That deadly harbour !

Sydney is blessed with one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. Property prices are geared to the proximity of water views and we pride ourselves on this water playground being accessible to all.

Unfortunately it can also be deadly. Events of a recent night left six people dead when a cabin cruiser and a fishing boat collided near Bradley's Head. The cabin cruiser had been commandeered for a joyride and it was grossly overloaded, but this was just one of several fatalities that have occurred in recent years.

It is evident that the rules governing boat movements on Sydney harbour are lax. Only recently has an overall speed limit been imposed, but a survey has revealed that both ferry and recreational boat traffic are ignoring the regulations designed to keep traffic separated - as is the case with motor vehicles on public roads.

The Water Police maintain regular patrols but their attention is mainly concentrated on detecting alcohol offences by private boat skippers. More work needs to be done to ensure that boat traffic follows safety rules - and this applies to ferries and commercial traffic as well as recreational craft.

After dark the harbour is a specially deadly place. Lights on the harbour bridge and surrounding high buildings and structures reflect on the water, making it difficult to distinguish between them and approaching water craft.

Then there are the unlit moorings designed to provide security for vessels of over a hundred thousand tonnes waiting for a berth. These massive pontoons are low on the water and are almost impossible to detect at night.

The state government has long ignored safety on Sydney harbour. Commercial and recreational traffic steadily increases year by year and it is evident that the waterway needs a clear set of rules - and that these ruled will need more Water Police to see that they are obeyed.

The attitude to safety has not changed since boats moved at low speed propelled by in-board motors. High speed outboards have changed boating in recent decades. It is time the rules governing Sydney harbour reflected those changed conditions !