Keep Your Eye on the Ball
About the Campaign
Former Australian Test cricketer Matthew Hayden shakes his head as he remembers the now infamous incident a few years ago when his boat capsized and sank while attempting a bar crossing off Brisbane's North Stradbroke Island.
It took Matthew, fellow cricketer Andrew Symonds and friend Trent Butler an hour to reach the shore, battling currents, shock and exhaustion.
Matthew is keen to talk about the lessons learnt from this incident as spokesperson for the National Marine Safety Committee's "Skipper Keep Your Eye on the Ball" campaign.
"Even though it was slightly embrassing that we flipped over while crossing a bar, it is absolute gold in terms of lessons learnt for me," he said.
"This campaign is about understanding the importance of staying focused on concentrating at all times because out on the water, it only takes a split second for things to change and you can then find yourself in real trouble."
NMSC CEO Margie O'Tarpey explained the "keep your eye on the ball" message still needs to be reinforced to recreational boaters.
"Recreational vessels have been involved in the majority of all marine incidents over the last 5 years and recreational motorboats were the most common vessel type involved in fatalities and in serious injuries."
Ms O'Tarpey thanked Matthew for being a great role model for boaters and for donating his time to be the campaign spokesperson.
The public awareness campaign will run from December 2009 - February and features magazine and web advertising, television community service announcements, and a public relations campaign.
Download Campaign Materials
You're the Skipper You're Responsible
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Keeping a look out for other boats and hazards is just one part of being a responsible skipper.
Everybody on board is depending on you, as the skipper, to keep them safe, especially children and people who don't have a lot of boat experience. It's not just a moral obligation, it's the law.
Don't allow more passengers on board than the boat can safely carry. Your boat's Australian Builder Plate can help you work out how many you can safely carry and remember to take account of the weight of eskies and other heavy gear when figuring out the total load in the boat. |
Make sure your passengers don't do dangerous things like standing up in a little boat or sitting with their legs over the bow and ensure they wear a PFD at times of heightened risk and in accordance with regulations.
Check that you have all the necessary safety gear on board before setting out and make sure that boat's in good working order.
Keep to a safe speed and always think about the safety of everybody on board, not just yourself. You may think you can handle the risk, but can they?
Matthew Hayden |
Keep Your Eye on the Ball - Trip Preparation
As the old scout motto goes, the key to safe boating is to "be prepared". This check list may come in handy next time you are, planning your boating trip.
- Check sea conditions and weather information and adjust your plans accordingly
- Inform people ashore of the time you expect to arrive at your destination or return home
- Check your boats' functioning before you go out on the water
- Make sure you have sufficient water and fuel
- Make sure that your boat is not overloaded
- Ensure you know what to expect on the waterway that you're using. If in doubt, get information from locals or your local marine agency
- Check that you have all the required safety equipment on board, that it is in good condition and easily accessible. Check that PFDs of a suitable type and size are available for all on board.
- Identify passengers with special needs, such as those unable to swim or those suffering from medical conditions
- Inform all on board about the course of action in case of an emergency
- Don't drink and drive - waves, wind and weather multiply the effects of alcohol
Matthew Hayden highlights two important issues in relation to trip preparation.
Always check your engine before you head out.
Matthew - Firstly you have a beautiful piece of equipment on the back of your boat and you are in a corrosive solution - salt water. So there are a number of issues that come with the management of that. That includes making sure that your filter is nice and clean, well serviced. It is important that you ensure that your fuel is good quality and that the filters are replaced regularly.
Always check your batteries before you head out.
Matthew - How many times do we have batteries and leave them for 5-6 years and we don't top them up? The issue with this is that one day when you are out boating, you could have a bit of extra workload on them. No turnover, bang, you are in a situation where you are disabled. Imagine the worst happening and your thought that if only you checked your batteries it could have saved a life. |
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NMSC National Incident Database Statistics
Statistics at a Glance
During 2008, there were 1312 marine incidents resulting in 34 fatalities and 465 injuries including 139 serious injuries.
Recreational vessels were involved in 61% of all incidents while commercial vessels were involved in 35% of incidents. Unknown and foreign vessels were involved in 4% of all marine incidents in 2008.
Of the 1312 reported marine incidents:
- 31% occured in Summer, 29% in Autumn, 20% in Winter and 20% in Spring.
- 42% of incidents took place between 12 noon to 6pm and 31% occured between 6pm-12 midnight.
- A collision of vessels made up 22% of all incidents, followed by uninternal groundings, which made up 15% of all incidents.
Of the 34 fatalities:
- 78% involved recreational vessels only.
- Majority occured in clear weather conditions (68%).
- Approximately 47% were a result of collision of a vessel or a boat capsizing.
- Most were males (76%)
- 71% involved either human or environmental factors.
What Types of Boating Incidents Are Occuring?
- As in previous years, collisions continue to be prevalent, with 37% of all incidents being collisions of some form.
- Unintentional groundings form the second largest category, making up 15% of all incident types.
- Incidents whee people are likely to end up in the water are also significant, constituting 20% of all incidents reported.
What Types of Factors Are Involved in Boating Incidents?
- An error in judgement made up of the largest category, which contributed to the occurrences of 15% of all reported incidents.
- This was followed by the wind/sea state and other human factor, being responsible for the occurence of 14% and 7% of all incidents.
For more on marine incidents statistics, click here
For further information on regulations in your area, contact your local marine authority
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Department of Transport - WA
Marine and Safety Tasmania
Marine Safety Victoria
Maritime Safety Queensland
Department of Planning and Infrastructure - NT
NSW Maritime
Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure - SA
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