WARRNAMBOOL Coast Guard practises what it preaches.
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Its bright yellow vessel has been dry-docked at Port Fairy, and is undergoing routine maintenance and safety checks ahead of the summer period.
Coast Guard Commander Allan Wood says all boaters should be doing the same thing before taking their craft out onto the water.
“It’s the time of year when people haven’t been on the water for awhile, so now is perfect to do some checks,” he said.
“Individuals should do what we are doing.
“You need to do all regular maintenance before the summer season.
“Fuel can go stale and a lot of people leave their boats out and water can get into places it shouldn’t.”
Mr Wood said the Coast Guard vessel was dry-docked every six-to-nine months to remove any growths or weeds.
“That can severely impair the performance of the boat,” he said.
“It should do around 25 knots, but if there is drag it can get down to 12 knots.
“The main job we are doing is removing all the anti-foul off the side and bottom of the boat and replacing it.”
Other cosmetic work being undertaken includes straightening rails and putting a shield on top of the cabin to ensure the easy removal of the life boat.
An adaption on the back of the boat will help to improve the fire pump, and work is being done inside the cabin as well. Brendan Dodoro from Coastal Marine and Fabrication, as well as Coast Guard volunteers helped with the work.
Skipper Keith Prest encouraged people to join the Coast Guard.
“We are all volunteers,” he said.
“We train every Sunday and people are welcome to come along and have a look.
“We would like more volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with or without boating experience.”
He said males and females were encouraged to sign up.
The Coast Guard thanked the Moyne Shire Council for allowing the boat to dock at Port Fairy.