Operation Lights On: Eight skippers fined

3:54 AM Wed 24 Dec 2008 GMT

A boating safety blitz on the weekend has resulted in eight skippers being fined for not displaying correct navigation lights at night, with a further 16 given formal warnings. Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said nearly a thousand vessels were checked during the three day campaign known as Operation Lights On.

"Most skippers who were the subject to random checks by NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officers had been doing the right thing and were carrying appropriate safety equipment," Mr Tripodi said. "However more than 60 fines were issued state-wide for a range of safety breaches, including eight for having incorrect navigation lights or no lights at all.

"In total, 977 boats were inspected to ensure they were carrying the correct number and type of safety equipment."

State-wide, there were 64 fines issued and 40 formal warnings:
. North Coast - 17 fines;
. Hawkesbury - 14 fines, 10 formal warnings;
. South Coast - 12 fines, 15 formal warnings;
. Sydney Harbour - 12 fines, 1 formal warning;
. Murray River - 6 fines, 10 formal warnings;
. Hunter - 3 fines, 4 formal warnings.

Mr Tripodi said vessels that operate from sunset to sunrise must carry and exhibit the correct lights, whether at anchor or underway.

"Boat owners can be fined a hundred dollars but Maritime Safety Officers also have the power to order offending vessels off the water."

www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

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Operation Lights On: Eight skippers fined

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