MAST ramps up summer boating safety

MAST is urging all Tasmanian boaters and watercraft users to observe boat ramp etiquette and safety rules ahead of upcoming long weekends between now and Easter.

The organisation also wants all boat and watercraft users to observe the simple, but extremely important, safety rules.

During the summer months the queues at boat ramps across the state can be quite long, and MAST CEO Lia Morris said the organisation has received several complaints from across the state about poor ramp etiquette.

“We know the upcoming busy long weekends will see an explosion of boat ramp use across the state,” Ms Morris said. There are a number of boat ramp tips to follow to ensure good ramp etiquette:

• Prepare your boat well away from the ramp: load all your gear, remove tiedown straps, ensure outboard motor locks are off, auxiliary motor up, and bung in

• On a double ramp, use one side only

• Ensure your safety gear is handy

• Be patient – not all boaters have the same level of experience.

Ms Morris said all boaters and PWC users need to observe the 5-knot rules around boat ramps, beaches and