Boating Safety

Here’s a few pointers on some things to think about when buying a boat, particularly at one of the many boat shows held throughout Australia each year. Have a clear plan on what you want to do with your new boat and what it has to do. Get permission from your partner or bring them to the show. They may …

“MBC and its partner agencies are committed to protecting Australia’s natural wildlife and resources. “However, the Australian public is also a valuable partner in helping MBC to identify maritime threats, so if you do encounter a ghost net I would urge you to report it to Border Watch on 1800 009 623.” More information on how Australia is working to …

AN anchor serves an important purpose on a boat. When people want to stop their boat to go fishing the anchor is lowered so they can stay on one spot. For generations, anchors were manually released and taken in. This is hard work and can be a challenge, especially with a heavy boat and strong tides. A winch makes it easier …

Marine radios on the other hand are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment, able to hear all communications from all other vessels in range and can be used to contact another vessel without knowing its phone number.  Limited coast stations also broadcast weather updates and navigation hazards on marine radio.  It is advisable to monitor the emergency channel on …

Some of these basic systems simply consist of a spool and crank while more sophisticated versions feature gear assemblies that are powered by internal drives. In terms of drum anchor winches there are many different applications and uses, all adding ease and safety for boaters. Smooth sailing At sea, boat anchor winches can be used to alleviate the work of hauling …

In the distance I could see a small flock of birds diving into the water, so I slowly trolled north towards them. The Garmin sounder turned red and just as we drove over a large school of bait, two of the reels started screaming. I love the way that when a Shimano Tiagra goes off, the sound vibrates through the …

On March 26, 2016, two Vietnamese vessels were sighted by Queensland Police within 23 miles of the Australian mainland, near Lockhart River, Queensland. The Australian Border Force and Australian Fisheries Management Authority then apprehended the vessels and discovered fishing gear and about 8.7 tonnes of bêche-de-mer. The two masters and one crew member of the Vietnamese fishing vessels were convicted …

THOUSANDS of people will take to the water over the Easter long weekend, prompting a reminder to all fishers to check the rules and fish responsibly. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol manager Ian Fricke said hefty fines apply for  those who don’t follow the rules and regulations for fishing in Queensland. “Different rules apply to fishing in tidal waters, fresh waters, marine …

AS hundreds of boat users prepare to set sail with their families this Easter, BCF has launched an initiative to remind people that wearing a personal flotation device could save lives. With research from a National Marine Safety Committee study revealing that people who survived a boating incident were more than twice as likely to have been wearing a PFD …

A NEW speed gun will enable Redland Bay Water Police to enforce the 6-knot speed limit in designated areas from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. The Pro Laser handheld speed-detection device is intended to be used to combat speeding offences in response to a small percentage of boaties not doing the right thing in gazetted speed zones such as the …