Operation Tow Safe in the Illawarra waterways

Operation Tow Safe
 
NSW Maritime will be on the look out for unsafe towing practices from boats in the waters around Wollongong on the weekend of 14-15 March 2009.

South Coast regional manager Craig Whitmore said towing activities including waterskiing, aquaplaning and wakeboarding would be targeted during the weekend campaign.
 
“Towing activities are always popular in the Illawarra and we want to make sure all skippers are doing the right thing,” Mr Whitmore said.

“We’re urging skippers to make sure there’s an observer on board assisting the licensed skipper and keeping watch the entire time any towing activities are taking place.
 
“Observers must be at least 16 years old or be the holder of a young adult boat licence and both the skipper and observer must be under the 0.05 blood alcohol limit.
 
“Anyone being towed, whether it’s in a tube, on skis or on a wakeboard, should also wear a lifejacket and your vessel must be registered and display a capacity plate.
 
“Towboats and towlines need to keep 30m from other vessels and the shore, 60m from other people in the water, and 300m from bridges and overhead structures.
 
“Remember that no more than three people can be towed at once, and you mustn’t ski before sunrise or after sunset.
 
“The wash waves produced by towing can also be a hazard to other vessels and the foreshore, so ensure you keep to a safe speed and minimise wash.”