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- News
  Current news and media releases.
- Publications
  View reports, reviews and strategy documents.
- Contact us
  Send comments, questions or feedback to the Centre for Maritime Safety.
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- Accessibility
  Accessibility of this website.
- Safe System Approach
  To achieve the ultimate goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on NSW waterways.
Lifejackets
- Lifejacket law
  Requirements for carrying and wearing lifejackets vary depending on the type of vessel being used.
- Lifejacket care and service
  In NSW it is a legal requirement that inflatable lifejackets are serviced in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Lifejacket retail partnership
  Partnerships in safety are an essential part of efforts to promote a culture of safer boating in NSW.
Staying safe
- 65 Plus
  Take extra care as you get older. Always wear a lifejacket and be careful getting in and out of dinghies and tenders.
- Alcohol & Drugs
  Stay under the 0.05 limit. Alcohol affects your judgement. Out on the water, the safety of your passengers is in your hands.
- Cold water
  Cold water can be dangerous, be prepared. Plan your trip and always wear a lifejacket.
- Maritime Enhanced Enforcement Program
  Safe and responsible use of the waterways helps ensure enjoyment for all.
- Offshore boating
  Boating offshore can be quite a different experience when compared with a day out on inland waters.
- Paddle safe
  When paddling be bright and be seen.
- Personal watercraft
  Ride safely and responsibly while having fun.
- Proper lookout
  Keep yourself, your passengers and other people on the water safe.
- Speed
  Always drive at a safe speed when boating. Speeding incidents are likely to be serious so slow down to ensure a great day on the water.
- Take care - be prop aware
  Boat propellers pose a risk that can be easily ignored or forgotten because they are under the water, ‘out of sight and out of mind’.
- Towing activities
  Always tow at a safe speed and distance. Keep your boat and anyone being towed well clear of other vessels, shorelines, obstructions and people in the water.
- Trailer boating
  Small runabouts are the most popular type of vessel on our waterways.
- Weather
  Always check the weather while boating.
- Dive safe
  With so many great dive spots in the waters of NSW, it’s no wonder that it’s such a popular sport.
Projects
- NSW Regional Boating Plans
  Eleven Regional Boating Plans identifying priority boating safety, access and storage actions over the next five years.
- NSW Boating Statement
  An annual progress report on the delivery of priority projects and actions.
- Watsons Bay Pilot Station
  The Watsons Bay Pilot Station has been converted into a boating safety education centre.
- NSW Boating Wash and Riverbank Erosion Management
  A pilot project about improving the management of boating in areas that may be subject to significant riverbank erosion issues.
- Boating infrastructure and marine habitats
  A comprehensive study of boating infrastructure and marine habitats in Sydney Harbour.
- Boating Safety Mobile Apps
  The boating public can use mobile apps for many purposes, from safety checklists and local facilities, through to trip preparation and checking the weather.
- Consultations
  Working closely with stakeholders to continually improve safety and achieve better access and infrastructure outcomes for boaters in NSW.
- Wharf Access Policy
  For commercial vessel operators seeking to use the commuter and charter wharves in Sydney Harbour and its tributaries.
- Boating Safety Communications and Education
  A three year strategy for promoting a culture of safe and responsible boating state-wide.
Partners
- Aquatic Champions
  Advocates for promoting safe and environmentally responsible boating and fishing
- Maritime Advisory Council
  Established under the Ports and Maritime Administration Act to advise the Minister for Roads and Freight.
- Marine Estate Management Authority
  A new approach to managing the NSW marine estate.
- Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee
  ARBSC aims to improve recreational boating safety.
- Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group
  ANZSBEG aims to identify national safe boating issues and suggest coordinated solutions.
- International Lifejacket Wear Principles
  A collaboration to promote wearing lifejackets and prevention of death by drowning.
- NSW Maritime Medal
  The NSW Maritime Medal is awarded for outstanding and sustained contributions by individuals or organisations to the boating and maritime community in NSW.
- Maritime Safety Community Grant program
  A grants program for organisations for initiatives supporting the Transport for NSW maritime safety program.
- Australian Maritime Safety Authority
  AMSA is responsible for ensuring the safety of vessels and the seafarers onboard, operating in the Australian domestic commercial industry.
- Recreational Vessels Advisory Group
  Providing advice on recreational boating issues.
Resources
FAQs

Proper lookout

Keep yourself, your passengers and other people on the water safe.

Two divers in the shallow water

Keeping a proper lookout is the best way to avoid collisions with another boat, a hazard or a person in the water. This is a priority issue in the Maritime Safety Plan as lack of proper lookout is a significant contributing factor to fatal incidents and serious injuries on the waterways of NSW. The risk of being involved in an incident increases when not keeping a proper lookout and travelling at high speeds.

Tips to stay safe:

Keep a safe distance at all times from the shore, structures other craft and people in the water
Look out for dive flags and keep your vessel at least 60 metres clear of divers
If keeping a proper lookout gets hard or stressful, slow down and give yourself more time to see what is happening around you
If you have other people on board, get them to help you keep a proper a lookout
Be especially careful when in heavy boating traffic, darkness, poor visibility, near blind corners or when there are lots of people in the water
Follow the rules for safe and responsible boating on NSW waterways with the Boating Handbook.