Police officers from Marine Area Command and Roads and Maritime Boating Safety officers kicked off the on-water operation on Saturday, October 3.

Police are targeting criminal and anti-social activity on waterways to ensure everyone enjoys the season safely and enforce maritime laws, conduct safety checks, inspect size and bag limits of fish and check boat licences.

In addition, police will target the use of jet skis after receiving multiple reports last season of dangerous driving, some of which led to collisions and serious injuries.

Marine Area Command officers will also be conducting random breath tests as the operation continues.

The same drink-driving laws apply on the water as on land – the legal limit is 0.05. Skippers are reminded that they are responsible for the safety of everyone on board their vessel.

It is also the time to check all lifejackets, especially inflatable models, to ensure they are in good condition and have been serviced according to the manufacturer’s requirements. People are reminded to wear a lifejacket when boating, especially in smaller craft.

Other boating safety equipment should also be carefully inspected and items like flares, distress beacons and fire extinguishers should be replaced if they have passed their expiry date.

Boaters should ensure up-to-date charts and local boating maps are on board for each and every new waterway being explored, and ensure boating lights are in working order regardless of whether a boat trip is only planned for the day time.

Check the condition of boat trailers and boats kept on moorings should have their moorings serviced at least annually or more frequently if subject to specific mooring conditions.

Police are urging anyone with information about criminal or suspicious activity on the waterways to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence.