Bailers and Bilge Pumps – are you prepared?
Whether you’re in a small tinny or a larger vessel, having the right equipment to remove water is essential for safety. A bailer or bilge pump is mandatory for all boats and now is the time to check that yours is in good working order.
Know your requirements:
Bailers – Suitable for open boats and should be large enough to remove water quickly.
Bilge Pumps – Suitable for open and enclosed vessels to prevent water accumulation. Pumps should be regularly tested to ensure they function when needed.
A sudden change in weather, an unexpected leak, or waves over the side can quickly fill a boat with water. Carrying and maintaining the right equipment can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major emergency.
What is a wreck marker and why you should avoid it
Wreck markers are critical navigational aids that indicate the presence of submerged hazards, such as sunken vessels or underwater structures, that could pose a danger to boaters.
How to Identify a Wreck Marker; A wreck marker is a yellow and blue buoy.
What you should do:
- Keep well clear – Submerged hazards may not be visible and can be extremely dangerous.
- Reduce speed – A collision with an underwater obstruction could cause serious damage.
- Report unmarked hazards – If you encounter a wreck that isn’t marked, notify MAST to help protect other boaters.
Recognising and responding to wreck markers is an essential part of safe boating. Always navigate with caution, especially in unfamiliar waters.
The MAST Portal – your one-stop boating management hub
The MAST Portal is designed to help boaters manage registrations, moorings and licences online. Whether you need to renew your motor boat registration, update mooring details, or change personal information, the Portal provides a streamlined and user-friendly way to access MAST services.
Key Features:
- Online Registration & Renewals – Easily renew your registrations or update ownership details.
- Boat Licence Management – Manage your boat licence and order a plastic licence card online.
- Mooring Management – Check mooring status, make payments, and update contact details.
- Personal Information Updates – Keep your contact details current.
- Subscription Management – Receive updates and notifications tailored to your interests.
- Order Safety Resources – Access essential boating safety materials.
We encourage all boaters to sign up and explore the MAST Portal for a more efficient and convenient boating experience.
Infrastructure Update – key projects underway
MAST plans and delivers statewide infrastructure projects funded by motor boat licences and recreational boat registrations. Some key projects MAST is currently working on with facility owners include:
Geilston Bay Boat Ramp Upgrade — Scheduled to begin in Autumn 2025, this project will extend the ramp and install a floating modular pontoon to improve user access and facilities.
Catamaran Boat Ramp — Planning is well underway to replace the existing pontoon, which is nearing the end of its 18-year service life. The new pontoon will provide improved durability and better protection from southeasterly weather.
Lewisham Boat Ramp – Tenders recently closed for the upgrade and extension of the northern landing stage. MAST expects to appoint a contractor shortly to enable this project to get underway as soon as possible.
Boomer Bay Walkway Extension – A 12m extension is set to begin in Autumn 2025, pending local council and environmental approvals. This upgrade will provide additional layup space for launching and retrieving vessels.
Sisters Beach Boat Ramp – Planning is underway to replace the existing one-deck landing stage with a multi-level concrete walkway. Once approvals are granted, the new structure is expected to be installed in time for next summer’s boating season.
Lake Mackintosh Boat Ramp – Design work for a timber landing stage is now complete. MAST is working closely with Hydro Tasmania and will begin construction as soon as lake levels allow.
