From left to right: Bob Burchill (RVCP), Jennie Aitken (RVCP), Graham Martin (rear, RVCP), John Boyle (AVCG), Minister Joe Tripodi, Peter Keogh (AVCG), Report author John Price, CEO of NSW Maritime Steve Dunn.

The Government is considering a recommendation from an independent report by John Price to improve the structure of volunteer marine rescue in NSW by integrating the existing volunteer groups into one.

NSW Maritime would work with volunteer marine rescue groups to encourage public participation, integration of services and additional boating education and training. In addition to ongoing annual funding of $1.35 million, NSW Maritime is to provide $3 million in 2009-2010 for creation of a new integrated service.

Comments on the proposed integration are invited, and close on 1 September, 2008.

To view the report and register your support, click here.

Safety Education and Communication

You can help by completing this survey to help NSW Maritime better understand the needs of the boating community to guide allocation of future funding for products and services.

It includes questions on boat usage and ownership, including frequency and type of boating activities undertaken.

There are questions to ascertain the level of safe boating knowledge on things such as vessel lighting and preferred methods of obtaining safety information.

To take the survey click here

NSW Maritime 2007 Forum

In October 2007, the Minister for Ports and Waterways Joe Tripodi convened a forum of more than 100 stakeholders to gather their views on the future of recreational and commercial boating and shipping in NSW.

The forum included fishermen, recreational boaters, local councils, port operators, industrial and commercial peak bodies and waterfront landowners.

Participants were invited to outline how they would measure “success” in the four key areas of safety, infrastructure, environmental protection and prosperity. 

A progress report has been published on the forum and feedback is invited.

To make comment click here

	Cold Weather Boating During winter, NSW Maritime Boating Officers have been out on State waters in force - raising awareness of the risks involved in cold-weather boating. Read more>>

	Sydney International Boat Show Review The majority of government and non-government organisations that support the boating community were all together on one stand for the first time at the 2008 Sydney International Boat Show. Read more>>

	Whale Watching If a whale approaches your vessel, slow down to a ‘no wash’ speed and move away or disengage your vessel’s gears, make no sudden movement and minimise noise. Read more>>