What's the nature of your enquiry?

Boat Security

If you are a boat owner, it’s important that you take the security of your boat as seriously as you would the security of your home. Boats are more at risk than homes since a thief can just tow your boat away. There are several things that can be done to reduce the risk of vessel theft.

• Security devices installed on boats should be resistant to water, salt and humidity.
• Locks - Marine dealers carry special exterior hatch locks. When fastened with a quality padlock, one of these improves security.
• Windows - To enhance window security, locksmiths carry a variety of special, small locks and fasteners, which can be used to increase the security of other types of windows. For sliding windows, place a length of doweling in the track to prevent the window from being forced open.
• If your boat is kept in the water, use a marina with full time security and/or good lighting.
• If you are leaving your boat for long periods of time, ensure that someone else is able to check your boat on a regular basis.

Trailer Security

• Boat and trailer are the most frequent targets of marine theft.
• Stealing a boat is much easier if a thieve can hitch up to your boat
  and trailer and drive away.
• Store trailer in a locked garage, secured boat storage facility or
  mini‑storage stall.
• If the trailer is stored at home, put it in the back or side yard out of sight.
• Store it with the trailer tongue not easily accessible.
• If storing in an open driveway or car port, park another vehicle or other large object in front of the trailer. Consider removing one trailer wheel.
• Secure the trailer to an anchored object with a good quality chain
  and lock.
• Purchase a good quality trailer hitch lock and use it – even if stored inside.

• Consider installing security and/or sensor lighting between your property and the water.
• Keep trees & shrubs trimmed to reduce concealment opportunities and increase visibility of the waterfront from the property.
• Create a visual barrier between your property and the water to identify where your private property starts.
• Ensure a physical barrier such as a gate and padlock is erected at the beginning of your mooring, to prevent thieves gaining access to your boat, and it will also restrict those wanting to leave your home via the water.
• Consider some type of identification marker, so you can establish from the water the identity of your property. For example the name of you home may be constructed as a sign on your waterfront property entry point.

• Plan your trip - check equipment, weather and vessel
• Tell somebody where you are planning on boating and when you are expecting to return
• Don't drink and drive - less than .05 for recreational vessel operators aged 18 years and over and a person supervising a child operator of a powered vessel
• Keep a proper lookout at all times
• Be aware of lifejacket requirements and ensure you wear the approved type for your vessel or water activity Children under 12 must wear one at all times on vessels less than 4.8m or when in open areas of vessels less than 8m that are underway
• Only carry as many people as are permitted on your boat - and make sure there are enough appropriately sized life jackets for each person on board
• There are mandatory pieces of safety equipment you need on your vessel - make sure you know what they are and always carry every item
• Adhere to speed limits and other navigational signage
• Wear your lifejacket when boating in poor weather conditions, when crossing a coastal bar, if a squall or storm approaches, or when boating alone away from immediate help
• Know your limitations and the capabilities of your vessel - and stick to them
• Log on and off with Marine Rescue when you head out on the water via your Marine Rescue NSW base on VHF Channel 16 or use the free MarineRescue App
• Operator’s of vessels may be random drug tested
• Boating safety

If you want to rock fish, you should learn how to minimise the risks.

• Always wear a life jacket
• Stay alert to the weather conditions
• Plan an escape route in case you are washed in
• Never turn your back on the ocean
• Wear appropriate non-slip footwear and light clothing
• Do not jump in if someone is washed into the water - call 000 or go and get help
• Never fish alone

Download the Rock Fishing Safety PDF (Also available in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Tongan and Vietnamese)

Get more rock fishing safety tips.