With the introduction of the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2000 Davis Marina has been forced to reassess some of its services and make a number of changes. The Marina no longer offers weekend slipping services. Further we must ask clients not to enter the slipway or workshop areas. Please seek assistance from the Marina's staff if entry to these areas is required for any reason.

Davis Marina cares about the safety of its clients. We have taken several steps to increase safety levels around the Marina, including equipping the Marina with first aid kits and fire extinguishers, installing safety switches, maintaining the Marina decking etc. Please think about safety around the Marina premises and when working on your boats. For example, remember to secure powerleads away from water and out of the path of other Marina patrons. If you come across any situation or facility at the Marina that you feel poses a health or safety risk, please report it to the Marina office immediately.

The Waterways Authority has recently released a guide for recreational boaters titled The Safe Boating Handbook. This handbook is available through the Waterways Authority and can be downloaded from the Waterways Authority website. The handbook provides detailed boat safety information and we highly recommend it to all boatowners. As brief guide, however, we offer the following safety checklist.

On entering the vessel and before operating any switches or engines check for petrol and/or LP gas odours. If such odours exist, fix the fault before you go out.

Inspect the bilges. If there is more bilge water than usual, find and rectify the fault. When pumping bilges be aware of the environment. Polluting the waterways is an offence. If there is oil or fuel in the bilge water, use special absorbent pads to clean up and dispose of these appropriately. Such pads are available at leading marine stores.

Check fuel, engine oil and coolant levels, top up if required. Examine batteries, terminals etc. Do the same for the second engine if carried.

Check that fire extinguisher is in good condition.

Ensure there is sufficient fresh water and food for the length of the voyage with some extra in case of an emergency.

Make sure your lights are in working order: it may be a daylight outing, but you could be delayed in returning.

Fuel should be fresh. Make sure it is not last season's fuel which may be contaminated.

 Self-draining holes should be clear.

Ropes and lines should be in good condition and stored ready for use.

Steering cables and connections must be in good condition and work perfectly.

Inspect the battery and renew battery.

Check that appropriate anchors are on board and are properly rigged, stowed and ready for use.

One personal flotation device (PFD - aka lifejacket) should be available for each person on board. Children should havesuitably-sized PFDs/lifejackets.

 If you have radio, make sure that it is on and working.

Make sure you have a complete First Aid Kit on board.

Essential tools and spare parts should be in good condition.

 Do not overload your vessel.

Ensure everyone on board knows where to find, and how to use, essential safety equipment. Show others how to operate the vessel and radio and how to deal with emergencies.

 Don't forge the bung.

The blood alcohol limit on the water is the same as on the roads - 0.05%. But be careful. The wind, waves and the sun combine to multiply the effects of alcohol.

 Be aware of speed limits around the harbour. North Harbour is a 'No Wash Zone' which means there is a speedlimit of 4 knots in the bay and around the Marina.

Take time to check the weather conditions before heading out. Click on Bureau of Meteorology to find out the most up to date information.