How to keep a proper lookout
If you're the skipper, you must keep a proper lookout – by sight and hearing – at all times. This helps you judge your situation and the risk of collision. This is essential to keeping everyone safe on the water.
It's recommended that you have a dedicated lookout person. They can alert you if your view is blocked.
When keeping a proper lookout, look all around, including behind you.
Look out for hazards so you can avoid colliding with:
- people – be aware of vulnerable groups, including swimmers and divers
- other vessels – smaller vessels, such as sailboards and kayaks, can be difficult to see
- structures
- land
- animals
Other risks to consider:
- Noise, such as loud music, could prevent you from hearing sounds or signals from other vessels or people.
- Low vision – take extra care at times of restricted visibility, for example at night (between sunset and sunrise) or in poor weather conditions.
- Speed – make sure you're travelling at a safe speed. If you have a radar, use it to keep a lookout. Remember to dim the display at night so you do not lose your night vision.
What to look out for
Keep a lookout for people in the water, including swimmers, snorkellers, spearfishers and divers. Make sure you keep a safe distance.
Look out for the blue and white 'Alpha' flag. This means divers, snorkellers or spearfishers are in the water nearby. The flag can be attached to a fluorescent buoy, a vessel or a personal float.
If you're driving a powered vessel, make sure its spinning propellers do not come near anyone. Propeller strikes can cause serious injuries or death.
Keep a lookout for other vessels on the water. This includes small vessels, such as sailboards, kayaks and dinghies, and large vessels, such as ships and ferries.
Take extra care in areas where there are large vessels and high-speed vessels, like Sydney Harbour. Be aware that large vessels travel much faster than they appear to. The situation can become dangerous quickly, even if your vessel is travelling slowly.
In channels and rivers, take care at bends. Look out for vessels coming the other way and keep to starboard (right).
In mooring areas, keep a lookout for mooring lines, as well as moored vessels and dinghies.
At night, look out for navigation lights on other vessels.
Look out for seaplanes on Sydney Harbour, Pittwater and the Hawkesbury River and in tourist locations on the north and south coast. Be aware that they may take off or land near you. Avoid making sudden changes of direction, which might confuse the pilot or obstruct the seaplane's path. When they're on the water, seaplanes must follow the same rules as other powered vessels.
Keep a lookout for structures, including bridges, jetties and overhead powerlines.
Know your vessel's height
If you're navigating under an overhead crossing, you must follow the signs showing the maximum vessel height (clearance height). Bridge heights on maps are measured at the mean high-water mark.
It's recommended that you understand the height level on signs and know the height of your vessel. This includes the mast, anything above the deck and any fishing poles.
Clearance heights vary
Remember that clearance heights vary according to water levels. Allow for higher-than-average tides at certain times of the year. Clearance heights may be lower during floods.
Your vessel may need more height when it's not carrying a full load.
Submerged hazards include:
- sandbanks
- sunken vessels
- fishing equipmentsuch asoyster leases, traps and lobster pots.
Floating hazards include:
- logs
- debris.
Take extra care at night when submerged and floating hazards are unlit.
Keep a lookout for animals in the water. This includes whales, seals, dolphins, penguins, turtles and waterbirds. All native mammals, birds and reptiles are protected in NSW. You must avoid harming them – see Protecting marine life.
What to look out for when towing
Keep a lookout when you're towing a person, for example, a water skier. Both the driver and the observer must keep a lookout.
Before towing, it's recommended that you check the area for any hazards. These include floating debris, sandbars or snags.
Take extra care on unfamiliar waterways or in areas that have recently flooded.