Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) work year-round to help boaties better enjoy their time on the water. Here are some updates from the Apple Isle.
Summer Boating
With a mixed summer weather-wise drawing to a close, let’s hope Autumn will deliver that terrific calm, settled Tassie boating weather for us all to enjoy.
Ramps all around the coast have been really busy, but please be patient if someone does not have the same level of experience as you.
MAST staff have dropped off hundreds of safety packs under windscreens around the state and will continue this throughout the year.
New Projects
A number of infrastructure projects are undergoing approval or are almost ready to start.
MAST has just confirmed funding for a new Navigation Aid at Conningham, which will help the locals and those going towards Snug and even Margate.
The approval process has now been completed for the new extended walkway at Bicheno in the Gulch.
This will commence in Autumn and will really help that part of the east coast.
A new ramp at Yellow Sandbanks on the Swan River has also been approved and work will begin shortly.
The planning process will commence for a walkway at Huntsman Lake in the north west and the lower landing at the Southport jetty will be extended to help loading and unloading from tenders and runabouts there. Work is also programmed for Burns Bay, Weymouth, Nubeena and Dover in coming months.
Construction of the new public jetty at Cygnet is also going well, with piling nearly completed. Crossheads and decking should be completed by the end of March.
Mooring Audits
MAST has just concluded a mooring audit on the Tamar River. Further audits on the east and south east are scheduled over coming months. If you have a mooring, please ensure the mooring number is legible and above the waterline and the mooring is clean, with little growth. This makes it so much easier for staff. It is legislated that your mooring must be clearly identified. A lot of time is taken up on audits trying to find a number on the buoy after scratching off weed and barnacles. Please keep your mooring clean and weed free!
Fatalities
One fatality is one too many. Since the compulsory wearing of life jackets for recreational boats 21 years ago in January 2021, there have been 58 fatalities. This compares with 146 from 1978 to December 2000. Tasmanians are now taking their boating safety more seriously which is good to see. Thoughts go out to all those who have lost loved ones in a boating accident. We all need to take care of one another and ensure we enjoy our boating and come back to our family and friends after a day on the water.
Fuel
There have been a number of reports of people running out of fuel over summer. Remember to check the fuel levels before you leave for the day. Try and get into the routine of topping up after you have been out. That way you are ready for the next trip. Remember the thirds rule – a third to get to your destination, a third to get back and a third for emergencies!
Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) is a statutory authority that was established on 30 July 1997 to ensure the safe operation of vessels, provide and manage marine facilities and manage environmental issues relating to vessels. For more information about their work visit https://mast.tas.gov.au/
