More Far South Coast boaters are staying home during the coronavirus pandemic, however those who go out on the water should still log on for their own safety, Marine Rescue says.
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Marine Rescue Monaro Regional Operations Manager Glenn Sullivan said there were very few log-ons, possibly in fear of getting "dobbed in".
The priority for Marine Rescue however, was to save lives on the water.
Marine Rescue advised boaters to log on with their local Marine Rescue radio base via VHF Channel 16 or the MarineRescue App and consider their safety management plan.
Boaters could only head out on the water if they had a reasonable excuse, Roads and Maritime Services said.
Those exemptions included to exercise (e.g. kayaking/sailing/paddling); to fish; to get to and from work, where the work cannot reasonably be performed from home; to get groceries; and to provide assistance, care or support to an immediate member of the person's family.
"Unless you have an essential need to be out, stay ashore," RMS said.
"If you do need to go out, stick to your local waters, and do not gather with more than two people unless with members of the same household."
Self-isolation rules applied at all times.
Social distancing rules also applied at the boat ramp and on the boat.
"You should only be on your boat alone, or with no more than one other person; or with family who ordinarily live in the same household as you," an RMS spokesperson said.
Packing up your boat for a road trip and a half-day fishing expedition "is also not in the spirit of the restrictions".
Skippers were always responsible. Generally this applied to safety equipment, keeping proper look out and proceeding at a safe speed.
For the latest information on coronavirus and current restrictions, members of the community were encouraged to check the NSW Government website for regular updates.
Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous on the Batemans and Eden coasts on Tuesday, April 7 for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming.
Boating Industry Association "hard-hit"
Peak industry body, the Boating Industry Association (BIA), said it, along with all industries and the boating community, had been hard-hit by the economic and social consequences associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Boating Industry Association president Darren Vaux asked industry and boaters "to be sensible and sensitive to the core message of 'Stay at Home' unless absolutely necessary for your safety and that of the broader community and adhere strictly to the government requirements and criteria".
"Nobody wants to see crowded boat ramps, wharves and waterways as this would, in the bigger picture, possibly lead to further restrictions.
"Now more than ever the message of 'You're the Skipper, You're responsible' needs to be headed in the responsible actions of our boating community."
The BIA asked the boating community that "boaters be safe and responsible, only use your boat on your local waters, restrict the time you spend on the water and only to the extent and for the purposes permitted by government agencies".
"This is not business as usual and it is certainly not the time to find ways to justify activities that do not strictly meet the criteria set out in each state," a spokesperson said.
BIA said to stay home "unless you must go out, and if you do, limit the time you are out".
"If we all do our part, we will get through this safely and quickly together and be able to get back to the boating we love," the spokesperson said.
"Boaters are passionate about their lifestyle and believe that many aspects of it can be carried out safely in compliance with social distancing requirements.
"The Boating Industry Association (BIA) recognises this and asks the boating industry and boating community to follow Federal Health advice and observe State Government rules that apply to combat COVID-19.
"Observing the restrictions now will help ensure boating is firmly placed to be part of the wider recovery as soon as possible."
The BIA joined with the Marina Industries Association to promote the central messages relating to Stay at Home, isolation when required, social distancing and good hygiene practices across Australia.
"At the same time, we have been working with governments to get clarity on the types of boating activity permissible within the various state rules," the spokesperson said.
"It is important to note the rules vary from state to state and the boating community needs to take the time to check the restrictions and requirements that apply for their particular jurisdiction.
"In New South Wales and Queensland there have been clarifications and amendments to government guidelines to include restricted use of boating for limited activities such as gathering food or exercise.
"Any such boating activity must meet the essential or reasonable excuse criteria set out by the relevant state agency."
The BIA would like to remind boaters to observe the social distancing and hygiene requirements at all times.
Wash hands before and after any time there is contact with shared surfaces at the boat ramp, when fuelling or at any other time you come in contact with any surface outside your family home. Take the most direct route to the water and only boat locally. Wear a lifejacket, especially if solo. Follow the Health advice at all times.
The BIA said it would continue to support the boating industry and the boating community in its representations to State and Federal Governments to support access to appropriate levels of boating through the crisis and to promote access to boating as a key activity that can deliver physical and health benefits in the early stages of the recovery.
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