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Safe Boat Handling Procedures for editorials and information about how to operate your vessel in a safe manner.
Vessel Operation Damage.
Vessel operation damage occurs whenever a boat causes damage to the environment through improper handing or irresponsibble use. It occurs when a boat is anchored improperly, operated in shallow water or runs aground in a sensitive area, is operated without regard to the location of aquatic animals, or introduces an aquatic nuisance species to the water. It can damage bottom habitats, injure or kill aquatic animals, and wreak havoc with the environment.
What can you do?
Improperly laid anchors and dragging chains can gouge, abrade and chafe a sensitive living habitat.They can also scar aquatic grass beds which seldom regrow in damaged areas. Use mooring bouys or charts to find appropriate sandy anchoring areas. Make sure your anchor chain does not drag across sensitive habitat. Alert other boaters to safe anchoring areas that you have found. Excessive wake in sensitive areas can cause damage and erosion to shorelines and habitats. Pay attention to No Wash Signs, Speed Signs, Isolated Danger and Special Marks, Aquamark Minibouys and Safe Water Marks. Heed channel markers.
Avoid running aground by knowing your colours:
Brown, Brown, Run Aground
Brown water indicates bottom formations close to the surface and should be avoided.
White, White, You Might
Sand bars and shallow rubble appear white and can be much shallower than they appear.
Green, Green, Nice and Clean
Green water usually indicates areas free of shallow areas. Deep draft boats should still exercise caution.
Blue, Blue Cruise on Through
Deep water areas appear blue. Keep in mind that reefs and rocks can rise abruptly from these areas, so give yourself room to navigate.
These generalisations are helpful, but colours may not be apparenet in extreme cloud cover, extreme sun glare, murky water or glassy seas. Remember, if you do run aground DO NOT try to motor your way out. Paddle small boats out the way you came, or radio, phone for assistance. Have the call sign of the local VMR or their phone number available on your boat. Slow your boat when approaching an aquatic animal. Protected aquatic animals include whales, seals, dolphins, penguins and turtles as well as a variety of water birds. For whales all vessels must stay at least 100 metres from a whale (300m if the whale is with calf) and maintain a slow 'no wash ' speed while within 300 metres.
Be aware of the laws for your state. Do not feed, harass or molest aquatic animals. DO NOT dump unused bait or its packing material into the water - bait is often shipped in from outside local areas. By adhering to these few simple practices you can help proptect our marine environment and our sporting and commercial fisheries. You can also bring yourself and your passengers home In the Clear. Adapted from the Good Mate Recreational Boating & Marina Program - The Ocean Conservancy (USA). Safety by all Means. Government Carbon Footprint Reforms. Back to Boat Safety
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