Check your life jacket – it could save your life
Many lobster fishers operate in remote, exposed waters where help may be hours away. If something goes wrong, our life jacket may be the most important piece of equipment on board for you and your crew.
Before heading out, check that every life jacket is in good condition
Inspect gas cylinders, inflation systems and bladders for signs of damage – and service inflatable life jackets as recommended by the manufacturer.
Every year, Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) officers find life jackets overdue for servicing, incorrectly assembled, or unable to inflate as intended. Wearing a life jacket that doesn’t work properly gives you a false sense of security and may leave you without buoyancy. The time it takes to inspect and service a life jacket is insignificant compared with the consequences of it failing in an emergency.
Boaters should also know that carrying an unserviced life jacket on your boat is against the law and may result in an infringement notice. More importantly, it could cost you your life.
Clear communication on the water
Good communication between the skipper and crew is critical. Discuss roles before leaving the ramp and use clear instructions throughout the trip to avoid confusion. Always maintain a lookout for other vessels, fishing gear and changing sea and weather conditions while handling pots and rings.
Setting and retrieving pots and rings
Using pots and rings remains one of the most popular ways to catch rock lobster, but this method also presents several boating hazards.
Before setting gear, ensure you have enough rope for the depth of water you are fishing in, allowing extra length for tides, swell and sea conditions. Too little rope can lead to lost gear, while too much can quickly become a tangled hazard – on deck or around a propeller. When setting gear in the water, position the vessel so it drifts away from the rope and buoy. This simple step significantly reduces the risk of ropes fouling the vessel.
Retrieving gear requires the same level of attention. Approach buoys at a controlled speed, maintain visual contact with the rope at all times and ensure it remains clear of the vessel’s running gear.
Diving for lobsters
Diving for rock lobster can be exciting and rewarding, but it comes with inherent risks. Careful planning, the right equipment and safe diving practices are essential.
Most importantly, never dive alone. Diving with a buddy adds an extra layer of safety and provides crucial assistance in an emergency.
If divers are in the water, the International Code A flag (blue and white) must be displayed. This alerts other water users that divers are submerged and reminds nearby vessels that they must not exceed five knots within 120 metres of the flag.
Divers should always surface cautiously and make themselves as visible as possible to nearby vessels. Choosing suitable dive locations away from busy boating areas will further reduce risk.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility
The opening of the Western Zone rock lobster season is a highlight on Tasmania’s recreational fishing calendar. Whether you’re setting pots, hauling rings, or diving for lobsters, take time to prepare your vessel, service your safety equipment, communicate clearly, operate safely, check the weather before and during a trip and don’t go if the weather is bad.
At the end of a day’s fishing, a successful trip is measured not only by the catch in the Esky, but by everyone returning safely to the boat ramp.
For more information about boating safety, click the link below: