Flare Disposal
When your flares expire, it is important to dispose of them properly. MAST have received reports of fires caused by flares at some landfill sites where they were included in household rubbish. You mustn’t throw them in the general rubbish. Instead, you can find drop-off points for flares at many council waste transfer sites around the state by visiting the MAST website. Please do not take them to volunteer rescue organisations.
If you choose to keep an old set of flares on board, it is recommended that you store them in a separate container from the in-date flares. Alternatively, you may want to consider switching to an Electronic Visual Distress Signal (EVDS) when your handheld flares expire. These are an excellent option in place of flares and are available from the Boatsafe Partners.
MAST Podcasts
The second episode of the MAST podcast is now available. The MAST team will release new episodes every two weeks, covering a range of interesting topics with MAST staff and guests. MAST will explore the reason life jackets are mandatory for boats that are six metres and under, MAST’s infrastructure development over the past 25 years, cruising tips and much more.
Cruising Moorings
All of the MAST cruising moorings have been fully serviced and are now ready for use for the next 12 months. MAST have recently installed a new cruising mooring at Adventure Bay and will be laying another one shortly at the Coal Bins in Recherche Bay. For a complete list of all the mooring locations and the rules associated with them, please visit the MAST website.
Private Facilities
There are private boating facilities available throughout the state that offer great value to the boating community. Many yacht clubs have marinas that offer visitor berths that can be hired throughout the year. The Prince of Wales Bay Marina has recently expanded its facilities, and there are plans for further development of dry boat storage. The Margate Marina, located south of Hobart, has also undergone recent upgrades, including improved launching ramp and fuel and pump-out facilities. For more information, please visit the respective websites.
Additionally, the MAST cruising page provides information on other private facilities offered by various clubs around the state.
MAST Public Pontoon – Sullivans Cove
This facility has welcomed boats from all over the globe, as well as from most Australian states and Tasmania, during the summer season. It is always a pleasure to interact with the people on board and hear their amazing stories. You can learn a great deal from people who cruise extensively. It is worth having a walk down to the waterfront sometime when boats are alongside.
The location of the facility is very convenient, being near the city, restaurants, bars and ship supply stores. Many boats call in for repairs and it is great to see the local marine-related industries coming together to help these vessels when they need it.
Facility Upgrades
MAST is set to begin construction on the new launching ramp at Little Pine in the Central Highlands very soon. This project has been in the works for years, so it’s great news that work can now finally proceed on this popular waterway.
Additionally, work is currently underway on the Penguin low tide launching ramp. A new toe is being placed on the ramp which will aid in launching during low to mid-range tides.
Rowing Checks
MAST conducted early morning rowing checks on the River Tamar and River Derwent this week. The lighting and safety gear carriage was fantastic and has improved significantly in the last couple of years. MAST staff would like to thank all the coaches and rowers they have interacted with this week.
MAST will be out again next week in the south and look forward to seeing some of you on the water again.
