Infrastructure
Apex Point Boat Ramp – prior to upcoming walkway upgrade
Some exciting projects commencing during spring will be an extension to the walkway at Apex Point, Nubeena, Stage 2 of the Dover project (second ramp and jetty upgrade) and improvements at Burns Bay to the concrete approach. All these facilities are heavily used all year and we ask users of these facilities to be a little patient whilst the works are being undertaken. Remember the old saying, no pain no gain!
Safety Gear
Following the opening of the trout season a few weeks ago, MAST has seen a number of the older styled life jackets on boats (PFD 1, 2 or 3). Ten years ago, MAST started educating boat owners that by January 2021 everyone had to have the newer standard life jackets which met Australian Standard 4758. Please inspect your life jackets prior to going out again to ensure you have the correct standard. An easy way to check if they are compliant is to see if they are labelled either level 50, level 100, level 150 etc. The key word is level.
MAST is currently considering introducing Electronic Visual Distress Signals (EVDS) for use in recreational vessels. These are an alternative to traditional pyrotechnic flares and are manufactured to a US standard. They are not simply a dolphin torch!
An EVDS may be suitable in sheltered waters as an alternative to the 2 x orange flares and 2 x red handheld flares, provided a GPS-enabled EPIRB is carried, together with a VHF radio. Offshore would be the same, but the carriage of 2 x parachute/rocket flares would still be required. The introduction of EVDS is subject to legislative change.
MAST will keep boat owners advised as this initiative unfolds, as only products approved by MAST would be accepted.
AGFEST
Another successful marine precinct was held at AGFEST. It was great to meet so many boaters from around the state. The majority of queries received by MAST were in relation to life jackets and carriage of safety gear.
Dealers have reported good trade and the feedback received this year is that they will all be attending again in 2023. Preparations for next year have already started as AGFEST will revert to the usual dates in May. MAST will again sponsor the marine industry as this is the closest Tassie gets to an annual boat show where dealers, MAST and Fisheries Tasmania all come together for a public event.
Interested in PWC?
MAST has issued the first PWC e-newsletter. This newsletter is specific to PWC and MAST hopes to publish these twice a year. You can subscribe to receive further issues by registering below.
Deckee
There are now more than 45,000 downloads of the Deckee app in Tasmania. New features are being developed on a regular basis and sharing your location is the latest addition. Most of us will tell someone where and when we are heading out on the water, but we’ve never had an easy way to share this information. With Deckee Signal, it’s easy to share your live location with specific contacts like your friends or family, or even other members of the Deckee community.
If you are a member of a group such as a cruising or fishing club, rescue organisation or boat hire business, you now have an easy way to check in on the location of your fellow boaters. This is an amazing app and it is now being used in the USA.
Boatsafe Partners
Now is the time to start thinking about getting your boat ready for the spring/summer season if you have had it packed away for winter like many of us have. Engine servicing, cleaning the boat, checking steering, safety gear and fishing gear are all things to be considered.
Our Boatsafe Partners are waiting to look after you and to give some great advice. For a full list of our Boatsafe Partners and to locate one close to you, please follow the link below. Support local businesses employing local people. Give online shopping for boat gear a miss and get solid local advice for the type of boating you do.
