Boating safety is paramount and most experienced skippers and crews appreciate the risks and take the appropriate preventative measures. But as reported by Marine Rescue NSW, boat rescues were up 18% in what the authority records as its busiest year. According to authorities, many of the incidents may have been avoided and faster response times provided by skippers following simple safety messaging.
Darren Schott, the Deputy Commissioner of Marine Rescue NSW said that almost one third of last year’s incidents were emergencies for missing people, capsizings, vessel fires and groundings. He said that if a boatowner logs on with the authority when heading out, the response time from the rescue teams can be dramatically reduced.
Safety on the water is an essential responsibility that goes with owning a watercraft of any size or type. Preventative measures can start with the initial purchase and we may assist at that stage. The purchase of safety equipment, upgraded electronics, emergency beacons, life jackets and other gear, when included with the purchase of the craft, may be included in the vessel financing. Equipping the vessel from day one with the necessary gear in case of an emergency.
We encourage all owners, crew and friends that share the boating experience with others, to update their knowledge and awareness, taking heed of the information from the authorities.
Marine Rescue NSW Statement
The authority conducted 4,786 search and rescue missions in NSW in 2023. Representing an 18% increase on the previous year and sadly, a new record. All regions covered by the authority from the Northern Rivers right through to the Illawarra and Monaro, both coastal and inland waterways, were included in the figures. In an impressive performance, the volunteer organisation safely rescued and returned over 10,500 people to the shore.
The busiest region was Lake Macquarie while the challenging Botany Port Hacking area which extends 30 nautical miles out to sea, recorded 400 emergency responses. This area is particularly challenging due to the large boating traffic numbers and the variable water and wind conditions.
The organisation has long urged boaters to please log their trips with the authority and the message is getting through to at least some. Over 80,000 boating excursions were logged in 2023 which is an increase on 2022 of 16,500. The rescue organisation is volunteer-based and its radio operators were very busy with 258,742 radio calls through their 24/7 service.
Marine Rescue NSW Urge Boaters to Check Engines
While most would associate boating rescues with safety-related issues, they may be surprised to learn that over 50% of the 2023 incidents were related to battery, mechanical or fuel problems. And the organisation notes that they could have possibly been averted had better maintenance been carried out on the vessel
You may be wearing a life jacket and all the beacons and electronics available, but if the engine fails, you can be at the mercy of the conditions, and you could be a long way offshore.
Mr Schott asks boaters to check their engine and their battery each time before they head out on the water and ensure they have sufficient fuel. Noting how fuel and mechanical issues can swiftly become emergencies.
Safety Steps for Boat Owners
In the wake of the latest news from the rescue organisation and with plenty of boating weather to come this summer, it is timely for vessel owners and skippers to revisit some of the basics for safety on the water.
The organisation advises a number of simple steps for boaters to make their trip a safer experience:-
- Before each trip, log on the details with the organisation via VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue NSW app. The app is available for Android and iOS devices.
- Log off on return.
- Ensure all aboard wear the correct lifejackets – the right size and the right type for the waterway.
- Check engine and battery.
- Check sufficient fuel plus a reserve supply.
- Check the weather and water conditions.
- Check safety equipment.
In addition to checking the vessel’s battery, make sure mobile phones are charged and back-up chargers available and that all communications equipment is working properly. Regularly check beacons and flares and replace expired units.
How We May Assist with Safety Equipment
Our brokers are not in a position to check your engine and onboard equipment or to log on for you. But we are in a position to assist at the vessel financing stage in regard to safety equipment. When purchasing a craft from a supplier who also sells safety gear, include the items required in the vessel purchase so we can include the cost in the financing.
Items may include better quality radio, electronics and other communications equipment which can be essential in the event of an emergency. Other items would be the obvious such as lifejackets, beacons, flares etc. To get an estimate of what these costs would add to monthly payments, use our marine finance calculator.
Insurance is required by lenders with a Secured Boat Loan. There are many policies on the market and buyers should ensure the inclusions are comprehensive and suited to the boating plans. Insurance won’t prevent emergencies but it should provide coverage for the credit if the boat is unrecoverable.
With Marine Rescue NSW recording a record year of rescues, Jade Boat Loans urges new boat buyers to include safety gear in their purchase and log on each trip.
Contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 to discuss new and used boat financing.
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 MISPRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
