Ocean adventurer joins Boat for Life safety campaign

Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi today announced ocean adventurer Pete Goss has signed up to become a Safety Ambassador for the boating safety education campaign, Boat for Life.
 
Earlier this year, the internationally recognised seafarer sailed his replica wooden fishing lugger Spirit of Mystery on a 12,000 nautical mile journey from Cornwall to Australia to recreate a piece of maritime history.
 
“We are very grateful that Pete Goss has volunteered his time to become a Safety Ambassador and help raise awareness of safe and responsible boating,” Mr Tripodi said. 
 
“Pete Goss is a former British Royal Marine who was awarded the MBE by Queen Elizabeth II and the Legion d’Honneur by the French President.”
 
Mr Tripodi said the Spirit of Mystery voyage was the latest in Mr Goss’s long record of seafaring adventures, including six transatlantic and two round-the-world races.
 
“Pete earned the respect of the international maritime community during the 1996-97 Vendee Globe solo round-the-world race when he staged a dramatic mid-ocean rescue of a fellow competitor whose yacht was sinking.
 
“His reputation and experience built over many years will help the Boat for Life campaign reach out to the boating community with essential safety messages for offshore boating,” Mr Tripodi said.
 
Pete Goss joins the NSW sportsman and boating media identity Andrew Ettingshausen as a Boat for Life Safety Ambassador. 
 
Mr Tripodi said the campaign is based online at boatforlife.com.au and has NSW Maritime and the Boating Industry Association of NSW as safety partners.
 
The boatforlife.com.au site features Pete Goss’ safety advice on:

• Safety Checks – equipment including 406MHz EPIRBs;
• Going Offshore – route planning; check the weather;
• Boating Emergency – distress signals, lifejackets.

The site includes safety advice in video and text, photographs, an online safety poll, a post-a-question page, and a photo & video competition with boating gear as prizes.
 
“NSW Maritime and the BIA are collaborating on spreading the Boat for Life message to the boating community and more Safety Ambassadors will be announced soon,” Mr Tripodi said.
 
To visit the site, go to www.boatforlife.com.au.