WA boaties told to avoid big ships

FREMANTLE Ports has warned boat owner to take care around shipping, ahead of summer with more pleasure expected to be on the water.

Acting Harbour Master Captain Stuart Davey said summer was a great time to be on the water, but the sheer number of boats passing through the Fremantle Inner Harbour and port waters could become dangerous.

“Ships visiting Fremantle are up to 150,000 tonnes; they cannot stop or change course quickly and they are often travelling faster than you think,” he said.

“The most important thing to remember is to give them plenty of room and steer clear.”

Captain Davey said it was vital crew on a large container ship or cruise ship had restricted views of the waterways from the ship’s bridge.

“Crew on the largest ships often cannot see waters more than 300 metres directly in front of their ship, so a small boat might not even be visible to them,” he said.

He said recreational skippers had to move with caution, keep a good look out and if possible, monitor radio channels (Emergency Channel 88).

He also warned about the danger of moving in front of large vessels.

“Crossing in front of an approaching container ship, or any ship, is a very bad idea,” he said.

“You might have an engine failure or if you are on a sailing craft, the wind could suddenly drop and you would be in trouble.”

Captain Davey said under the Port Authorities Act 1999 the Harbour Master had considerable powers to control vessels in harbour waters.

“We understand most boat owners try to do the right thing, but with summer coming we want to remind everyone of the risks and consequences of obeying the rules,” he said.