.png)
Attention all Boaties:
Please check your VHF Radio to ensure that you are operating on 25 Watts and not 1 Watt so that we can hear you properly. You will need to press the HI/LO button on your handset to adjust. 25 Watts provides a much better reception for broadcasting.
Please see the following advice. Story and photo credit - VN5CP Coastal Patrol Yorketown Base.
“You should always check what your power setting is before transmitting (marked on the screen of your radio 25W (Watts) for high power, (see above photo) or 1W (1 Watt) for low power (see photo below). Usually, you want it set to 25W for general use as this will give you the most range. It is recommended to only use the 1 Watt setting for in port operations or talking to another vessel that is very close to you to avoid interference to other vessels. On a lot of newer radios the power setting can be accidently changed by pressing the key marked with a H & L (i.e. high and low) on your microphone. (You usually also have an output power setting button on your actual radio unit). The output power setting can also be different on separate channels, so always check when on 16 and 21 and any other channel you may change to or use.”
Grab a bargain!! Thinking about becoming a boating member but haven’t quite got around to it? Well, now is the time to grab a bargain!!! For the month of February our joining fee is $25.00 which will cover you until 30 June. Renewal fees are $50.00 per financial year (1st July to 30th June). You can join on line. Go to our website: www.jurienmarinerescue.com.au Select “Boaties” from the menu, then select “boat membership form” and complete your full details. You can also upload a photo of your boat. Then hit the “submit information” button at the bottom. Select the “Proceed to payment” button to make payment.
TAKE CARE BE PROP AWARE
The most dangerous thing in the water is not what you think. Boat propellers pose a risk that can be easily ignored or forgotten because they are under the water, ‘out of sight and out of mind’. But a strike from a spinning propeller can cause serious injury or even death.
A typical three bladed propeller:
Spins at around 3200 rpm.
Can make more than 100 impacts per second.
Can travel from head to toe of an average person in less than one tenth of a second, causing multiple deep wounds.
Boat propeller injuries, if not fatal, are usually severe and disfiguring, resulting in prolonged disability and permanent impairment.
Propeller Safety Tips:
Here are some tips that skippers should do to avoid injuring a person in the water:
Inspect the area near the back of the boat to ensure the area is clear before starting the engine.
Turn the engine off near people in the water even when retrieving a skier as some propellers may continue to spin even in neutral.
Make sure your passengers are aware of the dangers.
Keep a proper lookout at all times, especially when near swimmers, snorkelers, divers or any other activity.
Stay out of designated swimming areas.
Look out for dive flags and keep 50 metres clear.
Attach a propeller guard.
Keep all arms and legs inside the boat and not over the bow, sides or stern at all times. This is not only dangerous but also illegal.
The skipper of every boat is responsible for the safety of their passengers, so every skipper should be vigilant and consider the area around the prop as a hazard zone.
Skippers are encouraged to put a “Take Care, be Prop Aware” sticker on the transom of their boat, as a reminder to everyone onboard of the hidden dangers of spinning propellers. To obtain a sticker, visit our Marine Rescue Tower, your nearest Department of Transport office or call 13 11 56 and one will be sent to you.
(Information courtesy of Department of Transport).