book.tasman - Flipbook - Page 24
24 - JUNE 2024
The hidden pitfalls revealed
Avoid that sinking feeling
by ensuring your vessel is
seaworthy.
MAST
matters
with PETER HOPKINS
EVERY year at Agfest, MAST has the privilege of engaging with thousands of Tasmania’s
boating enthusiasts from around the state.
This year, one of the highlights for MAST
was the signi昀cant interest in our showcased
vessel, the “half-boat” Monica.
We cut the boat in half to clearly demonstrate the potential pitfalls associated with
older 昀breglass boats.
The Monica, a small, old 昀breglass halfcab vessel with which many Tasmanians are
familiar, serves as a prime example.
Older boats may conceal structural issues
such as rotten transoms, bulkheads, and 昀oor
timbers, underscoring the need for a thorough
inspection when considering the purchase of
a pre-owned vessel.
We also discussed buoyancy requirements
with numerous visitors at our stall. We were
pleased to learn that our demonstrations
in昀uenced at least four individuals to reconsider purchasing older second-hand boats.
Many boats can be retro昀tted with buoyancy, but it is important to have a clear understanding of the process.
Our consistent advice to prospective boat
buyers is to take someone with you who is
knowledgeable about boats.
Last year, MAST introduced new legislation
to improve the transfer and registration process for recreational vessels. The changes centred around ensuring the vessel is not unsafe.
Older vessels may have been modi昀ed since
their construction and could pose safety risks
due to alterations such as engine upgrades,
added 昀xtures, and increased weight from
equipment like pot haulers, larger fuel tanks
and auxiliary motors.
Under the new legislation, both the buyer
and the seller are required to declare that the
boat is not unsafe when registering or selling a vessel.
Both the seller and purchaser must notify
MAST of the transfer within 14 days.
Another highlight at Agfest was MAST’s
display of the latest range of EVDS (Electronic Visual Distress Signals) devices.
These devices, available at any of our Boat
Safe partners, are an alternative to the two traditional red and orange handheld 昀ares, provided a GPS-enabled EPIRB and a VHF radio
are also carried, and offer several advantages:
Emitting a white light that meets speci昀c
intensity requirements.
Capable of automatic signalling S-O-S for at
least 3-5 times per minute for 6 hours.
Equipped with an independent power source
(batteries).
Floating with the lens surface at or above the
surface of the water.
Featuring a waterproof switch.
A signi昀cant bene昀t for the Tasmanian boating community is the ability to test EVDS
before going out on the water – which you
can’t do with the traditional 昀are.
While MAST continues its annual collection and disposal of outdated 昀ares, this incurs
a signi昀cant cost of approximately $30,000
annually.
With the increasing adoption of EVDS, the
use of traditional 昀ares is expected to diminish over time.
Don9t be SAD, manage the winter blues
MANAGING the winter
blues, also known as seasonal
affective disorder (SAD),
involves a combination
of lifestyle changes,
environmental adjustments
and sometimes medical
intervention.
Here are several strategies
that can help:
Maximise Exposure to
Natural Light:
Spend time outdoors during
daylight hours, even if it’s
cloudy. Natural light can help
boost your mood.
Keep your home and
workspace well-lit. Open
curtains and blinds to let
in as much natural light as
possible.
WELLBEING
with Dr Di
Stay Active:
Regular physical exercise
can improve mood and
reduce anxiety. Aim for at
least 30 minutes of moderate
exercise most days of the
week.
Activities like walking,
jogging, yoga, or even indoor
exercises can be bene昀cial.
Maintain a Healthy Diet:
Eat a balanced diet rich
in fruits, vegetables, lean
proteins, and whole grains.
Avoid excessive
consumption of sugar and
re昀ned carbs, which can lead
to energy crashes.
Social Connections:
Stay connected with friends
and family. Social interaction
can provide emotional
support and help alleviate
feelings of isolation.
Consider joining clubs,
groups, or engaging in
community activities.
Practice Good Sleep
Hygiene:
Maintain a regular sleep
schedule by going to bed and
waking up at the same time
every day.
Create a restful
environment in your
bedroom, free of electronic
distractions and excessive
noise.
Manage Stress:
Practice relaxation
techniques such as deep
breathing, meditation, or
mindfulness to reduce stress.
Engaging in hobbies and
activities you enjoy can also
help manage stress levels.
Seek Professional Help:
If symptoms persist and
signi昀cantly impact your
daily life, consult with a
healthcare professional. They
may recommend counselling
or medication.
Cognitive behaviour
therapy (CBT) has been
shown to be effective in
treating SAD.
Consider Vitamin D
Supplements:
Lack of sunlight can lead
to Vitamin D de昀ciency,
which is associated with
depression. Consult with
your healthcare provider
about taking Vitamin D
supplements.
Plan for Winter Activities:
Engage in activities that you
can look forward to during
winter, such as winter sports,
reading, crafting, or other
indoor hobbies.
By incorporating these
strategies, you can better
manage the winter blues and
maintain your emotional
wellbeing throughout the
colder months.
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Serious about sleep