Boat Licence Reminder
As the boating season continues, it’s essential to ensure your boat licence is up-to-date. All Tasmanian motorboat boat licences expired on 30 June 2024. If you haven’t renewed your licence yet, now is the time to take action. Tasmanian motorboat licences are on a tri-annual renewal cycle. If your licence is not renewed within 12 months of expiry, it is automatically cancelled.
Check your boat licence status via the MAST Portal and ensure you’re ready for the next adventure on the water.
Anchoring – Safely Securing Your Vessel
Anchoring is an essential skill that ensures your vessel remains securely positioned, particularly in challenging conditions. Proper anchoring prevents your boat from drifting, running aground or being swept away by currents.
When anchoring, it’s important to use an anchor, chain, or line (or a combination of all three) that is strong enough to hold your vessel securely. Additionally, always ensure the chain or line is securely fastened to the anchor and your vessel.
Key anchoring tips :
- Select an anchor, chain, or line that matches your vessel’s size, water depth and location conditions.
- Lower the anchor gently. Dropping it forcefully can cause tangling and reduce effectiveness.
- In calm conditions, the anchor line should be at least three times the water depth. In moderate to rough seas, increase this to five times the depth and in extreme conditions, extend it further to seven times the depth.
- Regularly check for dragging by observing rope tension and your vessel’s position.
- Avoid anchoring from midship – always drop anchor from the bow to prevent the risk of swamping.
By following these best practices, you can anchor safely and confidently in various conditions.
School Boating Safety Program – Celebrating 25 Years of Educating Students
In 2001, MAST introduced the Be Boat Safe Teacher Resource Kit, developed in collaboration with Kidsafe Tasmania and the Department of Education. This initiative formally launched the School Boating Safety Program, though MAST had already begun promoting boat safety in classrooms as early as 2000.
Since then, the program has expanded significantly, reaching thousands of students each year. MAST continues its strong partnership with the Department for Education, Children and Young People, with approximately 13,000 students participating annually in the Swimming and Water Safety Program. Through this initiative, students learn the importance of wearing lifejackets and practice essential boating skills in small dinghies within the safety of a school pool. Beyond pool-based activities, MAST’s Recreational Boating Safety Officers travel statewide, delivering hands-on safety education in schools.
In 2024, MAST visited 97 schools delivering boating education to students from primary school to high school and college.
As we celebrate 25 years of this important program, MAST remains committed to fostering a strong culture of boating safety among young Tasmanians, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to stay safe on the water.
Filming Update
MAST has been filming on the River Tamar to create new educational content promoting safe boating practices. These videos will cover essential topics such as navigation, emergency procedures and correctly using safety equipment.
Why are MAST making these videos?
they are aiming to provide all boaters with clear, up-to-date and easily accessible information. Whether you’re an experienced skipper or new to boating, these videos are designed to enhance your knowledge, boost your confidence and ensure a safer experience on the water.
Boating Infrastructure Improvements
MAST continues to enhance boating infrastructure across Tasmania, with several key projects currently underway.
Geilston Bay Boat Ramp Upgrade – Work is underway to lengthen the boat ramp and install a new pontoon. Ramp construction is scheduled to begin on Monday, 24 March 2025 requiring the full closure of the facility for up to two weeks. MAST thanks everyone for their patience while this important work is undertaken.
Low Head – On behalf of George Town Council, MAST recently performed maintenance on the boat ramp pontoon. This work included the replacement of several connecting Y-bones and a damaged handrail, as well as a complete underwater inspection. MAST understands that the Council is progressing with repairs to the large boat pontoon adjacent to the boat ramp, which has been closed for several months.
Dunalley Jetty – The final stage of a three-phase upgrade has been completed, including the installation of protective membranes around the timber piles to extend their durability.
Meredith Street Boat Ramp – A section of bitumen at the approach to the boat ramp is being removed and replaced with a new concrete apron. The work is scheduled to be completed by 24 March 2025.
Lake Mackintosh Boat Ramp – MAST has submitted a Development Application to the West Coast Council for a new timber landing stage along the left-hand side of the main boat ramp. This design follows similar installations at Thureau Hills (Lake Burbury) and Huntsman Lake (Meander Dam). Pending approval, construction is expected to begin in Spring.
These projects aim to provide all recreational boaters with better access and safer facilities.
