If you wish to apply for membership of the RMBOA and agree with the objectives and code of practice below, please click on and print out the Membership Form.* Once you have completed the form, send to the address on the application form. There is an initial joining fee of $10 and a $25 per annum subscription fee for personal memberships. Corporate membership to the RMBOA is $100 per annum.

The joining fee covers the cost of setting up the membership and the supply of the member's information kit.

Membership of the RMBOA also entitles you to vote at meetings, receive the Weekly River News email, the RMBOA newsletter (4 - 5 issues per year) and to take part in various social activities including the biennial "River Ramble” which is a MEMBERS ONLY event. The RMBOA also represents members on a variety of government and industry bodies relating to activities on the river.

• Observe the regulations for operating a motorboat and have a copy  readily available.

• Observe local council regulations and respect private property rights.

• Train all crew in vigilant watch keeping.  An accident can ruin your day.  Use up to date charts.

• Check fuel, engine, steering and mandatory safety equipment regularly.

•  Ensure insurance cover is adequate, third party as a minimum  is recommended.  Have a suitable first aid kit on board and consider basic first aid training for yourself or a crewmember.

•  Plan for medical emergency, fire on board and “man overboard” situations.

•  Tell a responsible person of your proposed cruise plan.

•  Note weather forecasts, particularly for winds, which may make lockage or berthing of your craft hazardous.

•  Ensure anchors, fuel containers, batteries and gas bottles are properly stowed.

•  Be aware of the possible adverse effect of your wash on other smaller vessels, canoes and swimmers.  Observe the 30m rule!

•  Be economical with space when mooring your vessel. If alongside another vessel, do not adjust ropes without permission and use adequate fenders. If leaving your vessel for an extended period of time make sure you tell a responsible local.
   

•  Keep noise to a minimum, especially at night, from radios, generators etc.

•  We have a legal responsibility to protect not pollute the natural environment. This is for the animals, birds, plants and other river users. 

•  Know the locations of waste disposal stations.  Check your on-board toilet or portable toilet functions adequately. Retain all waste on board especially bottles, cans and other plastics.  This also applies to biodegradable refuse eg. toilet paper, orange peel etc.

• Do not discharge oily bilge or spill fuel into the river.  Use environmentally friendly detergents and soaps etc.

• Keep fires small, do not cut green wood, and try to avoid the use of hollow logs, as these can be homes for small animals.  Bring your firewood with you and observe fire bans. Dowse fires before leaving.

• Know how to identify protected native fish and crustaceans, bag and size limits. Dispose of unwanted fishing line thoughtfully. It can kill birds and animals.