA boat owner, he learnt that lesson the hard way recently. While the cause of the incident at the popular Mindarie ramp is apparently yet unknown, it was extremely fortunate that everyone escaped serious injury as a boat launched up the ramp into the air and onto a vehicle on the adjacent ramp. While seemingly a dreadful accident, this is a timely reminder of adhering to safety protocols and procedures at all stages of your boating experience.
Safe Boat Buying
A major problem in recent times has been the surge and scourge of scams and fraud being inflicted on boat buyers in online marketplaces. The ACCC ScamWatch has issued numerous alerts and the boating market is one of the areas that has been especially targeted.
In response to the situation the BIA has launched a Marketplace on their Discover Boating website to provide buyers the opportunity to buy from trusted dealers and suppliers. This is an online retail listing site which is available to the public to buy from industry members. The portal will have listings for boats and gear and while only operational for a short time is already receiving good visitation numbers.
Safe buying is an aspect that your Jade Boat Loans consultant can also assist you with. By engaging Jade as your boat loan lender, we provide extensive services for checking and verifying many details of the seller and the vessel. This is particularly relevant when buying used boats.
When a boat is bought under finance, the lender will register their interest in the boat on the PPSR. By checking this register, prospective buyers can find out if a boat is still under finance. An important check to avoid getting caught up in problems in that regard.
Avoiding Boating Infringements
All boat owners will be aware that there are rules to be followed when on the water. Rules vary according to state and territory and waterways. Knowing the rules and the signage is part of acquiring a boating licence but boaters still need to stay across any updates to rules and regs in their area.
An interesting point which you may like to consider is if certain types of boats attract more infringement fines than others? Fines are issued for speeding violations, over the limit, being too close to swimmers, out of date gear and other safety breaches.
An interesting article in boatsales.com.au attracted our attention and is sure to be of interest to those considering buying a new boat. The team looked at data in Victoria over a 3 month period to see what boat types received the most infringements.
The article is worth a full read but the key takeout was that 4 out of 5 infringements were issued to runabouts, open boats and dinghies. Half of the infringements to jet skis were for speeding – stand alerted, abide by speed zones or risk copping a fine. And know how to judge how far from the shore you are so you know when you are permitted to crank up the jet ski throttle.
Safety Gear and Your Boat Loan
The boatsales survey and many other maritime reports detail that many infringements are given for safety gear breaches so back to safety gear – what do you need and how we can assist with the purchase.
When arranging your boat loan through Jade Boat Loans, we take a very individual and tailored approach to sourcing and structuring each loan to suit specific requirements. This can include the safety gear as well as the boat and trailer. Ensure your include the necessary life jackets, electronics and other equipment when purchasing so we can work towards including the cost in your loan.
Safety is paramount with boating and having the right gear is a great start.
Contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 for a boat loan quote which includes safety gear.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MIS-PRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
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