Instruction offered for marine radio

The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol is offering boat users instruction in operating a marine radio, following an incident near Lion Island on December 27.

Publicity officer Mr Ron Cole said the patrol received a phone call from an anxious mother.

"Her extended family, including four small children, were in Broken Bay just west of Lion Island," Mr Cole said.

"She had received a call by mobile phone from the boat indicating that they could not start the engine on the six-metre cruiser and needed help.

"The Central Coast Lifeboat reached the cruiser and completed the 70-minute tow back to Lions Park at Woy Woy without further incident.

"Once the family were back across the bar at Little Box Head the base phoned the anxious mother to report progress and assure her that her family was safe.

"It was noted that the cruiser had a marine radio fitted but no one on board was able to operate the radio.

"If the skipper's mobile phone had been out of range or had a low battery, the routine assistance could not have been provided."

Mr Cole said volunteers at coastal patrol were willing to assist anyone who needs help to learn how to operate a marine radio.

He said the patrol was also concerned with the lack of safety procedures of several boats crossing the bar at Box Head.

"Over the weekend, the lifeboat crews saw many boats crossing the bar at Box Head," Mr Cole said.

"It is compulsory, and commonsense, to wear a life jacket when crossing the bar.

"Bar crossings are one on the most dangerous activities on the water and a common cause of fatalities on the water.

"It is unthinkable to drive a car without using a seatbelt.

"A lifejacket is the seatbelt of a boat yet, of the many boats seen, only one crew were observed using their lifejackets on the bar.

"It seems the safety message is not getting through."

Press release, 28 Dec 2008 Ron Cole, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol