Call for boats to log on

The Central Coast Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol is calling on local recreational boat owners to "log-on" with a marine radio when planning a boating trip, following a number of rescues in and around the Peninsula over the last two months.

"As we approach the boating season and the weather warms up ,more people will be using their boats," public relations officer Mr Ron Cole said.

"Only a small percentage of recreational boaters log-on when they go out boating.

"The ones that don't log-on are invariably the ones that the marine rescue volunteers have to assist.

"Often we get calls from wives or partners concerned that a loved one has not returned on time.

"The folks at home know they went out in the boat, but they often don't have details of the boat or where the fishing spot is.

"Trying to find a missing vessel is a difficult task, especially if the last known position was the launch ramp or mooring."

Mr Cole said as a result of boat owners failing to log-in, the search area for the coastal patrol becomes 144 sq nautical miles, plus increased allowances for the time elapsed and weather conditions.

"If we can encourage more boats to log-on for the safety of all on board, then we have a better chance of providing help in an emergency or even just communicating with them and providing peace of mind to those anxiously awaiting their return," Mr Cole said.

"The majority of recreational boats are fitted with a marine radio, especially those boats that operate offshore."

Mr Cole said NSW Maritime regulations required that vessels operating more than two nautical miles offshore be fitted with a marine radio.

"It is a good practice to keep the radio on listening watch at all times.

"That way you will hear any safety messages from shore stations or any call for help from vessels in your vicinity," Mr Cole said.

Press release, 4 Sep 2008 Ron Cole, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol