Pre-Planning

As with any outing, whether it be a social occurance or an organised event, pre-planning is the norm. More so, pre-planning a boating trip is a definite must. Usually, common sense prevails. However, listed below are several check points which can help you in pre-planning a boating trip, ensuring an enjoyable excursion and a safe return.

1.	Check the Weather Forecast by:
	Listening to the local radio forecast or by tuning into your local TV station and watching the news and weather.
	Checking the latest weather forecast at the Australian Bureau Of Meteorology.
	Telephoning Adelaide's 11541.
2.	Check the condition of the boat and its equipment.
3.	Ensure the engine is well maintained. Carry a tool kit and essential spares.
4.	Ensure safety equipment is provided for all on board.
5.	Carry approved life jackets and all other prescribed safety equipment typical for your boat size, such as fire extinguishers fire blanket flares and smoke signals bucket and lanyard (or manual bilge pump) paddles/oars
6.	Never overload your boat
7.	Carry Sufficient Fuel and Water
8.	Alcohol and boating do not mix
9.	Check on local water conditions e.g. tides, areas of shallow water.
11.	Plan the trip:
	How long will the trip take?
	Who on land will keep watch on your return?
	In case of bad weather, what access do you have to safe havens en route?
12.	Operational Procedures - Coast Guard Radio Network (Marine Call Sign VMR555)
	To enable the maintenance of a log and charting of a vessel's location by Coast Guard Radio, all vessels are requested to contact the Coast Station as soon as practicable after launching or putting to sea, advising the following:
	Vessel's call sign
	Place of launch/mooring
	Destination
	Number of persons on board
	Estimated time on water
	Shown below is an example of a vessel launching/departing mooring reporting to Coast Guard Adelaide on 27Mhz UHF or 16VHF:
	Frequency Message 27.880MHz / Ch16VHF Hello Coast Guard Adelaide (or Other Base). This is (Call Sign), Over. 27.880MHz / Ch16VHF Coast Guard Adelaide receiving (Call Sign). Please call me on 27.900Mhz (Ch90) / Ch73VHF, Over. 27.880MHz / Ch16VHF Acknowledge you are changing frequency to 27.900Mhz (Ch90) / Ch73VHF. 27.900MHz / Ch73VHF Coast Guard Adelaide, this is (Call Sign). Launched at North Haven Heading for Semaphore Reef Three Persons on board Estimated Time of return ..... Hrs Over Romeo (Call Sign) Thank you Coast Guard Adelaide Out.
	Remember to return to 27.880MHz / Ch16VHF after completing the exchange of the message. Communications with other vessels are conducted on 27.900Mhz (Ch90) / Ch73VHF after initial contact on 27.880MHz / Ch16VHF.
	Keep messages brief and clear when talking.
	Avoid interfering with other stations by listenning before transmitting.
	Always use your Call Sign, or name of your vessel for identification - use of given names or surnames is not permitted.
	Do not turn your radio off whilst on the water.
	Maintain a listenning watch on the calling and distress frequencies, ie 27.880MHz / Ch16VHF.