Electrical safety for boaters and yachties
Know how to stay safe on the water near electricity.
Keeping boaters and yachties safe around electricity
It is easy to overlook the risks posed by electricity around waterways. Power lines and submarine cables cross many NSW waterways, posing a potential threat to boaters and yachties.
Things to be aware of
You don’t need to touch overhead power lines to compromise safety. Electricity can jump (arc) from power lines to other objects in an instant. Power lines and cables carry considerable electrical current which can cause serious injury or death if touched by any part of your vessel or if you get too close.
In accordance with the Crossings of NSW Navigable Waters, all NSW electricity network distribution companies are progressively replacing all waterway signs with those illustrated on this page.
Know the height of your vessel
It is critical for the owner or skipper to know the height of their vessel. Electricity can arc from power lines to objects such as boat masts, crane jibs, aerials and other tall structures and equipment.
This has the potential to cause serious injury or death to anyone onboard.
The skipper must also be aware of overhead power lines when launching and retrieving boats from the water. Power lines are often placed around boat ramps and marinas to power lights and recreational facilities such as barbeque areas and parks.
Check and make sure all power lines are sighted before entering and leaving the water.
Record your vessel’s clearance height on the NSW Maritime “Look up and Live” sticker and place it where it can be easily seen. Stickers are available from NSW Maritime, major boat sheds and sailing clubs.
Knowing the height of your vessel ensures you won’t breach the minimum approach distances indicated by warning signs. Always remember the clearance distance will reduce during king tides, floods or when hot weather causes power lines to sag.
Be aware of submarine cable crossings
Submarine cables run across the bottom of waterways and are indicated by large signs located along the banks at their entry and exit points.
Anchoring is prohibited within 200 metres of submarine cables as anchors may become caught or entangled with the submarine cables during any unintentional drift.
Should an anchor become snagged near these signs, you must cut the anchor line and not attempt to retrieve it.
Know who to call in an emergency
In an emergency call 000
For water related incidents NSW Maritime 131 256
For electrical faults and incidents phone Endeavour Energy on 131 003
