ROADS and Maritime Services has issued a timely reminder about safe navigation near vehicle ferries, following reports of recent near misses on the Hawkesbury River at Wisemans Ferry.
RMS Executive Director Maritime, Angus Mitchell, warned boaters to slow down and keep an eye out where ferry vehicles are about.
“Vehicle ferries serve as an important mode of transport for motorists but they carry inherent dangers for skippers, water-skiers, and passengers,” he said.
Mr Mitchell said the best way to stay safe is to keep an eye out for ferry crossing signs and slow down when approaching crossings.
“Vehicle ferries operate by cables that are mostly submerged and hidden from view. Crashing into one, especially at speed, is likely to have catastrophic consequences for you and you passengers,” he said.
“There are signs before every ferry crossing to warn skippers, so when you see the sign that is when you need to slow down and keep an eye out.
“We want everyone to enjoy themselves on our waterways, but we need all boaters to do so responsibly.”
For more information about water safety, visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/index.html.
