Gold Coasters urged to do adequate safety checks before summer boat season

THE weather is warming up and it’s time to get that boat back in the water. But authorities and experienced boaties are urging water-users to check their gear before going anywhere.

JOHN Downs says he has seen a lot of changes on the Gold Coast waterways in the past two decades.

The number of vessels on the Coast, speed limits, barges and buoys — one thing he said never changed, however, was boat safety.

“I always go over everything to make sure my trailer and boat are up to scratch, for every trip,” he said.

“In the past 14 years, there’s a huge increase in numbers of boats on the water.

John Down is a local boatie who is getting ready for the spring / summer boating season. Picture: Jerad Williams

“But not only that, the speed limits change, sand moves around, barges and buoys are in different places — you have to have your wits about you.”

Mr Down said while it was important to keep up to speed with what’s happening on the water, being safe was equally important.

Unlike many, he uses his boat year round, but understands a thorough service is instrumental — especially if your boat has been stowed away during the colder months.

“The main things are to make sure the motor is serviced according to schedule,” the Paradise Point man said.

Shaun Hose from Nitro Marine with a boat and trailer in his showroom. Picture Glenn Hampson

“The batteries are fully charged, and holding charge, make sure all mechanical systems are working — the steering, all the pumps — and the anchor system. It’s critical.

“Flush out old fuel, and oil, change filters, and make sure both are adequately stocked.”

He said there were different precautions to take depending on whether you were travelling the ocean, or up river.

“If you’re going out sea, have current flares, an EPIRB registered with the authorities and safety gear including life jackets — it can get pretty mean out there.”

While the integrity of the boat was important, Nitro Marine sales manager Shaun Hose said one piece of equipment was nearly always overlooked.

“A lot of people forget the trailer,” he said.

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“Thinking it’s OK, pull it out and put it in the water. But the trailer bearings, brakes, tyres, winch post, all that stuff, it can go wrong.

“Boaties need to make sure no components are corroded, lights are working and it’s well greased.

“Then of course a lot of people put their boats away and just don’t touch them, rig them up to put in the water, thinking they’re going to be as good as new. That’s not the case.

“You run the risk of getting stuck on the way there, or out in the water, and without proper maintenance, run the risk of doing more damage.”

Time to check all your equipment before heading back out on the water. Picture: Jerad Williams

BREAKOUT:

While you’re probably itching and ready to enjoy endless days on the water and fun with family and friends, your vessel might not be prepared for it. Here’s a quick checklist.

● Check your boat’s condition in accordance with your vessel safety check and see if there any repairs, and fix them.

● Get a full service — the earlier, the better. You’ll be able to rest easy on your next trip without worrying about repair time.

● Make sure your navigation lights are in working order.

● Ropes and lines, steering cables and connections must be should be in good condition and working order.

● If you have a radio, make sure it is on and working. The best way to do this is to report the details for your vessel and voyage to a coast radio station or local base station.

● Have up-to-date charts showing the area of your intended trip, especially any harbours, ports and other potential refuges from rough weather.

● Check the first aid kit is stocked, life jackets are on board and EPIRB and flares are current.

● Do a boat trailer bearing check and check mainframe for corrosion.

● Ensure registration and insurance on both boat and trailer is adequate and up to date.

WHAT POLICE SAY:

POLICE are reminding boaties to check their safety equipment as the weather warms up.

With spring just around the corner, more Gold Coasters will be out on the water.

Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Jay Notaro, from the water police, is urging boaties to ensure flares are up to date and that they have the right life jackets on board.

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“There’s different safety equipment for different waters,” he said. “People need to make sure they register their EPIRBs (an emergency position indicating radio beacon). Some people forget to do that. You’re registered against your name, we need to know who it is.”

He also urged boaties to log on and off with the Seaway tower when they went out and to let friends know where they were going.

To help locals get water-ready for the warmer months, water police will host a Summer Safe Boating Open Day on Seaworld Drive on October 27 supported by other authorities.