Ramp Rage

[harlequin]

hi im in country sth oz we dont have the congestion you poor buggers suffer only snapper comps and most locals stay away, but as i fish alone sometimes how do you go about retreiving your boat ? at the moment i would pull up to the ramp tie off run up to car and back down but if there was a line and some peole were init after i jumped out the boat to get hte car what then you got a boat tied to ramp a car or two backed down to your boat you cnat get to it and no one goes nowhere? or am i reading the process wrong

[Eagle]

After reading all the above posts, I'm so thankful that we live in wonderful, calm Yeppoon. There are two major ramps here in Yeppoon (Roslyn Bay) and each one can safely fit at least 3 boats and trailers at the same time. One ramp runs East/West and the other runs North/South. It's a fabulous place to launch and retrieve. There is also heaps of trailer parking space, all laid out, all bitumen and it's all free. The Yeppoon Coast guard is only about 25 meters from the East/West ramp and they are a great bunch of blokes.

Eagle

[bootyinblue]

After reading all the above posts, I'm so thankful that we live in wonderful, calm Yeppoon. There are two major ramps here in Yeppoon (Roslyn Bay) and each one can safely fit at least 3 boats and trailers at the same time. One ramp runs East/West and the other runs North/South. It's a fabulous place to launch and retrieve. There is also heaps of trailer parking space, all laid out, all bitumen and it's all free. The Yeppoon Coast guard is only about 25 meters from the East/West ramp and they are a great bunch of blokes.

Eagle

Eagle... Hows about we ship up 50 or 60 d!ckheads from down this way to sort out your ramp situation. We have a 4 lane ramp, all bitumen with plenty of trailer parking too, but they still manage to stuff it up!!

[Marlin_Mike]

Theres a couple of dozen from the Colmslie ramp last friday could do with a holiday at Yeppoon............

Mike

[PinHead]

you gotta love the ramps..what else can you do for free that gives so many laughs at times....I bet I have given a few people some chuckles with some of my antics.

[Jeremy]

hi im in country sth oz we dont have the congestion you poor buggers suffer only snapper comps and most locals stay away, but as i fish alone sometimes how do you go about retreiving your boat ? at the moment i would pull up to the ramp tie off run up to car and back down but if there was a line and some peole were init after i jumped out the boat to get hte car what then you got a boat tied to ramp a car or two backed down to your boat you cnat get to it and no one goes nowhere? or am i reading the process wrong

I fish alone a fair bit also. You pull the boat up on the adjoining beach, or if there is no beach, at the pontoon (you just have to wait for some space at the pontoon). If there is no beach and no pontoon, then the ramp if it is quiet. If it is a busy ramp and there is no beach or pontoon, try asking someone else to hold your boat for you. But if this is the case, then you are better off to either take a buddy fishing with you or use a different ramp.

Black_Rat - I know the ramp at Cabbage Tree and can see the point you are making and good solution also.

Jeremy

[FNQCairns]

Twice once when a copper was parked on the only useable side of a 2 lane ramp due to wash and sand everyone was too scared to speak up, during the second 2wd towout I let him know, he left around 5 minutes after because he was ready or to make a point I expect.
and once when a bloke was soaking (totally) his mates 15 foot trailer for 20 minutes waiting for the boat to arrive for pickup.

cheers fnq

[Mrs Ronnie H]

I feel for your Russ.Nothing I dispise more than inconsiderate people. But I learnt a few years back theres not a great deal you can about it.


Unfortunately alot of people just dont have common sense. When they do silly things like clog up boat ramps, tie down on the ramp, forget to prep the boat before they launch it etc.Most the time they have no idea its the wrong way to do things(some do and they are the true wankers in life)

I have long ago realised 90% of them are not doing it on purpose to annoy others.

Their brains aren't on the same wave length as ours/yours and more often than not they have no idea they are doing the wrong thing and annoying someone else. I try not to get mad at them as anger solves nothing.

But boy its hard not to somtimes i'll admit

When I go fishing with my brother at public ramps, after the boat is preped one of us goes down to the water and often helps other 2-3 boats in front coming in or going to speed things along. By doing this you can usually slip a polite word of boat ettiquete or two in with no one getting angry

It all comes down to manners and these days its seems manners are something that went out with button up boots. I'm like you-- would lend a hand to help out but these days some peole would rather sit back and watch.

I find people are extremely rude sometimes-- even fishing on the ramp itself and couldn't give a rats that you are trying to reverse your car down to load your boat. We have a pretty big boat and Bill always brings the car down while i position the boat on the trailer. Having a couple of morongs wade in water in front of your trailer while you are trying to load a 21 foot boat is past it. Brain dead or what.
They got a piece of me and don't think they new what struck them. I'm only a little tack but they run for cover when i started.

Ronnie

[russ81]

What ever did happen to manners and common courtesy i mean it doesn't cost anything and you get so much in return its win win. Maybe i'm just old fashioned.

[antics]

I'd just like to put a positive spin on all this. A couple of months ago (Jan I think) we were at Redland Bay ramp, normal day, great conditions untill 1500 when the wind came up then every person in Moreton Bay was trying to get out of the water at the Redland Bay ramp, or so it seemed. We found ourselves in a convoy of about 6 boats heading for the ramp, I said to the handbrake "here we go". As we arrived at the ramp the Police were unloading their barge, so the whole ramp was bloked. The boats just kept coming in, as it was getting quite blowy. There would have been 12-15 boats waiting to get out of the water, wind blowing, tide going out, boats circling everywhere trying not to hit eachother, I went to the pontoon, realising that I would probably loose my place in the line, but hoping not to. Anyway once the Police barge was out of the way the clock-work started - every boat was pulled out of the water in the order they had arrived at the ramp, us included, friendly chat by everyone, and within 20 minutes all boats had been retrieved and were in the process of rigging (out of the way) for the trip home! IT WAS AWSOME.
I hope we all see more of it.

Antics

[BilgeBoy]

I am all for some signs that outline ramp rules. Most of the time it is newbies or jet ski riders causing the grief. If these guys had a little sign to read....Then stress levels may come down a little.

Marlin Mike...Is this something the VMR guys can ask council for, or should we create our own signs!! Sure beats the middle finger sign...and ends in less fights!!

BilgeBoy

[russ81]

Im all for signs i think it is a great idea however i think something is required in the licensing package as well because signs are quite easily ignored (just look at the speed limit signs on the highway) but i think education is definatley the key.

[SgBFish]

One step ahead of you bilgeBoy.
Wil send this off the to Minister.
Have I missed anything?

12th April 2007




The Honourable Paul Lucas
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
GPO Box 2644,
Brisbane Queensland 4001


Dear Mr. Lucas

Re: Education campaign on boat ramp etiquette.

More and more people are registering and using boats in Queensland each year. Your own Department states that,

“Boat ownership in Queensland has grown at more than twice the rate of our population and it’s not surprising to hear manufacturers reporting record sales. The number of registered recreational vessels has grown at a rate of 5% over the past 12 months with more than 184,000 recreational boats registered in Queensland”[1]

The increasing numbers of boaters using ramps has created tension and poor behaviours have surfaced. The department of Transport has a duty of care to ensure that the potential for ramp rage incidents are minimised. The Easter weekend saw large numbers of people using ramp facilities. The major factors causing ramp rage are lack of courtesy, inexperience and lack of education on how to use boat ramps. The water police in the past have recognised this problem as highlighted by the 2004 press item,

“Boaties urged to be patient on New Year's Eve”[2]
Water police are urging Queensland boaties to be patient at boat ramps as many attempt to take to the water for New Year's Eve celebrations tomorrow night.
Thousands of boaties are expected on the water to get the best views of fireworks displays throughout Queensland.
Sergeant Kyle Bates says if everyone cooperates at boat ramps, the evening will be more enjoyable.
"Over the last couple of months... [there has been a] reported higher incidence of what they're calling boat ramp rage," he said.
"We're just asking boat operators to have the patience, wait your turn and be considerate of other waterway users."

There is nothing in the boating recreational licensing program on how to use a boat ramp and what constitutes good ramp etiquette.
To address the inexperience and education components I’m suggesting that signs be erected at busy ramps displaying the following points as well as a brochure sent out with the re-registration forms on ramp etiquette highlighting the following points:
Boat ramp etiquette

Do’s

• Show courtesy and consideration for other users. Help others if possible. Watch how experienced people use ramps.
• The order for using the ramp is dictated by the que of cars waiting to use the ramp whether coming or going.
• Have your boat ready to launch before backing down the ramp, i.e. tie down off, motor raised, bungs in, gear in boat.
• Make sure you still have your chain and winch rope secure as you back down the ramp.
• If you are next and not ready wave the next person past.
• Once you have backed down launch without delay and move your boat and trailer from the ramp.
• Ensure your vehicle is locked and leave the ramp area as soon as possible.

Don’ts

• Don’t be selfish
• Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help or guidance
• Don’t jump the que
• Don’t rig, de-rig, load or waste time on the ramp
• Don’t leave your boat at the bottom of the ramp or leave your trailer on the ramp after launching or retrieving
• Don’t dump rubbish or fish scraps at the ramp

As the number of boat licences increases the potential for ramp rage will increase. It will be a sad day if we have to station Police at ramps to control boaties behaviour.

Thank you for taking this approach seriously. Should you require further information on this concept please contact me by telephone on …………….. or at the address above.

Yours sincerely

[1] Seascape. Maritime Safety Queensland, Oct-Dec 2004. Volume 1 Issue 3


[2]http://www.abc.net.au/news/australia/qld/capricornia/200412/s1274041.htm

[russ81]

SgBFish I think you have a well drafted and well presented letter there I think you have everything covered lets hope that this isn't an issue that is swept under the rug.
Thanks
Russ

[SgBFish]

Russ.
It will be considered a low priority but they can't say they weren't informed.
All letters to Ministers must be responded to and it will be drafted by the most appropriate area in his department.
If they receive enough of these letters questions will be asked as to the policy response by senior executives.
For those who feel it is an issue copy the letter (with your own modifications and send) it off.