---

CO-ORDINATOR - MARINE

 

Because of the constant vandalism to, and theft of watercraft moored in the anchorage off the shores of this Watch in the early 1990's, it was decided, in 1996, to include this area as a Zone in our Neighbourhood Watch.

 

Since then, crime on the water has decreased enormously, thanks to the efforts of the Marine Co-ordinator and public support for the project.  Originally, the role of the Marine Co-ordinator was very vague - mainly to act as liaison person between boat-owners and police, and to offer hints for safety and security.

 

In a little over two years, the role developed to such a degree (thanks to public confidence and the successes instigated by the Marine Co-ordinator), that we can now formulate the role of the Marine Co-ordinator as it is practised in Point Halloran Neighbourhood Watch.

 

ROLE OF CO-ORDINATOR - MARINE

• Liaise with Water Police, Volunteer Marine Rescue, Harbours and Marine, Redland Shire Council and any other authorities to facilitate the carrying out of duties.

• Advise boat owners of relevant safety measures.

• Distribute stores and information.

• Arrange for material to be included in the Neighbourhood Watch monthly newsletter.

• Lend property engraving tools to participants.

• Arrange with the Area Co-ordinator for signs to be erected when appropriate.

• Arrange with the Area Co-ordinator for special meetings to take place.

• Nominate another person(s) to assist.

• Maintain a log book of incidents.

• Maintain a register of vessels, registration numbers, names, addresses and phone numbers of owners.  This is a confidential document, and information therein must not be disclosed to the general public, as a matter of security.

• Notify owners if their vessel is in trouble.

• Advise appropriate authorities of injured, sick or endangered marine life.

• Attend Area Meetings and report on any relevant incidents.

 NOTE:

 

It is NOT a duty or responsibility of the Marine Co-ordinator to safeguard or rescue vessels. He will inform the owner and/or appropriate authority of any difficulty. It is then the responsibility of the owner to take whatever action he sees fit.

 

The Marine Co-ordinator, as with other Zone and Block Co-ordinators, bears no responsibility for the safety or security of the property of others.

 

Dell Bonner, Area Co-ordinator

 

BEFORE GOING BOATING……………

 

Points of responsibility of the Master of the vessel:

• Ensure your boat is seaworthy.

• Ensure you have the correct safety equipment for the area you are operating in.

• Ensure you have a "Recreational ShipMasters Certificate" (speed boat licence, if the type of vessel you are operating requires you to be the holder of one.)

• Ensure your vessel is registered, if your vessel is required to be registered.

 Other points to consider:

• Book on with your local Volunteer Marine Rescue group, giving them your itinerary for the day, how many persons on board, and description of your vessel. (If you change the itinerary, let them know, and make sure you also tell them when you return.)

• If you do not book on, let someone at home know where you are going, the details of your trip and description of your vessel.

• Have a marine radio and the knowledge to use it.

• At the boat ramp, make sure your vehicle is locked and all valuables are out of sight.

• Lock your boat trailer to your vehicle.

• Lock away marine radios and other equipment when you have finished boating. Where possible, do not leave equipment on board.

 Do not drink and drive

• The same law applies to vehicles and vessels. Police regularly breath test operating vessels.

• Police also enforce Marine Regulations. There are heavy fines for the following infringements:

• Failure to carry prescribed safety equipment

• Operating unregistered vessel

• Operating a vessel whilst unlicensed

• Water skier failing to wear life jacket

• Operator failing to carry observer or ensure skier wears a life jacket.

Brochures pertaining to marine licences, registration and safe boating can be obtained from the Department of Transport Customer Service Centres.

 

Be aware, and consider other persons using the waterways. Observe the regulations, be considerate of others, and you will have a safe and enjoyable time on the water.

 

---

This page is best viewed using Microsoft Internet Explorer 4 and above in 800 x 600 screen.

This page is voluntarily maintained by Noni.  Website: http://www.nup.info