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Is your boat ready for safe summer action?

Once again, we are at the start of another summer boating season.Owners should now be undertaking routine checks and maintenance of their boats and trailers to ensure a trouble-free and safe time on the water, says the Rockingham Volunteer Sea Rescue Group.

Each year the group sees at first hand the results of poor maintenance and lack of servicing with over 200 distress calls from boat operators in local waters. Calls for assistance come at all hours, in all types of weather conditions and can involve just a lone skipper or vessels with whole families aboard.

“When trouble strikes it doesn’t matter if you’re 10 kilometres out to sea, just off the back of Garden Island, in Cockburn Sound or out in Warnbro Sound…it’s still a scary feeling, more so if its getting dark and the weather is worsening,” said RVSRG president, David Slowley.

“And don’t forget that as skipper you’re responsible for the safety of all those on board the boat. Ensure that the correct safety equipment is carried and everyone knows how to use it, especially life jackets. Remember that it’s very difficult to put on life jackets once you’re in the water.”

David is one of several Rockingham volunteer rescue boat skippers and sees at first hand the many boat owners who are simply careless or do not make the effort to ensure that their craft and safety gear are serviceable.

“This results in help calls to the RVSRG for flat batteries, out of fuel or oil and electrical problems that could have been avoided if owners took the time to properly prepare their boats and make regular checks that all is in working order,” he said.

“If necessary, it’s worth the cost to get servicing carried out by qualified tradesmen with the knowledge, right equipment and parts to do the job properly.

“A little extra effort and attention is worth it for peace of mind and safety on the water. Engines need servicing, while fuel lines, tanks, propellers, instruments, wiring and steering should be checked. And do not use stale petrol with boat engines.

“Running out of fuel should never occur if boaties think carefully about their outing, the approximate distance involved, number of people aboard, likely weather and sea conditions. The golden rule for fuel is to allow one-third for the outward journey, one-third for the trip back and have a third in reserve.”

Mr Slowley advised having boat trailers serviced with the brakes (if fitted), hitch, springs and tyres checked, wheel bearings regreased and lights tested.

He urged boat skippers to use their marine radios and log on to the RVSRG (call sign VN6KC) when departing local boat ramps and moorings. It cost nothing to log on/off and skippers doing so automatically went into a monthly draw to win a $50 Bunnings voucher.

“If we have your details, then help in an incident or emergency can be organised quickly by two-way radio and potential danger minimised. Simply give us your RVSRG call sign or boat registration number, the departure point, number of people aboard, amount of fuel carried, destination and estimated time of return. And don’t forget to log off when you return,” he added.

ENDS

Graham Crabbe
2nd Vice-President and PRO
RVSRG

Visit Rockingham Volunteer Sea Rescue Group today

With Thanks

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