8/13/2019 130927 Ifr Marks Start of 2013 Boating Season

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Media Release27 September 2013

INTERNATIONAL FLEET REVIEW MARKS START OF2013 BOATING SEASON

The 2013 boating season will start with a bang on Sydney Harbour this October longweekend, coinciding with the Royal Australian Navys International Fleet Review.

Responsible and safe behaviour is the message were driving home this boatingseason, starting with those skippers taking to the water next weekend for the biggestevent on the harbour weve seen in 100 years,General Manager of Transport forNSWs Maritime Management Centre, Howard Glenn, said.

On Thursday October 3, 16 tall ships from around the world will sail into SydneyHarbour, followed by 37 Australian and international warships the next day.

More than 1.7 million visitors are expected throughout the week, with 1.4 million peoplelikely to turn out on the long weekend,Mr Glenn said.

Our waterways will be buzzing with activity, so its extremely important skippers keep aproper lookout and take special care where higher speed and larger vessels areoperating.

Howard Glenn said now is also the time for boaters to check all their equipment to makesure it is in working order.

For many boaters, the long weekend will be the first time in months theyve hit thewater so it is vital safety gear is still on board and still works in the way it should, MrGlenn said.

Accidents can happen so you need to plan and prepare ahead of your trip.

Skippers should also ensure everyone on board is either wearing or has appropriatelifejackets in the right sizes within reach, Mr Glennsaid.

If youre in a small boat (under 4.8 metres long), you must wear a lifejacket at night,when off-shore, or when youre alone. This will be especially important to rememberwhile watching the Fleet Review.

Alarmingly, over the past decade, nine out of every 10 people whohave drowned while

boating in NSW, were not wearing a lifejacket and typically they were in a small vessel,Mr Glenn said.

8/13/2019 130927 Ifr Marks Start of 2013 Boating Season

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Media contact: (02) 8202 3760

There is a common misconception out there that lifejackets are too bulky and stop yourenjoyment on the water.

This is absolutely not true. The new generation lifejackets on the market are affordable,comfortable and available in different styles to suit the individual and the activity,Mr

Glenn said.

Lifejacket laws changed in 2010 and there is now zerotolerance for boaters notobserving lifejacket laws.

Just like sunscreen in summer, boaters need to understand lifejackets save lives,MrGlenn said.

I implore people everywhere to act responsibly this boating season and get in the habitof putting on a lifejacket each time youre on the water, especially in small boats. Itmight just save your life.

TOP BOATING TIPS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL FLEET REVIEW

On Thursday 3 October, skippers need to ensure they navigate no closer than 50metres from the bow, sides and stern of the tall ships as they enter SydneyHarbour from 11am to 2pm.

On Friday 4 October, skippers need to ensure they navigate no closer than 200metres ahead and 60 metres from the sides or stern of each warship when thefleet enters Sydney Harbour from 6am to 6pm.

On Saturday 5 October exclusion zones will be operating from Bradleys Head inthe east to Cockatoo Island in the west and marked by buoys from 10.30am to2.30pm for the Governor Generals official fleet review ceremony and then from6.30pm to 9pm for the fireworks and light show.

Skippers need to ensure they travel at no more than six knots in the event area -equivalent to a fast jog.

All boaters should have a lifejacket in the right size within reach, depending onrequirements - even better, put it on.

Roads and Maritime Services will have more than 30 boating safety officers andpatrol boats out on Sydney Harbour for the week of events, escorting officialvessels and reminding skippers of safety arrangements.