NSW Maritime launched a safety education initiative in March to improve boating safety in and around the ports of NSW.

Recreational and commercial skippers are encouraged to log onto the Big Ships, Small Boats website – www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/bigships - for safety advice, maps of shipping channels and examples of ship warning sounds, video clips and links to relevant boating publications.

NSW Maritime established the site as part of an awareness campaign because all NSW ports face similar safety issues when small craft and large vessels interact.

Skippers of small craft should always keep a lookout when on the waters of any port and all recreational boats should steer well clear of large vessels.

A good rule of thumb for all skippers is to bear in mind is that if you can’t see the bridge of a ship, then the skipper of the ship can’t see you.

The Big Ships, Small Boats awareness initiative is being incorporated into the You’re the Skipper, You’re Responsible campaign. The port corporations of Sydney, Newcastle and Port Kembla assisted in its development.

NSW Maritime is now rolling out a direct mail campaign targeting more than 300,000 boat licence holders in the port areas, followed by targeted advertising and displays at boat shows and community events.