Registration: Check yours
Recent compliance activity suggests some boat owners are allowing their vessel registration to lapse without realising it.
How to check and pay vessel registrations
You can check and manage your vessel’s registration through MAST’s online portal. Or, if you are a MyServiceTas customer, you can also check your MAST boating services on the website or in the app.
How are my fees used?
Your registration fees help support Tasmania’s boating community by funding improvements to marine infrastructure, navigation aids, and other safety services that help keep our waterways safe and accessible.
Safety spotlight – Safety grab bag
Could you find all your safety gear in an emergency?
Keeping your safety equipment together in a clearly identifiable and easily accessible grab bag will make a big difference if something goes wrong.
Prepare your grab bag
A well-prepared grab bag keeps essential safety equipment in one place, making each safety item easier to locate and take with you in an emergency. Safety grab bags should be a bright, highly visible colour, such as yellow, so they can be quickly identified even in poor weather. The bag must be clearly marked with your vessel’s details and your contact information in case the worst happens.
Before each trip on the water, check your grab bag to make sure each safety item is in good condition. If you have passengers on the boat, tell them where the grab bag is stored, what is inside, and teach them how to use each item.
Remember, safety equipment is only useful if you have it on board and can get to it when you need it.
Safety gear checklist for recreational boaters
Life jacket standards: Is yours up to standard?
The current Australian Standard for life jackets is AS 4758.
Recently, MAST conducted life jacket inspections around the opening of trout season and, unfortunately, identified that a number of old standard life jackets (AS 1512) were still being used – these are non-compliant.
Check your life jacket
If your life jacket is an older model, it’s important that you check the label. Make sure it meets the current life jacket standard and is appropriate for the activity you’re undertaking.
Don’t forget to check the condition of your life jacket too. Look for signs of deterioration, damaged straps, buckles or stitching, and check inflatable life jackets for signs of damage and ensure they are correctly serviced as indicated by the manufacturer.
Part 2: Winter cruising
Winter can be a great time to explore Tasmania’s waterways. The crowds are smaller, the waterways are quieter, and the scenery can be spectacular.
But be aware that winter boating comes with its own challenges. Shorter days, colder water and changing weather mean considered trip preparation is essential.
Planning a winter cruise?
Planning a cruise?
The ‘Cruising pages’ on MAST’s website provide useful information to help you plan your trip whatever time of the year, and below is a brief trip planning checklist:
- check the weather and conditions before you leave the shore
- look over your vessel
- inspect safety equipment
- tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.
MAST’s cruising tips – where to go
Tasmanian waters can be a little chilly all year
Just in case you or one of your crew end up in the water, take the time to understand the impacts of cold-water immersion before you start your journey.
Cold-water immersion – how to repond
Common nautical terms
How well do you speak ‘boating’?
Whether you’re new to boating or have been on the water for years, there are plenty of nautical terms that can leave people scratching their heads.
Here’s a quick guide to some common terms you’ll hear on the water:
Share your nautical terms with MAST
Infrastructure update
Heybridge Boat Ramp
The removal of the old concrete boat ramp and installation of the new ramp has been completed. The new ramp provides a significantly safer facility for users, replacing the previous ramp, which had an uneven and deteriorated surface.
Lake Mackintosh
Construction of the new walkway alongside the boat ramp has been postponed due to material availability issues and other factors. As a result, the planned construction window was missed. Work is expected to commence as soon as lake levels permit.
Gordon Jetty
Works commenced on site on 17 August and are expected to take approximately 12–14 weeks, depending on weather conditions. The public boat ramp and boat ramp walkway will remain open throughout construction.
Dru Point boat ramp
MAST will appoint a contractor in August to construct a new lower-level extension to the northern landing stage. This extension will provide additional berthing options for personal watercraft at lower tides.
mast.tas.gov.au
