Geoff Thomas: Get clued up to keep safe

Bright colours and a flag make kayakers more visible in the water. Photo / Geoff Thomas

A shiny new boat on a trailer behind a shiny new four-wheel-drive pulled up at the launching ramp, backed down to the water and the driver got out and proceeded to unhitch the trailer from the tow-ball.

When asked what he was doing, the gentleman explained in broken English and hand gesticulations that he was launching his boat - which was still connected to the trailer.

It was pointed out to him that this was not a good idea and the correct procedure was demonstrated.

While this is an extreme example, it does illustrate what can happen when inexperience and boats come together. It is immaterial as to how much money is involved and the rig involved represented more than $400,000. Anybody with a big enough chequebook can start out in boating with a $3 million gin palace if they wish, and there is no legal requirement to learn the basics of boating. But any sensible person will undertake one of the many courses available through Coastguard Boating Education before heading out on to the water. And the skipper of any boat is legally responsible for the safety of the boat and all people on board, and the skipper is also responsible for complying with the relevant rules and regulations. There are penalties and fines for transgressing.

But, just as on the road, there are rules and there are unwritten rules, such as being considerate towards others.

How often have you been fishing down a berley trail and the fish are starting to come on the bite when another boat turns up and throws an anchor right where you are fishing? It does happen and it is more likely to happen over the next few weeks as the "silly season", as it is so aptly named, kicks in and traffic on the water at popular holiday spots increases.

If you want to fish close to another boat because you think they are on the right spot or you see them catching fish, just exercise a little consideration. The water behind the anchored boat is where the fish are. Don't drive through it while looking at your fish finder while trying to decide where to drop your anchor. The other boat was there first and has prior claim to the spot. Most fishermen are happy for visitors to anchor beside them, but without drifting back any further. So the anchor should be dropped well upstream, allowing for wind and tide, and the positioning of the boat can then be adjusted by taking in rope.

The number of kayaks and canoes on the water has exploded as these craft become more popular for sightseeing and for fishing. Some estimates put their number at close to 100,000.

But they can be hard to see on the water, particularly in low light or choppy conditions or when you are heading into the setting sun. The onus is on the power boat to avoid kayaks but, in a collision, the kayaker is like a cyclist taking on a car. The paddlers can help by wearing bright clothes and displaying a flag, and travelling in groups.

Obviously, lifejackets are standard equipment in such craft and going out in a small boat of any type and not wearing a lifejacket is like not wearing a seat belt in your car.

Rules require lifejackets of the correct size for every person on a boat and, in craft of less than 6m, they should be worn unless the skipper decides it is not necessary.

Just as on the road, speed is a major factor. Boat speed should always be adjusted to the conditions. Slow down in poor weather or fog, and a proper lookout should be kept at all times. Nothing beats a pair of eyes scanning the water ahead, no matter how sophisticated the electronics on the dashboard.

Weather forecasts should always be updated and at least two means of communication are important. A marine VHF radio and a cellphone in a waterproof cover are a good start, and an EPIRB is also recommended.

Everybody thinks: "It will never happen to me." But problems do arise and it is up to the skipper to have a plan of action if things go wrong. For example, can somebody else drive the boat if the skipper is incapacitated?

Be careful and considerate on the water these holidays.

BASIC BOATING RULES

* Tell a person ashore where you are going, how many people you have on board and when you expect to return.

* Make a trip report and stay in contact with Maritime Radio or the local Coastguard.

* Avoid alcohol or limit its intake.

* Stay within speed limits - 5 knots (about 9 km/h) within 200m of shore or a boat with a dive flag, and within 50m of a boat or swimmer.

* When two boats meet, one boat has the right of way. Make your intentions clear and try to pass behind the other boat.

* Keep to starboard ("drive on the right") in channels.

* A boat overtaking must keep clear of the boat it is passing.