News & Information

Marine Watch Site Map

TECHNICAL LIBRARY

The technical Library on the Marine Watch web site is continually being expanded. It will show items related to marine activities - especially relevant to boating. Suitable items for possible inclusion are welcomed by the webmaster. Lengthy items will often show the source from which further information can be sought. There are nearly 300 items to peruse.
BWMW cannot be held liable for the accuracy of any item - but will make changes when wrong or incorrect information is found to be displayed.

DECEMBER MEMBERS' MEETING

Perhaps because the scheduled mail out was late the December meeting was poorly attended by only 13 members. The Deputy Zone Commander was absent sp John Burnett filled in at short notice despite himself being home from a trip for only a day before the meeting. Furthermore the guest speaker had to withdraw at late notice and the treasurer was unable to attend because of family illness. Despite the many setbacks business was still conducted.

The Putt Putt Regatta was again very successful. However, a few members reported that there was a marked shortage of food outlets. This will be addressed for the 2008 regatta.

Because of the resignation of Ron Mackenzie as sector coordinator of the Koolewong sector the job has been jointly taken up by Gary Slack and Paul Greenwood. Boat damage was reported by a member from Koolewong. Another vessel broke loose from its mooring - it was noted that the ground tackle for this vessel was in a very poor state. Associated with this event was the advice that any and all matters of concern should be passed in writing to the appropriate authorities - there would never be any action unless a written report was submitted.

A report was made that insurance companies have started to insist on precautions against theft on boats. This means that without such precautions a claim might not be successful.

There are still some Marine Watch flags available to members - but to get one attendance at a meeting is required.

A competition is running for a good idea for boats. To be eligible to win it a member needs to submit it in writing to the Committee.

All members were requested to be alert for opportunities to sign up new Marine Watch members. Members were also advised that rechargeable item will last considerably linger if they are kept fully charged.

The web site - especially the library is continuing to attract many visitors - over 80,000 in November.

ALL MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE 2nd WEDNESDAY EVERY 3rd MONTH AT THE ROYAL VOLUNTEER COASTAL PATROL BASE AT POINT CLARE

REMINDERS

SOME MEMBERS HAVE NOT YET PAID THEIR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION : MEMBERS WHO HAVE PAID WILL HAVE A NEW BWMW REFLECTIVE STICKER FOR THEIR BOAT.

JOINT MARINE WATCH MEETING

On the 8th July a Joint Marine Watch Meeting was held at the Marine Area Command (MAC) Headquarters in Balmain - a great place for such an event. All 4 Marine Watches were represented with 20 people attending. Morning & afternoon tea as well as lunch was provided - thanks to the MAC.
There were 5 representatives from the BWMW zone. However, because of the latish notice given, key Committee members were unable to attend because of previous engagements. This resulted on the BWMW presentation having to be given without prior consideration of the Committee. Each watch conducts its affairs quite differently although the central key element is boat security.

WATCH PRESENTATION TOPICS

Activity summary for 2006,
Membership description ( numbers, meeting attendance),
Main security concerns, Other concerns,
Watch perception of main issues for next 12 months,
Social activities conducted,
The Good, Bad & Ugly about the Watch,
Issues with authorities ( Police and NSW Maritime),
Ideas for attracting new members,
Patrolling activities ( How / When, policy, success?)

Several good ideas that could usefully be adopted by BWMW emerged. These include sending or giving written information to new members ( either a letter or an information package ) and logging on & off by phone with the MAC when performing any type of security watch. Most other ideas were already being used by BWMW - such as spotlighting.
One matter worthy of follow up was the access to contact details of mooring holders in a specific area. One watch has Police approval to have these details for his area subject to certain privacy conditions.

     The main barriers to boat security were listed and discussed without any new ones emerging
     The group was warned about attempts by environmental groups to force a change of mooring design - apparently to remove the possibility of damage to the seabed from the mooring chain. The result to boat owners would be a big increase in the cost of a mooring.
     The Putt Putt Regatta was seen as a great way to raise the profile of Marine Watches. A sub committee is likely to be formed to try and increase awareness - especially in the Sydney area.
     The new Marine Watch flags were presented to those attending members who did not yet have one. A quantity of flags were also given to the BWMW for distribution by a process yet to be decided.

DISCUSSION POINTS - BARRIERS TO SECURITY

Apathy (Individual & Community)

Failure to report crime

Perception that nothing will be done

Reliance on insurance

Unwillingness to be involved

Fear of retaliation

A highlight of the day was guided tour of the MAC vessels with a detailed look at the new 20M craft built in WA. These boats are remarkable with a extensive fit of modern equipment for vessel management, navigation and communications.
The meeting ended with a decision to hold another such event in a years time - on the 2nd Saturday in July.
Not only was the meeting a great success - the day was very enjoyable with great weather, an excellent venue and enjoyable company

BWMW MEMBERS ATTENDING

BRYAN SWEENEY, IRENE BUTCHER, ARTHUR HAYLES, ROD CUMMINGS, TED SIEPER

VISITOR MOORINGS

There is a new manager for the Gosford Wharf. On behalf of the Gosford Council the wharf inside the breakwall at Gosford is now being managed by the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol at Point Clare. The most significant change is that priority for berths is given to visiting vessels which are able to stay for a maximum of four nights unless special approval is given. The berthing period runs from 1000 to 1000 on the following day and the fee is $15 per night. There are 14 berths with both water and power.
Bookings can be made either by radio (either 27Mhz or VHF) or phone (4325 7929) and the preferred method of payment is by credit card. Other payment options are available but they will usually be less convenient to both parties.

TOILET HOMOUR

ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE

Contact BWMW ( bran@marinewatchnsw.com )

Marine Watch Site Map