Aboriginal maritime safety

Aboriginal Maritime Safety Plan

Transport for NSW launched the Aboriginal Maritime Safety Plan 2020-22 in November 2020.

Developed with the community, for the community, the plan embraces new partnerships to improve our understanding of the issues and help prevent boating incidents involving Aboriginal people. NSW waterways connect Aboriginal people to family, are a means of transport and are important places for participating in cultural events. In this way, boating safety is linked to cultural, physical and economic, well‑being.

The Aboriginal Maritime Safety Plan 2020-22 delivered a boating safety strategy for Aboriginal people, which was an action in the Maritime Safety Plan and supports the vision of Transport for NSW’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

To view the full Aboriginal Maritime Safety Plan click here.

One of the key actions of the Plan was to establish a network of Aboriginal Boating Safety Champions to encourage safe boating practices, and reduce unlicensed boat driving and promote lifejacket wear.

The video introduces our first Aboriginal Boating Safety Champions including Shane Phillips, CEO of Tribal Warrior and Jessica Slow and Tullarah Simpson of Transport for NSW. Our Aboriginal Boating Safety Champions share stories about the connection Aboriginal people have with NSW waterways and how understanding common on-water risks can help to bring the mob home safely.

In addition to the Aboriginal Boating Safety Champions video, an Aboriginal maritime safety animation was developed covering a range of maritime priority safety issues including checking the weather, wearing a lifejacket, safe speeds, alcohol limits and keeping a proper lookout. This animation is another educational resource which supported the key actions of the Aboriginal Maritime Safety Plan.

To highlight the importance of safe boating practices for all ages, the Are You Boat Ready? colouring book encourages young and old boaters to be prepared before heading out on the water and predict any on water risks they may face. The book aligns with the 'Are You Boat Ready? Plan. Prepare. Predict' maritime safety campaign and incorporates Aboriginal designs throughout the illustrations.

Download the Are You Boat Ready? colouring book here.

Transport for NSW would like to acknowledge the dedication, commitment and passion of the late Ross McKenny in his work with Aboriginal communities to improve boating safety, including his contributions to the Aboriginal Maritime Safety Plan.