We are currently asking students to support in our fight with RMS to prevent some of the changes they are proposing. If these changes are passed, we believe that the safety of boaters on all waters, but especially Sydney Harbour, will be severely compromised. This Government must be told that safety on the water is paramount and some of its proposed changes to reduce ‘red tape’ will result in significant threats to our safety. The proposed changes that we are most concerned about include:
- Making the boating safety course optional (not compulsory) and only available online
- All assessment would be done at the RMS (formerly RTA) office/one stop shop by unqualified staff
- The logbook system would not be changed – so the rorting would continue!
Importantly, the upshot of these changes makes it highly probably that the one day training courses we currently provide will become a relic of the past – and this is all being done at a time when our waterways are getting busier and busier. And, of course, as our summers get longer and hotter, we know that we can expect even more people on the water. So, we need your help. The Government has released a Discussion Paper for public comment. We ask that you take the time to follow the link (< http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/mmc/review-nsw-boat-driver-licensing” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/mmc/review-nsw-boat-driver-licensing) and please add your voice to support all the training that is currently being delivered by private training organisations such as Maritime Training School. Submissions close on 19 December 2014. Submission can be made to maritime@transport.nsw.gov.au. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime on 02 9736 3655. We all want reductions in ‘red tape’ but not at the expense of safety. Thank you for your support.
Kind regards, Chris Lowe CEO.
