Legal Requirements- LACK OF.

[Blackened]

G'day
Well, i launched at cabbage tree this morning before dawn and wow, what a magic morning. Breakky at tipplers was awesome aswell. But this is besides the point. I was amased as i was heading through the channels when it's still dark to have boats pass me with no navigation lights!First as we were launching, one zoomed past.... not a light in sight on that one. A few tinny's on the way out to the pin and i think only 1 of the 6 or 7 we passed had proper navigation lights on. Now has there been a law passed recently whereas certain people are exempt under certain conditions that i dont know about? I know the main issue is lack of policeing and i'm aware it happens alot but if it's downright dangerous then what else are these idiots doing with a risk to others?
Dave

[finga64]

Yep it's scary seeing how some people enjoy their boating. Not only dangerous to themselves also dangerous to all the other boaties.
Best one I've seen down that way is a bit of white 40mm PVC tube with a no standing sign on the end being used for a paddle. They also had about 5 bits of rope tied together to get a rope about 6m long so I could tow them.
And as usuall, it will probably be these morons that will stuff it up for the rest of us trying to do the right thing ie ban boating in the dark because some morons without nav. lights prang into each other whilst going flat maggots in the dark.
:'(

[seatime]

A dangerous practice alright, especially on a weekend and with more boats on the water everyday. Some see it as their right to use the waterways as they see fit, others view it as a privilege to be able to get out on the water and they adhere to the safety first principles!
Along with the irresponsible and dangerous acts come more regulations and restrictions so these people can be protected from themselves, unfortunately. regards

[lippa]

had a very close call one night. after river fire we were haeding back to the ramp at pinkenba. doing about 35 k an hour. at the very last minute i spotted a 13 ft glas hos milling in the middle of the river, waiting to get into the ramp (not sure which ramp bout half way betwwen story bridge and stinkanba on south side) screemed at skipper bob LEFTHAND DOWN that 7m heap of 6mm aloy sent a wave of water over the little 13 footer. we stopped and went back to see if they were ok. they were, just very bloody wet. we asked why they didn't have nav lights, and got a torrent of abuse. all i can say is they wre a pack of pissed idiots is a hos. (engine didn't even have a cowl on it). could imagine the miss if didn't sspot 'em in the last minute. that big amm would have sliced right through that boat. with the abuse we got after woulds probably shoulda!

cheers

lippa

[The_Walrus]

With the bream season coming, the passage near Caloundra will be full of those idiots.

It's time the water police did some evening work and booked the crap out of them.

If they think that nav lights are too much trouble, you can bet there won't be too much in the way of safety gear.

Luc

[onerabbit]

Its a shock to see a boat with lights in the Richmond, ok some follow the rules, but the amount of those that dont, its scarey.

So what would happen if I ran some-one over one night???

How many fish the Richmond river at night & have found this, only to see a torch or a cig lighter, just in time???

I dont fish the river a real lot , but I still notice.

Muzz

[markpeta]

I have nearly run into a few boats at 30knots while they have been anchored in the Bribie passage with no lights fishing just seen them in time. Then you get abused from them for coming too close to them work that out :-/.

[StevenM]

See it all the time, will now not go down to the seaway on a moon less night as I have come so close to running over these idiots.

Nothing that we do will ever change them...even fining some will not help.

[drevil]

I have nearly run into a few boats at 30knots while they have been anchored in the Bribie passage with no lights fishing just seen them in time. Then you get abused from them for coming too close to them work that out :-/.

I don't think I would be doing 30 knots in the Bribie Passage at night in any case... it's not real safe. People have died in the past doing just that.

[Poseidon]

Whilst there remains no enforcement of the law then these cowboys will continue to tempt fate.
The only way to encourage safety is to hit people in the back pocket, its the only language some understand.



Regards Cameron.

[MulletMan]

The way to fix it is to write a sensible and professional letter to your local MP.
If you mention that safety is an issue it strengthens the case a lot.
He or she is then required to pass it onto the right authorities and provide you with the results.