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In a couple of weeks I'll be taking Dulcamara from Drummoyne to Pittwater where she'll be living from then on in Careel Bay.

At present, I'm not really wanting to spend lots on gear, until I have her settled up there and work out what we really need for coastal cruising. I have no EPIRB and no Marine Radio Operator's VHF Certificate of Proficiency - which I will be obtaining, but not before I move the boat in two weeks time. I do however have the VHF radio in good working condition.

It's been many years since I've done the trip, and back then we didn't bother we just waited for a good day and took off, making sure people knew when to expect us back....

I know the regulations about 2nm offshore requiring an EPIRB, and there is supposedly a fine of $220 for not having a marine radio license for VHF.

How many of you have an EPIRB and how many of you have a radio license? Would you worry about it for a one off trip, assuming of course one was going under good weather conditions, with crew and notifying the coastal patrol?

BTW, how do you notify the coastal patrol? In my searches today I found lots of information about the new Marine Rescue service, but nothing on how to log your trip with them?

I can't say I'll miss being in the main channel under the Gladesville Bridge, it's like Pitt St there on a Sunday morning.

Michael

I (now) have an EPIRB - but no radio license and didn't think you needed one for VHF - could be wrong?

I regularly go outside and the first weekend I owned Topknot I had to move it from Pittwater to Botany Bay. Provided your vesel is safe, you'll have no problems. I would wait for a southerly and then get going! Should only be a handful of hours and you can see Barrenjoey almost from when your round North Head. Stick clear of long reef!

Re Coast Guard - jump on channel 16 and say "Coast Guard Sydney, Coast Guard Sydney this is (boat name)" tell them you want to log on - they'll ask you for details - eg boat name, rego, hull colour, top sides colour, maritime registration no. and number of POB, mobile number - and destination and ETA -

Remember to log off when you arrive -

I am not experienced but its an easy sail with the right weather.

Hi Michael,

Ditto. I have an EPIRB and a VHF but no radio licence. I didn't know about the fine, but I was off Palm Beach recently when some fishermen were fined for not having an EPIRB. The trip from Sydney is only 3-4 hours, especialy if you go on the back of a southerly (one that doesn't generate too much swell!). Pick a nice day and enjoy it.

Perhaps I will see you out some time when you have your boat up this way.

Cheers,
Mark
Storm Petrel (Pretty Beach)

I forgot to say that coast guard will get you to change from 16 to another channel - usually 73 VHF - before getting details - to which you'll say "going to 73" and then go there and continue (freeing up emergency channel)

Simple to do and they're very helpful and patient!

Enjoy the sail, it's pretty good fun.

Also - to all - great voyage planner here http://www.marinerescuensw.com.au/media ... ulator.xls

Brendan.

Hi Michael

My understanding is that the 2 NM offshore rule applies to vessels of 8 Metres and over, so Top Hats escape this rule by 1 foot. This is just as well as one of the most dangerous things to do (in a sail boat) is to hug the coastline. The cirumnavigating grandma Anna Gash lost her folkoat on a rock near Barrenjoey lighthouse. So things can happen to even very experienced sailors.

That said, it's an easy trip. I took delivery of my boat in Broken Bay and my first sail on it was back to Sydney (siglehanded). Also, one day I set off from Sydney very early in the morning on a good east wind to Broken Bay, turned around at the entrance with the wind nor-east and was back in Sydney for dinner.

Good advice from the rest of the guys. I can only add that being mostly a single hander fitting an auto tiller has transformed my trips outside and also made it so much safer. With regard to safety, jacklines down the near centre of the boat with a very short harness is a good way to stay on the boat.

Keith

Hi Michael,

The way i read it is from 30th March 2009, any registered vessel operating more than 2nm offshore needs to carry a 406 EPIRB, we used to be able to get away without one being under 8m, but that has now changed, have a look at this link
; http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/406.html

So you may have to bite the bullet & decide which one youd like & buy it, or see if you can borrow one for a few days! (not sure if its against regulations to carry a 406 that is not registered to the vessel its on? , anyone know?).


Alternatively, you can log onto VMR over the phone (Terrey Hills Coastal Patrol 9450 2468) via your mobile (this will be the last thing you do on your check list just before pulling up anchor), if you feel your VHF radio ettiquite is not up to scratch yet, before doing the course. this is a lot less formal as you do have to provide a lot of info to them as mentioned above, they may also ask for your callsign.. just tell them its "Dulcamara", they wont ask if you have a VHF licence.
Work out your ETA & arrival point before calling them.
Allow plenty of time for your ETA.
If youve logged on by phone, & your unlucky enough to be pulled over by the cops youve not broken any regs' by using the VHF, but leave the VHF on as you have to monitor it for anyone elses distress, naturally its not an offence to use the VHF without a licence if your in distress yourself.
Log off via the VHF as this is a quick & easy process, or phone them.
As far as i know its not a requirement to log onto the VMR, but it is recommended, as if you do require their help, they may get a bit shirty if you havent logged on.. its a good service & well worth using!

cheers
Shaun

Have just had a good look at ACMA and Maritime websites.

You do NOT need a license, VHF covered by a 'class license'

BUT - you are supposed to have an individual certificate of proficiency.

Cheers -

Brendan.

Morning All,

In NSW the 8m rule now only applies to flares, I've just had to get a new set,
and we can get away with the inshore set.

Being as we are under 8m we save $30. on the offshore set.

But remember if you go into Queensland you will have to buy an extra 2 parachute flares!

I don't know what the other states require.

Phillip
SEAKA

Michael

Ive got the 2007 "Marine VHF Radio Operators Handbook" that you can have a read through, covers all the protocols (both standard and the more indepth) its a good read and id recommend it to all. Even has a sample test in the back

Im going to try and get out on the boat this week at somepoint (though will be difficult as im getting married next weekend), will drop it off to your boat if i can in a waterproof bag.

If anything will give you something to read on the way up!

Sorry to see a fellow top hatter leaving the area, though we'll be up that way ourselves at some point late this year / early new year

Cheers & have a great trip
Dan

Gents, thanks for all the comments and responses. It's really appreciated.

According to the law, I have to have an EPIRB, the 8 metre rule no longer applies, unless I stay within 2nm of the coast. That's OK I guess, I just wish we had a choice in the matter and were able to take responsibility for our own safety. As for the radio, the way I read the rule is that if you have one installed, you must have a certificate of proficiency. It's not whether you use it or not. Again, a stupid rule as far as I'm concerned. Oh well, I'll get one (just don't tell the missus!)

Dan, thanks for the offer of the book mate! That's really very kind of you. When you say "up that way ourselves laet this year" is that a permanent thing, or just a honeymoon?

Brendan, thanks for that calculator, although it may take me a little longer than the calculator says, it's two hours to the heads under motor, let alone under sail. I'll be taking my son Chris, who's never sailed in his life, my Dad perhaps and "George" the ST 800 autohelm will do most of the work....

Thanks Mark, Saun and Phillip too for the info.

It's going to be great, especially once we're in Careel. NO MORE RIVERCATS! If you're ever offered a cheap mooring in the main Parramatta river channel, they're cheap for a reason.... no peace and getting into your tender is always an "interesting" experience.....

Michael.