Mega Marine have recently developed a Safety Handbook which gives you lots of useful tips and information about staying safe on the water.

Some of what is included in the book:

• Minimum Safety Requirements
• Safety Equipment
• Basic first Aid and CPR
• VHF Marine Channels
• Buoyage System
• Anchoring
• Tide Charts for Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Water

If you would like more information or your very own copy please call us and we will happily send one out to you.

The minimum safety equipment requirements vary under the Marine Safety Act depending on the class of vessel being operated.
The table overleaf shows the minimum safety equipment that must be carried on board each class of vessel. This equipment is for your own safety and the safety of others on the water.
As these are minimum requirements only, you should make a safety assessment of your vessel operations and determine whether more equipment is required to take reasonable care of your own and others’ safety. Thinking beyond the basics will also give you a better boating experience. There are multiple things a sensible master will want to have aboard to enhance safety, confidence and enjoyment. Although not prescribed under Victorian law, they may be easily acquired and at reasonable cost. For example, it is recommended that you carry a first-aid kit, adequate drinking water and a basic tool-kit on board.

Would you like to check how busy a certain boat ramp is or what the weather conditions and surrounding views are like on the day you are heading out on the water, then we have found two websites where you can access these images and webcam footage.

1. Travel Victoria- www.travelvictoria.com.au
Link to TravelVictoria

2. VR Fish- www.vrfish.com.au
Link to VRFish

Preparation is the key to ensuring that your voyage runs smoothly. This section contains important information provided to help keep you, your crew and others safe on the water.

Before you go out on the water, always check the weather using a marine weather forecast. Land and general forecasts do not take into account wind speed over water, which is double that over land.

Visit BOM’s Marine weather and ocean service for the latest weather charts, satellite and radar images as well as warnings and forecasts for the next four days. This site also provides links to tidal information, sunset and sunrise times as well as full schedules for all radio and phone services.

Link to BOM
Link to WillyWeather

It is vitally important to be aware of the current weather conditions in the area you plan to boat in, and also how conditions will develop over the course of your trip – and a bit longer, just in case.

There are five things to take note of in terms of weather and tides when planning your boating trip:

1.Are warnings current for your boating area?
2.Are there weather conditions affecting safe navigation and comfort?
3.What are the wind trends?
4.What are the wave conditions?
5.When is the next high and low tide?"