General Safety Information

• Waterproof maps of the Clarence River waterways can be purchased from NSW Maritime for $6 on-line at https://online.maritime.nsw.gov.au/store/
• All vessels must travel at a safe speed at all times. A safe speed is one at which the vessel can be stopped in time to avoid any danger which arises suddenly.
• The master must keep a good lookout by sight and hearing.
• The master must continuously assess the risk of collision with other vessels and power vessels must give way where required.
• A power driven vessel must give way to a sailing vessel unless the sailing vessel is in the process of overtaking it.
• In crossing situations, give way to the right.
• Any vessel (including a sailing boat) which is overtaking another vessel must keep well clear of the vessel being overtaken.
• Any person who drives a powered vessel for recreational purposes on NSW waters at a speed of 10 knots or more must have a boat driver’s license.
• When driving a vessel at a speed of 10 knots or more or towing a person there are specified distances you must keep the vessel and the person being towed a minimum distance away from.
• When two sailing vessels have wind on different sides, the vessel with wind on the port side gives way.
• When both craft have wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward.
• When navigating near, in or through a mooring area, drive slowly and keep wash to a minimum and keep a lookout for people in the water, small dinghies, and trailing ropes.
• You must slow down to 4 knots or less when within 100 metres of the wires or chains of a vehicular ferry when it is underway, and disengage power when crossing the wires or chains. Always pass astern of the ferry. Preferably wait until it has reached the shore to avoid becoming entangled in the wires.