Skipper fined for overloaded houseboat & not enough safety equipment

3:54 AM Sun 25 Oct 2009 GMT

Overloading a boat with people and alcohol is a dangerous and unacceptable mix, according to NSW Maritime.

Scott Kidd, Regional Manager for the Murray Inland today said a recent weekend incident just downstream of Moama highlighted the need for care and commonsense in the run up to the festive season.

'A NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officer recently came across an executive house boat loaded up with people and beer,' Mr Kidd said.

'The houseboat had a legal limit of 12 people but there were 22 on board.

'They were from Melbourne and on an end-of-season football trip, and had three large beer kegs on the boat.

'Nevertheless, it was clearly loaded beyond its safe limit and did not have enough safety equipment, like lifejackets, for all those on board.'

Mr Kidd said the rules for driving under influence on the water were similar to those on the road and the driver must keep under the 0.05 blood alcohol limit.

'Fortunately, the skipper was not intoxicated and was able to navigate the vessel,' he said. 'The Maritime officer escorted the vessel back to its mooring where the extra people disembarked.'

The skipper was fined a total of $750 in on the spot penalties which included $500 for not complying with permit (overloading) and $250 for not having enough life jackets.?

'Every vessel has its design limits regarding load, and every vessel must carry the required safety gear,' he said.

'And perhaps the most important safety item is the lifejacket, there must be one for every person on board, it must be handy, of appropriate size and in good condition.'

by AAP Medianet

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