RMBOA Code of Practice
The RMBOA publishes this Code of Practice in order to encourage members who cruise the River and Lakes to enjoy their recreation in a manner that does not cause inconvenience to others or damage to the environment.
- 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. All members are required to have insurance on their vessels if they attend boating functions.
- 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.
DO THE RIGHT THING
Keep noise to a minimum, especially at night, from radios, generators etc.
We have a legal and moral responsibility to protect, not pollute, the natural environment. This environment 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 e.g. 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.