With the launch of the summer boating season, water police in several states have initiated a blitz across their jurisdictions. In NSW the operation was named Operation Armada and was a highly visible strategy over the weekend of December 5-6. The NSW Marine Police Command targeted waterways across the state to carry out random routine drug, alcohol and safety checks and crackdown on rule breakers.
While hundreds of vessels and drivers were checked, the Marine Area Commander, Superintendent Joseph McNulty, was reported as saying he was pleased with the outcome. Infringement notices were issued to boat owners for speeding, for not having the correct safety equipment on their vessel and for occupants not wearing the correct life jackets. But it was pleasing to police that no positive alcohol or drug tests were detected.
Police will be out in force throughout summer and at Jade Boat Loans we want our customers to operate their boats safely with all the correct equipment and practices. So we’re bringing you this timely update to ensure you are not at risk of receiving an infringement or risking injury to your guests or damage to your boat.
Know the Laws
Before heading out on your new boat, make sure you know the laws around boat operation and the waterways. Just like driving a motor car there are laws around alcohol consumption and boating. Police carry out RBT checks on the water so make sure you adhere to the law in your state. Also make sure you know the waterway signs and speed limits.
Boat Licences
As we have already realised with the interest we’ve received for new boat loans, the police have also mentioned there has been a significant increase in the number of boat licence applications in recent months. This has been attributed to the increased interest in getting into boating with many travel and holiday plans curtailed due to coronavirus travel restrictions.
If you are new to boating or you want to operate a friend’s boat, you will need a licence. Licences are required to operate most boats and recreational vessels including jet skis. Boat licences are obtained through your relevant state government department.
You don’t need to have a boating licence in order to be eligible for a boat loan through Jade Boat Loans, but you do need a licence to operate the boat. While some states issue licences to persons under 18 years of age, you must be over 18 to be eligible for a boat loan under consumer finance laws.
Take Lessons
Having a boat licence is step one, but knowing how to operate your boat or any boat correctly and safely is the essential step two. You may have purchased or plan to purchase the boat of your dreams courtesy of a cheap boat loan through Jade. You certainly don’t want to jeopardise your enjoyment or risk damage to your boat. There are organisations across Australia that offer courses in different levels of boating.
Another important aspect to boating is water safety. Too many people lose their lives in waterways each year. Learning to swim should be high on the list of priorities for both you as the boat owner and your guests. Learning basic first aid and resuscitation can also be extremely wise, especially if you plan to head offshore in your new boat.
Boat Safety Requirements
We’ve posted a number of articles on boat safety equipment. In Operation Armada, the NSW Police issued infringements for boats not having the correct safety equipment. Note the word ‘correct’! Ensure you have all the required equipment and the right life jackets for the waterways in which you are boating.
When buying a new boat, consider including the cost of the equipment in your Jade Boat Loans so you are properly equipped from day one. Speak with your Jade consultant about how we can make that work for you and have the costs of safety equipment covered in your cheap interest rate boat loan.
Be Weather-Wise
Ensure you are knowledgeable on weather and prepared for all eventualities. Summer signals cyclone season in Queensland due to La Nina, storms and rainfall are predicted to be more intense into February 2021. Stay tuned to Bureau of Meteorology and local weather forecasts and plan your boating trips accordingly.
Enjoy Boating
There has been an increase in boat ownership noticed by different groups including Jade Boat Loans and this may lead to limited stocks of some boat models. We’re specifically aware that jet skis are in high demand and could be in low supply.
To ensure you don’t miss out on the boat of your dreams, it’s a smart move to organise your boat loan through Jade asap, even before you start boat shopping. Our pre-approved secured boat loan service empowers you through the buying process by having your finance confirmed upfront.
So speak with Jade about your loan, check your state authority about licence and safety requirements and make the most of your boating experiences.
For a quote on your boat loan, just contact Jade Boat Loans 1300 000 003
DISCLAIMER: READERS ARE ADVISED THAT THIS INFORMATION AS PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES AND NOT AS FINANCIAL ADVICE. PEOPLE NEEDING FINANCIAL ADVICE ARE RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO ASSIST IN REGARD TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. INFORMATION AND CONTENT IN THIS ARTICLE MAY HAVE BEEN SOURCED FROM A RANGE OF PUBLICATIONS AND INFORMATION RESOURCES. NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERRORS, MISINTERPRETATION OF OTHER ISSUES AROUND THE PRESENTATION.
