Transport Safety Victoria
Boating Behaviour 2014
FINAL REPORT
March 2015
Ipsos Project: #14-052329-01
Project Contact:
Daniel Evans
Contact address:
Building 1, Level 2
658 Church Street
RICHMOND
VIC 3121
Office phone:
(03) 9946 0850
Mobile:
0402 119 658
Email:
Dan.Evans@ipsos.com
Acknowledgements
Ipsos would like to thank Transport Safety Victoria for funding this study and for their help and assistance in the
development of the project. We would also like to thank the members of the public who took part in this study,
without whose input, the research would not have not been possible.
Contents
1. Research context ............................................................................................................................................. 9
2.
3.
4.
1.1
Background
1.2
Research context
9
10
Research design .......................................................................................................................................... 11
2.1
Study method
11
2.2
Interpretive notes
14
Main findings................................................................................................................................................ 16
3.1
Boating trips
16
3.2
Boating experience
37
3.3
Opportunities for improvement across Victoria’s waterways and boat launch locations
63
3.4
Safety behaviour
67
Demographics .............................................................................................................................................. 86
Appendix 1 – Questionnaire ............................................................................................................................... 89
Appendix 2 – Discussion guide ....................................................................................................................... 106
Appendix 3 – Email subscriber analysis ........................................................................................................ 110
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Executive summary
This report details findings of a quantitative and qualitative study which aimed to understand Victorian
recreational boaters’ behaviour and attitudes regarding safety, waterways and boating infrastructure – the first of
its kind based on a survey of registered boat owners derived from registration data.
The project involved an online / telephone survey of 1,035 Victorian registered boaters (randomly selected to
reflect registered boaters) who were mailed an invitation to participate in an online survey and two qualitative
focus groups undertaken after the quantitative phase had been completed. Taken together, the quantitative
sample size and mode for selecting the quantitative sample delivers a statistically representative sample which
provides good insight into Victorian recreational boaters’ behaviour and attitudes.
Quantitative fieldwork was conducted from 27 August 2014 through to 21 September 2014 with the results
obtained reflecting a point in time benchmark of Victorian boaters’ attitudes and behaviour. Qualitative focus
groups took place on 14 and 15 October 2014.
Boating trips
The majority of boaters surveyed (76%) said they stored their boat at their registered address with 15% saying
they kept the boat at another address, also out of the water. Almost nine-in-ten (88%) boaters had used their
boat in the previous 12 months, with the majority of boaters (84%) using their boat during the peak period
(October through April), while around one-third used it during the off-peak period (May through September)
(35%). Across the year, survey participants used their boats on average 19 times; May through September
participants used their boat 9.1 times, and those in October through April on average 16.2 times.
The majority of boaters commenced their trip in the morning post sunrise (72%), while the next most common
time period for boating to commence was in the afternoon (22%). Less than one-in-five (18%) commenced their
boat trip in the morning before sunrise, while one-tenth (10%) commenced in the evening. Half cabin operators
were the most likely to commence their usual trip before sunrise (35%), while yacht (keel boat) operators were
more likely to say they commenced their usual trip in the afternoon (49%). Furthermore, boaters whose usual
trip purpose was fishing were more likely to commence their trip before sunrise (24%), while those undertaking
touring/cruising (40%) or who were part of an organised club activity (58%) were more likely to commence their
trip in the afternoon.
The most frequent trip duration was over three hours (58%). Boaters nominated trip durations of 3 to 4 hours
(25%), followed by trips of 4 to 5 and 5 to 6 hours (17% and 16% respectively). In addition, trips commenced
after sunset were more likely to be under one hour in duration (36%).
The most common purpose for boating was to go fishing (64%), followed by ‘water skiing/wakeboarding/knee
boarding, etc.’ or ‘touring / cruising’ (18% and 17% respectively). Half cabin and open boat operators were both
more likely to have nominated their main purpose as fishing (86% and 68% respectively), while cabin cruiser
(50%), PWC (47%), trailer sailer (66%) and yacht (keel boat) (61%) operators were all more likely to say their
main purpose was touring/cruising. In addition qualitative research participants revealed both familial and
emotional reasons for boating, including quality family time, building life skills for their kids, relaxation and
adventure.
Where trips were undertaken
For the majority, the most common waterway for boating on was bays/inlets at 53%, followed by four-in-ten
(42%) who said they mostly boated on inland waters most often and 5% who said coastal waters.
Based on the nominated trip commencement location, the most common body of water for those who boated on
inland waters was Lake Eildon (25%), followed by one-in-five (20%) whose trip commenced on the Murray
River, 7% who said Lake Eppalock and 6% who said Goulburn River.
Transport Safety Victoria
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For trips which commenced in bays/inlets, the most common body of water was Port Phillip Bay – with almost
six-in-ten (57%) indicating this waterway. The most common locations for trip commencement within Port Phillip
Bay were Patterson River, with 8% saying this, followed by Portarlington and Sorrento (5% each).
Over one-in-ten (11%) of those who said they boated on bays/inlets used locations that were part of Western
Port. The most common location trips commenced at were Newhaven, Hastings and Corinella – each at 2%.
More than one-in-ten (12%) of those who said they boated on bays/inlets said their trip commenced on
Gippsland waters. Most commonly, boaters described ‘Gippsland Lakes’ (5%) with no further information about
the water body name, followed by 2% who said Lakes Entrance, and 1% each for Lake Wellington, Paynesville,
Lake Victoria and Other – Gippsland.
One-in-five (20%) of those participants who boated on bays/inlets, used locations outside of Port Phillip Bay,
Western Port and Gippsland Lakes across Victoria. The most common of these was Port Albert (5%), followed
by Port Welshpool, Corner Inlet and Sydenham Inlet (2% each).
On average, boaters travelled 93.6 km from where the boat was stored to where the boat was launched. Those
from Regional Victoria were more likely to travel further to launch (124.9km) compared to those from Metro
Melbourne (65.4 km).
Boating experience
Usage and launching
Eighty-eight percent had used their boat at least once in the previous 12 months. More than half of survey
participants (53%) said their reason for not boating in the last year was that they had been too busy or involved
with work or other activities, followed by 13% who cited health/illness/age issues – while a similar proportion
said the boat needs work/maintenance/repairs or they have another/several other boats (11% and 10%
respectively).
For the majority, the reason given why they finished their usual trip on the water was that they needed to get
back home (53%), followed by around one-quarter (27%) who said the fish had stopped biting and 20% who
said it was getting dark. A similar proportion cited deteriorating weather or passenger preference/fatigue of
others (16% and 14% respectively).
The greatest average distance travelled to launch was for those whose reason for finishing their trip was, ‘It’s
getting dark’ at 134.5 km, followed by fatigue - both of the passengers and of the master (131.2 km and 111.1
km respectively) and those who had reached their on water destination (108.3 km).
For those whose boat was stored on land, the main reason given as to why they launched at the water body
they mentioned was that it was closest to where they live (37%); while almost one-third (31%) said, ‘it provides
best access to where I want to use my boat’. Three-quarters (75%) indicated their mentioned launch location
was in fact their preferred launch location.
The most common reason given by those who did not use their preferred launch location was that it was too far
to travel (24%), followed by a similar proportion who said they used ‘several different launch locations’ (22%),
there was a ‘lack of/poor ramps/launching facilities’ or ‘it depends where I fish’ (21% each). Boaters from Metro
Melbourne were significantly more likely to say that their preferred launch location was ‘too busy/congested’
compared to those from Regional Victoria (15% vs. 2%).
Almost one-quarter (23%) said they were not able to launch from their preferred location in the past 12 months
on at least one occasion – those boating on bays/inlets were more likely to not be able to launch (33%). Of
those who could not launch, almost half (46%) said that they ended up giving up on boating that day, while
around one-third (36%) said they ended up launching from another location. The qualitative research highlighted
that it is likely that the proportion of boaters having difficulty launching may be even higher due to an unknown
number who elect not to go boating on peak use days.
Transport Safety Victoria
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Satisfaction with boating experience
Highest satisfaction for boating experience on Victorian waterways was for ‘waterway draft for my boat’ with a
rating of 7.3 out of 10, followed by ‘aids to navigation on the water’ (6.8) and ‘hazards in the waterway’ (6.7).
Lowest satisfaction was for ‘destination jetties’ (5.6) and ‘access to landside attractions’ (5.9).
Highest satisfaction for those whose boat was stored at either the registered address or another address was for
‘the wait time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at non-peak period’ (7.7 out of 10), followed by ‘boat ramp
proximity to my home address’ (7.3) and ‘signage’ (6.5). Lowest satisfaction was for ‘fish cleaning facilities’
(4.4), followed by ‘the wait time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at peak period’ (5.0). In addition, boaters
from Metro Melbourne were more dissatisfied with the parking at boat launch areas (4.8 vs. 6.7) and the ‘wait
time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at peak period’ (4.0 vs. 6.0) compared with those from Regional
Victoria.
In the qualitative research, there was a strong view that Port Phillip Bay was an underutilised resource that lacks
many of the facilities that make other Australian locations great places to boat. This includes sufficient
launching and mooring facilities, and marinas to provide a pleasant destination for lunch. Those who boated
elsewhere (particularly in Gippsland or on Lake Eildon) were typically more satisfied with the facilities available.
As such, many boaters who predominately use Port Phillip Bay felt that the Victorian Government was not
providing sufficient infrastructure in return for their licence and registration fees.
Satisfaction with berths and swing moorings
Almost all boaters (86%) who indicated their boat was not kept on land or in dry storage said the boat was kept
at a berth or in a pen berth and 13% said on a swing mooring.
Highest satisfaction for boaters who indicated their boat was kept at a berth or in a pen berth was for ‘boat
proximity to my home address’ and ‘weather and tide protection’ each at 7.9 out of 10. In addition, both
‘security’ and ‘provision of shore power’ were rated at similar levels (7.5 and 7.2). Lowest satisfaction was for
‘availability of alternative berth / mooring’ (3.9) followed by ‘on-water refuelling services’ (5.3).
Highest satisfaction for boaters who indicated their boat was kept at a swing mooring was for the ‘boat proximity
to my home address’ at 7.9 out of 10, followed by ‘value for money’ (6.8) and its ‘weather and tide protection’
(6.4). The lowest rated area was the ‘on-water refuelling services’ at 2.9 followed by ‘sewage pump-out
facilities’ (3.5).
Personal Water Craft (PWC)
Almost two-thirds (64%) indicated that the PWC owned was not the first one. For over four-in-ten, the reason
given as to what attracted them to PWC riding was, ‘thrill seeking, speed’ (41%), while a similar proportion said
that the PWC was a ‘family craft’ (39%), followed by around three-in-ten (31%) who said they had been boating
for a while and prefer a PWC.
Value for money
Overall value for boat launching/parking fees at boat ramps was low at 4.8 out of 10, those from Metro
Melbourne indicated significantly lower value for money (4.2) compared to those from Regional Victoria (5.4). In
addition, overall rating for boat registration fee was also low at 4.8 out of 10.
More than one-third of all who had boated in the previous 12 months indicated that they would be willing to pay
more for their registration if it helped improve boating infrastructure at the locations where they boated (36%).
This reflected a qualitative finding that while participants do not feel the registration fee is expensive; they
believe that a greater proportion of these fees should be returned to boating infrastructure improvements.
Transport Safety Victoria
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Opportunities for improvement across Victoria’s waterways and boat
launch locations
The main area for improvement nominated by those who said they would be willing to pay more for their boat
registration was they wanted to have ‘improved boat launch / retrieval facilities’ (68%), followed by four-in-ten
(41%) who said they would like to see ‘better navigation aids and signage’ and a similar proportion who said
there was a need for ‘better boating safety education programs’ (37%).
The main areas mentioned by all those who had boated in the previous 12 months in regards to anything they
thought should be considered with regard to boating facilities was ‘better / increased access to ramps launching
facilities’ (18%), followed by over one-in-ten (13%) who mentioned parking fees at launch areas, ‘free access /
excessive fees / no launch parking fees’. Eight percent provided comments relating to ‘better / increased access
to facilities’ or ‘better / increased access to parking’.
These suggestions were echoed in the qualitative research. Additionally qualitative participants wanted to see
more destinations with places to tie up, such as marinas. There was also strong support for the idea of a
centralised ‘app’ which would provide, for example, safety information for each vessel type, access to all
webcams, weather and perhaps the ability to register trips with Volunteer Marine Rescue Groups.
Safety behaviour
Boating risks
Boaters believed their usual boating trip was very low risk with a mean score of 2.5 out of 10 – on a scale from 0
through 10 where 0 meant ‘not risky at all’ and 10 meant ‘extremely risky’. In the qualitative research, this often
reflected the confidence boaters felt in their own abilities, with many having several decades of experience.
However, it was agreed that for less experienced or safety conscious boaters, it can be a very dangerous
pastime.
Importance of having all necessary safety equipment for the boat
More than three-quarters (77%) said they checked the safety equipment before every trip on the water. Of
those that did not check before every trip, one-in-ten (10%) said they checked once every few months, 8% said
monthly and a small proportion 2% said they checked weekly. There was a relationship between frequency of
the safety checks and number of times the boat was used in the previous 12 months - the more trips
undertaken, the more frequent safety checks were undertaken on the boat.
Overall ratings indicated a high importance of the need to have all necessary equipment when boating with an
average rating of 8.9 out of 10. Participants operating a cabin cruiser (9.5) or half cabin (9.4) indicated a
significantly higher level of importance, whereas those who operated an open boat indicated lower importance
(8.7). In addition, those who boated on coastal waters indicated significantly higher importance at 9.8.
Life jacket use
Almost six-in-ten (56%) said they wore a lifejacket personally every time, while around one-third (32%) said they
wear one on some occasions. One-in-ten (10%) said they never wear a lifejacket. When compared to the
research undertaken in 2006, there was significantly more who said they wore a lifejacket every time in 2014
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 7
(56% vs. 46%). 1 In addition, there were fewer participants in 2014 who said they never wore a lifejacket
compared to 2006 (10% vs.19%).
Just under six-in-ten (59%) said someone else on their boat wore a lifejacket every time, while one-third (34%)
said that others wore one on some occasions. In comparison to the 2006 research, there were more boaters
who said that someone else wore a lifejacket on some occasions in 2014 (34% vs. 27%). In addition, in 2014
there were fewer who said that someone else never wore a lifejacket compared to 2006 (4% vs. 12%).
Undertaking safety behaviour
The most frequently undertaken safety activity was checking the weather with almost all (89%) saying they
‘always’ did this before going out on the water. This was followed by three-quarters (76%) who said they
check/run the engine and over two-thirds who said they tell someone where they are going and when they will
be getting back (69%). The activities which were undertaken least frequently were to ‘always’ check waterway
web cams (10%), flares (32%) and a safety checklist (47%).
The most common way that boaters checked the weather was by using the Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au)
website (75%), followed by those who said radio or TV (24% and 22% respectively). Other less common
mentions included, Willy Weather (14%), webcams located at waterways (13%), and by talking to
friends/colleagues and newspapers (12% each).
The most common way that boaters found out about boating information was through ‘other boat owners’, with
almost four-in-ten saying this (38%). One-third (33%) said they used the ‘internet’ to source this information,
while a similar proportion said ‘published boating guides’ (27%), ‘general internet search/Google’ (25%) and the
‘tackle and bait shop’ (24%). Just over one-in-twenty (6%) said they obtained this information from Transport
Safety Victoria. Qualitative research participants felt that information about boating (particularly updated
regulations) could be provided by mail with the annual registration notice, as this would be a good way to reach
all registered boaters.
Safety campaigns
Highest recollection for safety campaigns was for Lifejackets saves lives with almost two-thirds (65%) indicating
they remembered it, followed by almost half who remembered the Steer clear of big ships campaign (49%).
Less than one-third (30%) said they remembered It’s only a lifejacket if you’re wearing it while around onequarter remembered the Get on board on life jackets campaign. Lowest recollection was for Will your boat float
– with 6% saying they remembered it and Be cool respect the rules, 10%.
Qualitative research participants were concerned about some inexperienced boaters who put themselves and
others at risk – sometimes wilfully, but more often as a result of ignorance. As such, participants wanted to see
further education and regulation of boating. Suggestions included a practical exam as part of the licencing
process, the implementation of ‘L’ and ‘P’ plates, a 0.0% blood alcohol tolerance and a blanket rule for life
jackets.
1
Marine Safety Victoria New Marine Safety Regulations. Qualitative and Quantitative Research Findings (2006). Quantum Market Research
Commissioned by TSV.
Transport Safety Victoria
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1. Research context
This section covers areas related to context of the research including background to the project, the need for
research and key objectives of the study.
1.1 Background
Transport Safety Victoria (TSV)
Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) is the Victorian independent statutory transport safety regulator for bus, rail and
maritime modes whose main purpose is to achieve the highest practical safety standards in the respective areas
of transport2. TSV’s main functions include3:

Licensing, registration, and accreditation

Monitoring risk and safety management systems of industry participants

Monitoring of transport safety legislation compliance

Enforcement of safety legislation when required

Transport safety investigation and reporting

Provision of advice and recommendations to the respective ministers

Transport safety issue education, guidance and training

Transport safety policy development

Victorian representative for national reform

Maintenance of government, industry, and community stakeholder relationships.
TSV and the maritime industry
TSV is responsible for commercial and recreational maritime, and Victorian waterway safety standards under
the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic), Marine Safety Regulations 2012 (Vic), Transport Integration Act 2010 (Vic),
and the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983 (Vic), Transport (Safety Schemes and Compliance
and Enforcement) Act 2014 and Transport (Infringements) Regulations 2014.4 TSV is also responsible for the
administration of the National System of Commercial Vessel Safety within Victoria which regulates domestic and
commercial vessel safety standards in relation to certificates of survey, competency and safe operations.5
2
Transport Safety Victoria (2014). About Transport Safety Victoria. Retrieved September, 23, 2014 from
http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/about-transport-safety-victoria
3
Transport Safety Victoria (2014). About Transport Safety Victoria. Retrieved September, 23, 2014 from
http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/about-transport-safety-victoria
4
Transport Safety Victoria (2014). Commercial maritime. Retrieved September, 23, 2014 from
http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety/commercial-maritime; Transport Safety Victoria (2014). Recreational maritime.
Retrieved September, 23, 2014 from http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety/recreational-maritime; Transport Safety Victoria
(2014). Waterways. Retrieved September, 23, 2014 from http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety/waterways
5
Transport Safety Victoria (2014). Commercial maritime. Retrieved September, 23, 2014 from
http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety/commercial-maritime
Transport Safety Victoria
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2014 Boating Behaviour Study
Under the Transport Integration Act 2010 (Vic), one key function of the TSV is to commission research into
transport safety.
In August 2014, TSV commissioned Ipsos to design and conduct a study of Victorian recreational boaters. The
study was designed to understand the purpose, frequency, location and duration of recreational boating trips
across the state. Additionally this project aimed to report on boaters’ safety behaviour, the effectiveness of
TSV’s safety campaigns, and Victorian boaters’ satisfaction with waterways and facilities. The study comprised
an online survey and focus group discussions. Additional information regarding the study methodology can be
found in Section 2: Research Design.
1.2 Research context
The need for research
With 2,000km of coastline and 160 managed waterways in Victoria utilised by approximately 180,000 Victorian
registered recreational boats, there is a need for TSV to better understand Victorian boaters’ behaviour and
characteristics to inform TSV decision-making. This research coupled with other TSV information will enable
TSV to proactively mould its regulation and risk management strategies, educational programs, investigations
and compliance operations, operational policy, and other TSV undertakings.
The key objectives of the study and outcomes
The main aim of the survey was to improve TSV’s understanding of the safety attitudes and behaviours of
recreational boaters across the different boating classes (i.e. cabin cruiser, half cabin, open boat, personal water
craft (PWC), trailer sailer, and yacht) over the last year. Specifically TSV had particular interest in
understanding and ascertaining any relationships between:

Registered address postcode and location of trip origin;

Location of trip origin and trip destination / boating purpose;

Boat type and trip purpose;

Activities that reflect safety attitudes;

The range and comparability of factors that influence the launch location;

Level of user satisfaction with current recreational boating infrastructure and services; and

Awareness of key TSV safety campaigns.
Transport Safety Victoria
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2.
Research design
This section describes the design of the study including, the study method, design of the sample, weighting,
fieldwork dates, qualitative focus groups and notes on interpreting the report.
2.1 Study method
The 2014 Boating Behaviour Study comprised two discrete and complementary methods:
1. An online survey of 1,035 Victorian boaters
2. Two focus group discussions.
2.1.1 Online survey
The 2014 survey was administered as an online survey with an option for participants to complete the survey via
telephone if they preferred.
Ipsos worked with TSV in the design of a questionnaire that averaged 15 minutes in length. Respondents were
asked to base their answers on their behaviour in the previous 12 months. Around 12% of the survey sample
did not use their boat in that period and therefore did not answer the behavioural questions.
2.1.2 Sample design
As the proportion of recreational boat types and their locations are different across Victoria, a stratified
randomised sample was employed, which involved dividing the registered boating population into smaller
groups; boat type and location of registered address (i.e. Metro Melbourne and Regional Victoria). This type of
sample captures the key characteristics of the boating population, allowing inferences to be drawn that reflect
the overall population. Metro Melbourne was defined as greater Melbourne and its suburbs, while Regional
Victoria was all other areas.
A randomly selected sample of boat owners from the Victorian registration database was chosen which reflected
each of the types of registered boats across Victoria. In order to obtain sample sizes that would allow
meaningful analysis, some of the less represented boat types as well and registered owners from Regional
Victoria were over-represented in the survey sample.
Table 1 below, outlines the boat types that were sampled as part of the study, their representation within the
Victorian population and the number approached to participate in the survey. In addition the final column
displays the proportion of each type within the mailed sample. These proportions were then weighted back to
the population when analysis was undertaken (see Section 2.1.4).
Table 1: Sample composition, sample for mailing and distribution
Vessel type
Proportion of
population
(%)
Metro Melbourne
sample mailed
(n)
Regional sample
mailed
(n)
Proportion of sample
(%)
Cabin cruiser
3%
627
627
14%
Half cabin
16%
821
820
19%
Open
69%
768
771
18%
Personal water craft
9%
915
914
21%
Trailer sailer
1%
597
597
14%
Yacht (keel boat)
Total
1%
604
604
14%
8,665
4,332
4,333
100%
Transport Safety Victoria
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2.1.3 Fieldwork
All respondents were initially sent an invitation letter in the mail with instructions to complete the survey online or
over the phone.
During the fieldwork period it became apparent that the desired number of half cabin, open and PWC boat type
owners was not going to be achieved, and so a secondary mailing comprising an additional random sample to
boost these numbers was undertaken.
Overall, 8,665 registered boat owners received a letter by mail to invite them to take part in the study (see Table
2). Fieldwork was conducted from 27 August 2014 through to 21 September 2014, with the survey averaging 15
minutes in duration.
The response rate for the study was 12% with n=1,035 completions overall, which is comparable to other
studies using a similar approach.
Table 2: Key fieldwork figures
n=
% of total
8,665
100%
Total number of 1800 calls
136
2%
Completes through CATI hotline
71
1%
Return to sender
59
1%
1,035
12%
Total sample available
TOTAL completions
2.1.4 Weighting
Where a quantitative survey is designed to collect a survey sample to represent a population, demographic and
other variables from the survey are often examined to see how accurately they reflect the population of interest.
If the data is skewed in terms of these variables, results from the survey may not accurately reflect the views of
the wider population.
As outlined in 2.1.2 above, the survey sample for the TSV Boating Behaviour project was deliberately skewed
away from the population of interest to ensure we met the objective to represent the views of boaters across
various vessel types.
In order to bring the sample back into line with the population, ‘weights’ were applied to the data. Weights are
calculated based on the difference between the proportion of a certain type of respondent in the sample and the
proportion of that type of respondent in the population (e.g. the proportion of Open Boats in the sample, relative
to the population). In essence, applying weights to a dataset readjusts the achieved sample to resemble the
population, removing any skew in the results.
The weighting scheme for the Boating Behaviour survey was developed to realign the responses received so
that the data would reflect the characteristics of the Victorian boater population and responses from oversampled sub-groups.
The weighting scheme that was developed was based on vessel registration population statistics for 2014
provided by TSV and took into account the following attributes:

Boat type

Location – registered address
The following table displays the proportion of the sample as collected, the weighted sample proportions and the
population proportions. As outlined below in Table 3, once the weighting scheme has been applied, the figures
match those of the Victorian registered boater population, by vessel type and geography (i.e. Metro Melbourne,
Regional). It is important to note that these population figures exclude canoes, houseboats, hovercrafts and
commercial vessels as these were considered out of scope.
Transport Safety Victoria
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Table 3: Sample attributes and population comparisons
Boat Type
Location
As collected (%)
Sample size (n)
Weighted (%)
Population (%)
Metro Melbourne
7%
71
2%
2%
Regional
8%
83
1%
1%
Metro Melbourne
8%
80
9%
9%
Regional
6%
63
6%
6%
Metro Melbourne
7%
77
29%
29%
Regional
7%
68
40%
40%
Metro Melbourne
5%
54
7%
7%
Regional
5%
47
2%
2%
Metro Melbourne
12%
129
1%
1%
Regional
10%
103
1%
1%
Metro Melbourne
13%
132
1%
1%
Regional
12%
138
0%
0%
Metro Melbourne
52%
543
49%
49%
Regional
48%
492
51%
51%
Cabin Cruiser
Half cabin
Open boat
Personal water craft (PWC)
Trailer sailer
Yacht (keel boat)
Total
The following table outlines the weighted proportions of each boat type by location, water type boated on in
previous 12 months and age. It is important to note, that 85% of boats within the population were open boats i.e.
open and half cabin.
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
<34 years
35 – 54
years
>54 years
Table 4: Boat type from sample (weighted)
Open boat
69
60
78
88
57
45
68
64
74
Half cabin
16
19
13
2
26
32
8
18
15
Personal water craft (PWC)
9
13
5
9
8
17
23
15
4
Cabin cruiser
3
4
2
1
5
4
1
2
4
Yacht (keel boat)
1
2
1
0
3
1
0
1
2
Trailer sailer
1
2
1
0
2
1
0
1
2
Column %
2.1.5 Qualitative focus groups
In order to explore the quantitative findings in greater depth, two group discussions were conducted with people
who participated in the quantitative survey. These individuals were randomly selected from the survey sample
file and posted a letter asking if they were interested in participating in future research. One discussion group of
eight people was held in Richmond on the 14 October 2014 with those who resided in Melbourne. One
discussion group of five people was held in Rosebud with boaters who lived on the Mornington Peninsula on the
15 October 2014. While an effort was made to include a range of ages and genders in the research, participants
ultimately reflected the survey sample in that all were male and all were aged over 40 years.
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Each group discussion ran from 1.5 to 2 hours, and all participants received compensation to cover expenses
associated with participation. The group discussions followed the discussion guide available at Appendix 2 of
this document.
2.2 Interpretive notes
Quantitative results
For all survey results, tests of significance were conducted between key boater characteristics such as location,
boat type, water type most often boated on and age. These were conducted at the 95% level of confidence and
are reported where appropriate.
A sample of n=1,035 enables us to be 95% confident that at the overall level a feature of the Victorian boater
population we are testing is within a range of ±3.1% of what the survey tells us. For example, this means that if
we find that 50% of respondents said they boat on inland waters, we can be 95% confident that between 46.9%
and 53.1% of the population represented by the sample actually did this.
A ‘significant difference’ means we can be 95% confident the difference observed between the two samples
reflects a true difference in the population of interest, and is not a result of chance. Such descriptions are not
value judgements on the importance of the difference. The reader is encouraged to make a judgement as to
whether the differences are ‘meaningful’ or not.
Where significance testing has occurred between pairs such as Metro Melbourne vs. Regional boaters, this has
been undertaken as an independent samples test. However, where significance testing has occurred between
more than two categories within a group e.g. Water Type (Inland, Bays/Inlets, and Coastal), the significance
testing used tests one category against the average of the others that are not in that category combined. Such
a test is ideal for multiple comparisons as it reduces the likelihood of displaying a significant difference where
one does not exist.
Statistically significant differences within tables/charts are displayed by green figures and arrows (9↑) and red
figures and arrows (2↓). Green figures and arrows indicate the figure reported is statistically higher; red figures
and arrows indicate the figure is statistically lower.
It important to note that analysis of questions where the overall sample size is less than or equal to n=60 should
be treated with caution and any findings taken as indicative only.
How to read the tables in the report
For most questions reported, results are presented in a tabulated format, with the main table breaks ‘Total’,
‘Location’, ‘Water Type’, ‘Boat Type’ and ‘Age’ – as outlined in the table on following page.
The makeup for each of the breaks is as follows:

‘Total’ is the overall figure for that row

‘Location’ has two columns: Metro Melbourne and Regional

‘Water type’ has three columns: Inland, Bays/Inlets and Coastal

‘Boat type’ has six columns: Cabin Cruiser, Half Cabin, Open Boat, PWC, Trailer Sailer and Yacht

‘Age’ has three columns: less than 34 years, 35 – 54 years and more than 54 years.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 14
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 5: Example table
Yes
75
75
74
75
74
77
81
75
74
80
79
78
95
74
75
No
25
25
26
25
26
23
19
25
26
20
21
22
5
26
25
Column %
Qualitative results
Qualitative findings for this study have been included in the report where they add meaning to the quantitative
results. Qualitative research is exploratory, and designed to provide in-depth insight into people’s opinions and
the reasons they form and hold those opinions, outside of the rigid structure of a survey.
Unlike quantitative research, qualitative research does not aim to be representative of the broader population’s
views. As such, the number of people who made each comment is not specified in qualitative reporting. Rather,
qualitative reporting aims to capture the broad view of the group, and any points of divergence. Quotations are
included to demonstrate particular findings where they clearly articulate the feelings of the broader group or a
sub-group. Views that are only expressed by one individual are not reported on.
Transport Safety Victoria
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3.
Main findings
3.1 Boating trips
The majority of boaters sampled (76%) stored their boat at their registered address with 15% saying they
kept the boat at another address but out of the water. Boats from Regional Victoria were more likely to be
stored at the registered address compared to those from Metro Melbourne.
Over the entire year, almost nine-in-ten (88%) used their boat. A clear majority of boaters (84%) used their
boat during the peak period (October through April), while around one-third used it during the off peak
period (May through September) (35%).
Just over one-in-ten (12%) said they did not use their boat in the previous 12 months. More than half (53%)
said their reason for not boating in the last year was that they had been too busy or involved with work
or other activities, followed by 13% who said health/illness/age issues – while a similar proportion said the boat
needs work/maintenance/repairs or they have another/several other boats (11% and 10% respectively).
Across the year participants used their boats on average 19 times; May through September participants
used their boat 9.1 times, and those who boated from October through April, on average 16.2 times.
The majority (72%) commenced their trip in the morning – post sunrise, while the next most common time
period for boating to commence was in the afternoon (22%). Less than one-in-five (18%) commenced their boat
trip in the morning before sunrise, while one-tenth (10%) began in the evening. Half cabin operators were the
most likely to commence their usual trip before sunrise (35%), while yacht (keel boat) operators were more likely
to say they commenced their usual trip in the afternoon (49%). Boaters whose usual purpose was fishing were
more likely to commence their trip before sunrise (24%), while those undertaking touring/cruising or part of an
organised club activity were more likely to commence their trip in the afternoon (40% and 58% respectively).
The most frequent trip duration was between 3 to 4 hours (25%), followed by trips of 4 to 5 and 5 to 6 hours
(17% and 16% respectively). Trips commenced after sunset were more likely to be under one hour in duration
(36%).
The most common purpose of boating was to go fishing (64%), followed by ‘water skiing/
wakeboarding/knee boarding etc.’ (18%) or ‘touring / cruising’ (17%). Half cabin and open boat operators were
both more likely to have said their main purpose was fishing (86% and 68% respectively), while cabin cruiser
(50%), PWC (47%), trailer sailer (66%) and yacht (keel boat) (61%) operators were all more likely to say their
main purpose was touring/cruising.
In the qualitative research, people also revealed more emotional reasons for boating, including quality family
time, building life skills for their kids, relaxation and adventure.
Most commonly people boated with one other person (45%), while one-in-five (20%) said they usually went
boating with two other persons.
For the majority, the most common waterway for boating was bays/inlets at 53%, followed by four-in-ten
(42%) who said they mostly boated on inland waters most often and 5% who said coastal waters.
The most common body of water that trips commenced for those who boated on inland waters was Lake
Eildon (25%), followed by one-in-five (20%) whose trip commenced on the Murray River, 7% who said Lake
Eppalock and 6% who said Goulburn River.
The most common body of water that trips commenced on by those who said bays/inlets was Port
Phillip Bay, with almost six-in-ten (57%) indicating this. The most common locations for trip commencement
within Port Phillip Bay were Patterson River (8%) followed by Portarlington and Sorrento (5% each).
Over one-in-ten (11%) of those who said they boated on bays/inlets said locations that were part of
Western Port. The most common location trips commenced in Western Port were Newhaven, Hastings and
Corinella – each at 2%.
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More than one-in-ten (12%) of those who said they boated on bays/inlets said their trip commenced on
Gippsland waters. Most commonly, boaters put simply ‘Gippsland Lakes’ (5%) with no further information
about the water name, followed by 2% who said Lakes Entrance, and 1% each for Lake Wellington, Paynesville,
Lake Victoria and Other – Gippsland.
One-in-five (20%) of those participants who boated on bays/inlets, provided locations outside of Port
Phillip Bay, Western Port and Gippsland Lakes across Victoria. The most common of these was Port Albert
(5%), followed by Port Welshpool, Corner Inlet and Sydenham Inlet (2% each).
On average, boaters travelled 93.6 km from where the boat was stored to where the boat was launched.
Those from Regional Victoria were more likely to travel further to launch (124.9km) compared to those from
Metro Melbourne (65.4 km).
The following section covers areas related to boating trips including the location where participants store their
boats, whether this is different to the registered address, the time of the year they use their boat and frequency
of boat usage. In addition, this section looks at the time of day and length of participant’s usual boat trip, the
usual purpose of boating and the waterways used.
3.1.1 Storage
Typical place of storage
All participants were asked where the registered boat was usually stored from a list of possible locations. As
presented in Table 6 below, over three-quarters (76%) indicated they kept the boat at the registered address,
while less than one-in-five (15%) said it was kept at a different address, not on water. Across the sample only a
small percentage said the boat was berthed in a marina (3%), kept in dry storage or on a swing mooring (2%
each) or berthed at a private jetty (1%).
Table 6: Where is this boat usually stored?
Place of storage
%
At the registered address
76%
At another address, but out of the water (excluding dry storage)
15%
It is berthed in a marina
3%
It is kept in dry storage facilities
2%
It is kept on a swing mooring
2%
It is berthed at a private jetty
1%
It is berthed at a public jetty under a licence
0%
Other
1%
Q2. Where is this boat usually stored?(n=1035)
Boats from Regional Victoria were significantly more likely to be stored at the registered address compared to
those from Metro Melbourne (85% vs. 66%), while boats from Metro Melbourne were more likely to be stored at
another address, but out of the water (excluding dry storage) compared to those from Regional Victoria (21% vs.
9%), (see Table 7). Furthermore, boats from Metro Melbourne were more likely to be berthed in a marina (5%
vs. 1%) or at a private jetty (2% vs. 1%).
Those who boated on bays/inlets were less likely to keep the boat at the registered address (70%). However,
those who boated on bays/inlets were more likely to say the boat was berthed at a marina or was kept on a
swing mooring (6% and 4% respectively).
Open boats were the most likely to be stored at the registered address (82%), while PWCs were most likely to
be stored at another address, but out of the water (27%). Trailer sailers (10%) and PWCs (7%) were the most
Transport Safety Victoria
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likely to be kept in dry storage, while yachts (keel boats) (53%) and cabin cruisers (28%) were more likely to
berthed at a marina. Furthermore, yachts (keel boats) were the most likely to be kept at a swing mooring (21%).
Those in the older age group (54 plus) were more likely to have their boat stored at a marina.
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
76
66↓ 85↑
83
70↓
79
36↓
74
82↑ 63↓ 56↓
7↓
63
78
75
At another address, but out of the water (excluding dry
storage)
15
21↑
13
16
7
10
18
13
27↑
16
2↓
32
15
14
It is kept in dry storage facilities
2
2
2
3
1
0
4
3
1
7↑
10↑
4
4
2
2
It is berthed in a marina
3
5↑
1↓
0↓
6↑
2
28↑
2
1
0
7↑
53↑
0
1↓
4↑
It is berthed at a public jetty under a licence
0
0
0
0
0
0
5↑
0
0
0
0
2↑
0
0
0
It is kept on a swing mooring
2
1
3
0
4↑
0↓
2
2
2
0
3
21↑
0
2
2
It is berthed at a private jetty
1
2↑
1↓
1
2
0
12↑
0
1
1
4
6↑
0
0
2
Other
1
2
0
0↓
1
11↑
3
1
1
1
4↑
4↑
0
1
1
9↓
PWC
Metro
Melbourne
At the registered address
Column %
Open Boat
Total
Table 7: Place of storage
Q2. Where is this boat usually stored?(n=909 to 1035)
3.1.2 Usage
Time of the year
All boaters were asked when they used their boat in the last 12 months. Over the entire year, almost nine-in-ten
(88%) used their boat, while 12% said they did not (Figure 1).
It is clear that most boating is occurring during the October through April period of the year (84%), while almost
four-in-ten (39%) said they use their boat during the May through September period.
Figure 1: Boated in previous 12 months
100%
90%
88%
84%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
35%
30%
20%
12%
10%
0%
Used boat
Did not use boat
May through
September
October through
April
Q3. In the last 12 months, did you use the boat…? (n=1035)
Transport Safety Victoria
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As presented in Table 8, all those who said they boat on coastal waters (100%) said they used their boat during
October through April in the previous 12 months. In addition, significantly more respondents that boated on
bays/inlets indicated they used their boat during May through September (52%), while significantly fewer who
boated on inland waters indicated the same (21%).
Yachts (keel boats) (73%) and cabin cruisers (62%) were more likely to be operated through the off-season
period, while PWCs were less likely to be (16%).
Those who owned yachts were significantly more likely to say they boated at all times of the year (95%), while
trailer sailer operators were slightly less likely (78%).
100
52↑
59
62↑
44
33
100
100
89
89
88
>54 years
21↓
84
84
35 – 54 years
35
92
84
<34 years
34
88
86
Yacht
35
Throughout the year
100↑
Trailer Sailer
May through September
94
PWC
97
Open Boat
81
Half Cabin
Inland
88
Cabin
Cruiser
Regional
84
Coastal
Metro
Melbourne
October through April
Column %
Bays/Inlets
Total
Table 8: Time of the year
85
76
92↑
82
88
81
16↓
32
73↑
17
31
38
87
78↓
95↑
96
92
85
Q3. In the last 12 months, did you use the boat… (n=909)
Reason for not using boat in past year
Those who indicated they did not use their boat in the previous 12 months were asked why this was the case.
As shown in Table 9, more than half (53%) said this was because they had been ‘too busy or involved with work
or other activities’. The next most common reason was related to health/illness/age issues mentioned by 13%,
while a similar proportion said the ‘boat needs work/maintenance/repairs’ or they have ‘another/several other
boats’ (11% and 10% respectively).
Column %
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin
Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 9: Reason behind lack of usage
Have been too busy/involved with
work/ other activities
53
42
58
-
-
-
38
31
58
55
34
50
100
43
56
Health/illness/age issues
13
14
12
-
-
-
5
25
12
0
30
6
0
0↓
17↑
Boat needs work/maintenance/repairs
11
9
11
-
-
-
33
25
7
4
16
33
0
11
11
Have another/several other boats
10
11
10
-
-
-
0
12
12
0
14
6
0
37↑
0↓
Recently purchased
6
3
7
-
-
-
0
0
7
11
0
0
0
4
7
Depends on the weather
4
14
0
-
-
-
8
0
5
11
0
0
0
5
4
Boating area has been closed/too far
away from water
2
3
1
-
-
-
0
6
0
11
2
0
0
4
1
Planning to sell boat/no longer
required
1
0
1
-
-
-
5
0
0
9↑
0
6
0
0
1
Cannot afford/too expensive
1
0
1
-
-
-
0
6↑
0
0
2
11
0
0
1
Launching/setting up too difficult
without help/crew
1
1
0
-
-
-
13↑
0
0↓
0
10↑
0
0
1
1
Family commitments
0
1↑
0↓
-
-
-
16↑
0
0
0
0
6
0
1
0
Others
3
9↑
0↓
-
-
-
0
7
0↓
21↑
2
6
0
8
1
None/nothing
3
10
0
-
-
-
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
4
Q4. Why did you not use the boat in the last 12 months? (n=149)
Transport Safety Victoria
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Usage in the previous 12 months
Those boaters who had used their boat in the last 12 months were asked how many times they used the boat in
each of the time periods; October through April and May through September. On average, across the year
participants said they used their boats 19 times, with those in May through September using their boat 9.1 times,
and those in October through April on average 16.2 times (see Figure 2).
Figure 2: Usage in the previous 12 months
19.0
16.2
9.1
Average per year
In May through September
Average usage (number of times)
In October through April
Q5. And approximately, how many times did you use the boat in the last 12 months? (n=from 450 to 909)
As presented in Table 10, over the whole year, highest usage was for yachts (keel boats) (35.9) and cabin
cruisers (29.1) trips across the year. In addition, highest usage for October through April was for also for yachts
(keel boats) (25.2) and cabin cruisers (22.2) trips on average for this period, while highest usage for May
through September was also for yachts at 14.9 trips. Boaters were more likely to undertake trips on bays/inlets
across the year (22.1), and less likely to undertake trips on inland waters over the same period (14.6).
Those aged up to 34 years were less likely to undertake trips across the year compared to those that were
older.
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Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 10: Usage in the last 12 months
October through April
16.2
17.6
14.6
13.7
17.9
18.4
22.2↑
16.0
15.3
19.5
13.9
25.2↑
9.0↓
17.0
15.9
May through September
9.1
10.0
8.3
6.5
9.9
9.1
11.2
8.2
8.9
10.1
7.0
14.9↑
3.9↓
7.6
10.1
Average usage (12 months)
19.0
20.4
17.5
23.7
29.1↑
19.2
17.9
21.0
16.3
35.9↑
8.5↓
18.9
19.7
Average usage (times)
14.6↓ 22.1↑
Q5. And approximately, how many times did you use the boat in the last 12 months? (n=from 450 to 909)
Time of the day
Those participants who had boated in the last 12 months were asked what time of the day their boating trip
usually commences in a multiple response format. For more than seven-in-ten (72%), their boat trip
commenced in the morning, post sunrise, while the next most common time period for boating to commence
was in the afternoon. Less than one-in-five (18%) commenced their boat trip in the morning before sunrise,
while one-tenth (10%) said the evening (see Figure 3).
Figure 3: Time of the day
100%
90%
80%
72%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
22%
20%
18%
10%
10%
1%
0%
Morning – before
sunrise
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Evening – after
sunset
Q15. In the previous 12 months, what time of the day did you usually commence your trip? Multiple response (n=909)
Half cabin operators were the most likely to say they would commence their usual trip before sunrise (35%),
while yachts (keel boats) were more likely to say they commenced their usual trip in the afternoon (49%), (see
Table 11 below).
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Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 11: Time of the day
Morning – before sunrise
18
23
13
14
21
26
19
35↑
16
7
2↓
4↓
15
23
15
Morning
72
70
74
71
74
61
75
64
73
77
83
67
79
70
73
Afternoon
22
20
24
27
18
21
18
16
22
37
26
49↑
39
24
20
Evening
10
7
13
10
11
3
5
13
10
8
5
11
26
8
11
Evening – after sunset
1
2
1
0↓
2↑
0↓
1
4
1
0
2
5↑
0
1
1
Column %
Q15. In the previous 12 months, what time of the day did you usually commence your trip? Multiple response (n=909) Multiple
As seen in Table 12, boaters whose usual purpose was fishing were significantly more likely to commence their
trip before sunrise (24%), while those undertaking touring/cruising were less likely to (5%). In addition, those
who were touring/cruising (40%) and part of an organised club activity (58%) were more likely to commence
their trip in the afternoon, whereas those whose purpose was fishing were less likely to do so (14%).
Table 12: Time of the day by purpose for boating in the last 12 months
Fishing
Water
skiing/
wakeboard/
kneeboard
etc.
Touring /
cruising
Organised
or club
activity
Racing
Diving
Sailing
Other
Morning – before sunrise
24%↑
9%
5%↓
11%
0%
-
6%
0%
Morning
72%
76%
69%
74%
74%
-
86%
0%
Afternoon
14%↓
33%
40%↑
58%↑
46%
-
38%
100%
Evening
8%
13%
13%
26%
12%
-
13%
0%
Evening – after sunset
1%
0%
5%↑
2%
17%
-
6%
0%
Column %
Q15. In the previous 12 months, what time of the day did you usually commence your trip? (n=909); Q6. What was your usual purpose for boating in the last 12
months? (n=909)
Duration of the trip
Participants who had boated in the previous 12 months were then asked about their usual trip duration. Overall,
the most frequent trip duration was between 3 to 4 hours which was nominated by 25%. This was followed by
trips of 4 to 5 and 5 to 6 hours (17% and 16% respectively) (see Figure 4 below).
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Figure 4: Duration of the trip
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
25%
17%
20%
10%
16%
13%
9%
7%
4%
5%
0%
0%
Under 1
hour
1 to 2
hours
3 to 4
hours
4 to 5
hours
5 to 6
hours
6 to 7
hours
7 to 8
hours
8 to 10
hours
3%
10 to 12 More
hours than 12
hours
Q16. And what was the usual trip duration? (n=909)
By boat type, yachts (keel boats) were more likely to have a trip of 3 to 4 hours duration (43%). In addition,
trailer sailers (26%), yachts (keel boats) (13%) and cabin cruisers (10%) were more likely to undertake a trip of
more than 12 hours (see Table 13).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 13: Duration of the trip
Under 1 hour
4
3
5
6
2
0
2
2
4
11
1
0↓
0
6
3
1 to 2 hours
9
10
8
14
5
3
6
3
9
15
6
12
5
10
8
3 to 4 hours
25
28
23
25
25
29
18
21
26
26
28
43↑
27
21
28
4 to 5 hours
17
20
14
12
21
29
28
19
16
18
19
17
9
16
19
5 to 6 hours
16
19
14
11
22
8
10
17
18
11
9
8
1↓
18
16
6 to 7 hours
13
8
18
12
14
10
14
17
13
6
6
3↓
25
10
15
7 to 8 hours
7
7
7
10
4
15
9
12
5
10
2
3
0
11
4
8 to 10 hours
5
2
8
7
4
5
3
4
6
0
1
1
14
7
3
10 to 12 hours
0
1
0
0↓
1↑
0
1
2
0
2
1
1
0
1
0
More than 12 hours
3
3
3
3
3
2
10↑
2
2
2
26↑
13↑
19
1
3
Column %
Q16. And what was the usual trip duration? (n=909)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 23
As displayed below in Table 14, trips commenced after sunset were more likely to be under one hour in duration
(36%) compared to trips commenced at other times. In addition, trips undertaken after sunset were also more
likely to be 10 to 12 hours in duration (10%) compared to trips commenced at other times.
Table 14: Duration of the trip by the time of the day
Morning – before
sunrise
Column %
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Evening – after
sunset
Under 1 hour
1
5
7
11
36↑
1 to 2 hours
14
6↓
16
18
12
3 to 4 hours
17
24
39
34
13
4 to 5 hours
13
19
10
5↓
2↓
5 to 6 hours
17
18
16
21
2↓
6 to 7 hours
14
15
5
4
11
7 to 8 hours
13
6
3
1
10
8 to 10 hours
6
6
1↓
1
0↓
10 to 12 hours
1
0
1
1
10↑
More than 12 hours
4
2
4
3
3
114
663
268
82
25
Column n
Q15. In the previous 12 months, what time of the day did you usually commence your trip? (n=909) by Q16. And what was the usual trip duration? (n=909)
Purpose of use
Those who had boated in the last 12 months were asked their usual purpose for boating in the last year. In
total, almost two-thirds (64%) indicated their usual purpose was to go fishing. A similar proportion said ‘water
skiing/ wakeboarding/knee boarding etc.’ or ‘touring / cruising’ (18% and 17% respectively) (see Figure 5).
Figure 5: Purpose of boat use
100%
90%
80%
70%
64%
60%
50%
40%
30%
18%
20%
17%
10%
1%
0%
Fishing
Water skiing/
wakeboarding/knee
boarding etc.
Touring / cruising
Organised or club activity
Q6. What was your usual purpose for boating in the last 12 months? (n=909)
As displayed in Table 15, boaters who had boated on bays/inlets were significantly more likely to have said their
main purpose was fishing (71%) and touring/cruising (22%), while those who boated on inland waters were
more likely to have undertaken ‘water skiing/ wakeboarding/knee boarding etc.’ (36%).
Half cabin and open boat operators were both more likely to have said their main purpose was fishing (86% and
68% respectively). In addition, cabin cruiser (50%), PWC (47%), trailer sailer (66%) and yacht (keel boat) (61%)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 24
operators were all more likely to say their main purpose was ‘touring/cruising’. Further, trailer/sailer and yacht
(keel boat) operators were more likely to say their main activity was an ‘organised or club activity’.
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin
Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 15: Purpose of boat use
Fishing
64
59
69
52↓
71↑
79
48↓
86↑
68↑
14↓
4↓
2↓
19↓
62
67
Water skiing/ wakeboarding/knee
boarding etc.
18
18
17
36↑
4↓
4↓
2↓
1↓
21↑
36↑
0↓
1↓
66↑
23
11↓
Touring / cruising
17
20
14
11
22↑
14
50↑
11
11↓
47↑
66↑
61↑
16
14
19
Organised or club activity
1
2↑
0↓
0↓
2↑
3
0
2
0↓
3
23↑
30↑
0
1
2
Racing
0
0
0
0
0↑
0
0
0
0↓
0
1↑
2↑
0
0
0
Diving
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sailing
0
0
0
0↓
0↑
0
0
0
0↓
0
7↑
3↑
0
0
0
Other
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1↑
0
0
0
Column %
Q6. What was your usual purpose for boating in the last 12 months? (n=909)
Insight from qualitative study
In order to add meaning to the quantitative findings, the qualitative research included some discussion on why
people boat and the factors influencing decision making around the time and location of their boating trips.
These are detailed below.
Participants’ purposes for boating ranged from recreational to highly emotional. While most boated for a
particular reason such as fishing, touring or racing, there were also more fundamental reasons why they enjoyed
the pastime. For many, boating was deeply linked to family. Many had grown up boating with their parents, and
now it was something they shared with their children. It was viewed as a healthy thing to do to foster life skills in
children, and something the whole family could enjoy. Many also enjoyed taking friends out on their boat.
“To me, it’s an integral part of family. It gets the kids away from the TV and the Gameboys and
everything they waste their life on, it provides something physical...it brings the family together.” (Melbourne)
Further, some discussed their love for the sense of adventure, survival and self-reliance boating could involve,
particularly longer boating trips to more remote areas, such as the Bass Strait. Relaxation was also a big
motivator. Those who liked fishing often said they enjoyed the peace and quiet of waiting for fish to bite, and
others enjoyed the serenity of being out on the water.
“All the pressures disappear when you get on the water.” (Melbourne)
“Boating is a feel good thing to do.” (Mornington Peninsula)
“It’s practical, outdoors and a bit of self-reliance.” (Melbourne)
This strong emotional investment in boating contributed the frustration some felt in relation to boating
experiences in peak periods, as discussed further in later sections.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 25
Usual number of individuals on board with master
Those who had been boating in the previous 12 months were asked how many people usually went boating with
them. As seen in Figure 6, most commonly participants went boating with one other person (45%), while one-infive (20%) said they usually went boating with two other persons. Just under one-in-ten (8%) said they usually
boated with more than five others, while 7% said they boated alone.
Figure 6: Usual number of individuals on board with master
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
45%
40%
30%
20%
20%
14%
8%
7%
10%
2%
2%
Four other
people
Five other
people
0%
None, I boat
on my own
One other
person
Two other
people
Three other
people
More than
five persons
Q7. In the last 12 months, how many people usually went boating with you? (n= 909)
Those whose usual trip was on inland waters were significantly more likely to say the usual number of people
they boated with was more than five persons (15%), (see Table 16). In addition, half cabin operators were more
likely to say they went boating with two other persons (35%), while yacht (keel boat) masters were more likely to
boat with four others.
Boat operators who were over 54 years of age were significantly more likely to say they boated with one other
person (54%), while those aged up to 34 years were more likely to boat with more than five others (40%).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 16: Typical number of individuals on board with master
None, I boat on my own
7
7
8
8
7
4
2
9
7
8
7
11
5
7
8
One other person
45
37
54
37
52
49
41
44
47
37
55
33↓
21
35
54↑
Two other people
20
24
17
18
20
40
25
35↑
17
21
21
17
13
28
15
Three other people
14
18
11
17
13
4
21
7
16
11
11
14
21
14
14
Four other people
2
3
1
2
2
0
3
3
1
6
3
8↑
0
4
1
Five other people
2
1
3
2
2
0↓
1
2
2
6
1
4
0
3
2
More than five persons
8
10
6
15↑
3↓
3
6
1↓
9
11
3
13
40↑
8
6
Column %
Q7. In the last 12 months, how many people usually went boating with you? (n= 909)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 26
Usual type of waterway used
All those who had boated in the previous 12 months, were asked what type of water they boated on in the
previous 12 months. Across Victoria, the most common waterway for boating was bays/inlets at 53%. This was
followed by four-in-ten (42%) who said they mostly boated on inland waters most often and 5% who said coastal
waters, excluding bays/inlets (see Figure 7).
Figure 7: Typical type of waterway used
5%
Bays/Inlets
Inland waters (lakes and rivers)
42%
53%
Coastal waters (excluding
bays/inlets)
Q8. Over the last 12 months, what type of water did you most often boat on? (n=909)
As displayed in Table 17, boaters from Metro Melbourne were significantly more likely to say they had boated on
bays/inlets in the previous 12 months compared to boaters from Regional Victoria (64% vs. 41%), while those
from Regional Victoria were more likely to say they went boating on inland waters compared to those from Metro
Melbourne (53% vs. 32%).
Open boat operators were more likely to have boated on inland waters (53%). All other boat types less likely to
have done so, except for PWCs. In contrast, cabin cruisers, half cabins, trailer sailers and yachts (keel boats)
were more likely to have been boating on bays/inlets in the previous 12 months. Furthermore, those aged up to
34 years, were more likely to have boated on inland waters in the previous 12 months (79%) and were less likely
to have boated on bays/inlets (17%).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 17: Typical type of waterway used
Inland waters (lakes and rivers)
42
32↓
53↑
9↓
5↓
53↑
44
15↓
3↓
79↑
38
43
Bays/Inlets
53
64↑
41↓
85↑
86↑
43↓
47
82↑
93↑
17↓
56
53
Coastal waters (excluding bays/inlets)
5
3
6
6
10↑
3
9
3
4
4
6
4
Column %
Q8. Over the last 12 months, what type of water did you most often boat on? (n=909)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 27
Specific location of origin
Boaters who had used their boat in the previous 12 months were asked which waterway their usual boating trip
commenced on. These have been presented by each water type; inland waters, bays/inlets and coastal waters.
Inland waters (lakes and rivers)
Across those who boated on inland waters (42% of the sample), the most common body of water that the trip
commenced on was Lake Eildon – with one-quarter of the inland boaters saying this (25%), (see Table 18).
This was followed by one-in-five (20%) whose trip commenced on the Murray River, 7% who said Lake
Eppalock and 6% who said Goulburn River.
Table 18: Inland waters (lakes and rivers)
Inland waters (lakes and rivers)
%
Lake Eildon
25%
Murray River
20%
Lake Eppalock
7%
Goulburn River (including Lake Nagambie)
6%
Rocklands Reservoir
3%
Lake Mulwala
3%
Lake Hume
3%
Lake Nillahcootie
3%
Lake Wartook
2%
Lake Charm
2%
Pykes Creek Reservoir
1%
Lake Narracan
1%
Lake Glenmaggie
1%
Other
23%
Q9. In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip commence on inland waters (lakes and rivers)? (n=159)
As shown in Table 19, those who commenced their trip on Lake Eildon were significantly more likely to say their
main purpose was ‘Water skiing/ wakeboarding/knee boarding etc.’ (62%) as were those who commenced their
trip at Pykes Creek Reservoir and Lake Narracan (99% and 94% respectively), (see Table 19). Those who
commenced their trip on Lake Mulwala (89%) were more likely to say their man activity was ‘touring / cruising’,
while those who commenced their trip at Lake Nillahcootie were more likely to go fishing (99%).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 28
Table 19: Main purpose for boat use on Inland waters (lakes and rivers)
Fishing
Water
skiing/
wakeboard
ing/knee
boarding
etc.
Touring /
cruising
Organised
or club
activity
Racing
Diving
Sailing
Other
Total
52
36
11
0
0
0
0
0
Lake Eildon
23↓
62↑
15
0
0
0
0
0
Murray River
63
32
5
0
0
0
0
0
Lake Eppalock
36
64
0↓
0
0
0
0
0
Goulburn River (including
Lake Nagambie)
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Rocklands Reservoir
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
11
89↑
0
0
0
0
0
Lake Hume
41
56
2
1
0
0
0
0
Lake Nillahcootie
99↑
0
1↓
0
0
0
0
0
Lake Wartook
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lake Charm
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Pykes Creek Reservoir
6↓
94↑
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lake Narracan
0
99↑
1
0
0
0
0
0
Lake Glenmaggie
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Other
62
23
15
0
0
0
0
0
Row %
Lake Mulwala
Q9. In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip commence on inland waters (lakes and rivers)? (n=159) by Q6. What was your usual purpose for
boating in the last 12 months?
Bays and Inlets
Those who boated on bays/inlets (53% of the sample) were provided with discrete options, including; areas
within Port Phillip Bay, Western Port, Gippsland Lakes and a number of other popular boating locations.
Port Phillip Bay
The most common body of water that was boated on by those who said bays/inlets was Port Phillip Bay – with
almost six-in-ten (57%) indicating this (see Table 20). The most common locations within Port Phillip Bay were
Patterson River, with 8% saying this followed by Portarlington and Sorrento (5% each).
Table 20: Bays/Inlets - Port Phillip Bay
Bays/Inlets - Port Phillip Bay
%
Patterson River
8%
Portarlington
5%
Sorrento
5%
St Leonards
4%
Rye
3%
Geelong (Limeburners Point)
3%
Mordialloc
3%
Mornington
3%
Werribee South
3%
Altona
2%
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 29
Bays/Inlets - Port Phillip Bay
%
St Kilda marina
2%
Williamstown
2%
Safety Beach
2%
Queenscliff
2%
Frankston
2%
Indented Heads
2%
Clifton Springs
1%
Tootgarook
1%
Martha Cove
1%
Beaumaris
1%
Newport (The Warmies)
1%
Black Rock (Half Moon Bay)
1%
North Road, Brighton
1%
Other - Port Phillip Bay
1%
TOTAL - Port Phillip Bay
57%
Q9. In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip commence on bays/inlets? (n=697)
As displayed in Table 21, those who commenced their trip at Portarlington (100%), Werribee South (99%) and
St Leonards (98%) were all significantly more likely to say their main purpose was fishing. In addition, those who
commenced at Queenscliff (84%) and Williamstown (82%) were more likely to say their main purpose was
‘touring/cruising’. Further, those launching from Martha Cove were more likely to undertake ‘water skiing/
wakeboarding/knee boarding etc.’ (54%).
Table 21: Main purpose for boat use on Port Phillip Bay
Row %
Total
Patterson River
Fishing
Water
skiing/
wakeboard
ing/ knee
boarding
etc.
Touring /
cruising
Organised
or club
activity
Racing
Diving
Sailing
Other
71
4
22
2
0
0
0
0
68
1
25
6
0
0
0
0
100↑
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sorrento
52
0
42
6
0
0
0
0
St Leonards
98↑
1
0↓
0
0
0
0
0
Rye
81
0
16
1
0
0
1
0
Geelong (Limeburners Point)
55
3
42
0
0
0
0
0
Mordialloc
90
0
9
0
0
0
0
0
Mornington
90
0
8
1
1
0
0
0
Werribee South
99↑
0
1↓
0
0
0
0
0
Altona
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
St Kilda marina
61
14
22
3
0
0
0
0
Williamstown
4↓
0
82↑
14↑
1
0
0
0
Safety Beach
64
0
36
0
0
0
0
0
Queenscliff
13↓
0
84↑
2
0
0
1
0
Frankston
82
16
2↓
0
0
0
0
0
Indented Heads
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Portarlington
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 30
Fishing
Water
skiing/
wakeboard
ing/ knee
boarding
etc.
Touring /
cruising
Organised
or club
activity
Racing
Diving
Sailing
Other
Clifton Springs
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tootgarook
24
0
76
0
0
0
0
0
Martha Cove
0↓
54↑
44
2
0
0
0
0
Beaumaris
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Newport (The Warmies)
82
0
10
4
3
0
2
0
Black Rock (Half Moon Bay)
94
0
3
3
0
0
0
0
North Road, Brighton
49
0
51
0
0
0
0
0
Other - Port Phillip Bay
4↓
0
55↑
38↑
1
0
2↑
0
Row %
Q9. In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip commence on bays/inlets? (n=697) by Q6. What was your usual purpose for boating in the last 12
months?
Western Port
Over one-in-ten (11%) of those who said they boated on bays/inlets said locations that were part of Western
Port. The most common locations boated on were Newhaven, Hastings and Corinella – each at 2% (see Table
22).
Table 22: Bays/Inlets - Western Port
Bays/Inlets – Western Port
%
Newhaven
2%
Hastings
2%
Corinella
2%
Stony Point
1%
Tooradin
1%
Flinders
1%
Blind Bight
1%
Other - Western Port
1%
TOTAL - Western Port
11%
Q9. In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip commence on bays/inlets? (n=697)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 31
The only notable difference by main purpose of trip was that those from Flinders were more likely to say their
purpose was fishing (98%), (see Table 23).
Table 23: Main purpose for boat use on Western Port
Fishing
Water
skiing/
wakeboard
ing/knee
boarding
etc.
Touring /
cruising
Organised
or club
activity
Racing
Diving
Sailing
Other
Total
71
4
22
2
0
0
0
0
Newhaven
59
0
39
1
0
0
0
0
Hastings
83
0
15
1
0
0
1
0
Corinella
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stony Point
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tooradin
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Flinders
98↑
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
Blind Bight
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Other - Western Port
49
0
49
2
0
0
0
0
Row %
Q9. In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip commence on bays/inlets? (n=697) by Q6. What was your usual purpose for boating in the last 12
months?
Gippsland Lakes
As shown in Table 24, of those who said they boated on bays/inlets, more than one-in-ten (12%) said their trip
commenced on Gippsland waters. Most commonly, boaters put simply ‘Gippsland Lakes’ (5%) with no further
information about the waterway name, perhaps indicating they boated on various parts of Gippsland Lakes.
This was followed 2% who said Lakes Entrance, and 1% each for Lake Wellington, Paynesville, Lake Victoria
and Other – Gippsland.
Table 24: Bays/Inlets - Gippsland
Bays/Inlets – Gippsland
%
Gippsland Lakes – (No specific information)
5%
Lakes Entrance
2%
Lake Wellington
1%
Paynesville
1%
Lake Victoria
1%
Other – Gippsland
1%
TOTAL – Gippsland
12%
Q9. In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip commence on bays/inlets? (n=697)
Those who said ‘Gippsland Lakes – with no further information were significantly more likely to say their main
purpose was ‘touring/cruising’ (84%) and less likely to say it was ‘fishing’ (11%), (see Table 25 below). In
addition, those commencing at Lake Wellington were more likely to say their purpose was ‘fishing’ (99%), while
those commencing from Lakes Entrance were less likely to say the purpose was ‘touring/cruising’ (4%).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 32
Table 25: Main purpose for boat use on Gippsland Lakes
Fishing
Water
skiing/
wakeboard
ing/ knee
boarding
etc.
Touring /
cruising
Organised
or club
activity
Racing
Diving
Sailing
Other
Total
71
4
22
2
0
0
0
0
Gippsland Lakes – No
specific information
11↓
2
84↑
2
0
0
1↑
0
Lakes Entrance
77
19
4↓
0
0
0
0
0
Lake Wellington
99↑
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
Paynesville
56
0
43
0
1
0
1
0
Lake Victoria
81
0
19
0
0
0
0
0
Other - Gippsland
0↓
0
100↑
0
0
0
0
0
Row %
Q9. In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip commence on bays/inlets? (n=697) by Q6. What was your usual purpose for boating in the last 12
months?
Other bays/inlets in Victoria
Of those participants who boated on bays/inlets, one-in-five (20%) said locations outside of Port Phillip Bay,
Western Port and Gippsland Lakes across Victoria (see Table 26). The most common boating location of these
was Port Albert (5%), followed by Port Welshpool, Corner Inlet and Sydenham Inlet (2% each).
Table 26: Bays/Inlets - Others
Bays/Inlets – Others
%
Port Albert
5%
Port Welshpool
2%
Corner Inlet
2%
Sydenham Inlet
2%
Wingan Inlet
1%
Inverloch
1%
Shallow Inlet
1%
Other
5%
TOTAL – Others
20%
Q9. In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip commence on bays/inlets? (n=697)
As shown in Table 27, those participants commencing their trip at Port Welshpool and Inverloch were more
likely to say their main purpose of their trip was ‘water skiing/ wakeboarding/knee boarding etc.’. In addition,
those commencing at Inverloch were less likely to say their purpose was ‘fishing’, while those from Port
Welshpool were less likely to be involved in ‘touring/cruising’.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 33
Table 27: Main purpose for boat use on other bays/inlets in Victoria
Fishing
Water
skiing/
wakeboard
ing/ knee
boarding
etc.
Touring /
cruising
Organised
or club
activity
Racing
Diving
Sailing
Other
Total
71
4
22
2
0
0
0
0
Port Albert
74
0
26
0
0
0
0
0
Port Welshpool
46
54↑
0↓
0
0
0
0
0
Corner Inlet
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sydenham Inlet
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Wingan Inlet
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Inverloch
14↓
67↑
19
0
0
0
0
0
Shallow Inlet
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Other
80
5
13
1
0
0
0
0
Row %
Q9. In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip commence on bays/inlets? (n=697) by Q6. What was your usual purpose for boating in the last 12
months?
Coastal waters
For those participants who said they boated on coastal waters (5% of the sample), the most common launch
location was Portland with over one-third (34%) indicating this (see Table 28).6 This was followed for under onein-five (16%) who said they launched at Barwon River, while 10% said Lorne. Smaller proportions said Torquay
(7%), Apollo Bay and Mallacoota (5% each). It’s important to note that while the study targeted Victorian
boaters, there was a small number n=5, who said their normal trip was launched from either Bermagui or Eden
in NSW. It was decided to leave these boaters within the analysis as it was necessary to get a read on all
Victorian registered boaters, regardless of where they boated.
Table 28: Coastal waters
Coastal waters*
%
Portland
34%
Barwon River
16%
Lorne
10%
Torquay
7%
Apollo Bay
5%
Mallacoota
5%
Inverloch
4%
Bermagui (NSW)
4%
Port Fairy
3%
Eden (NSW)
2%
Other
9%
Q9. In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip commence on coastal waters? (n=53).
* Important to apply caution in interpreting these results due to the small sample size (n=53) for this question.
6
Important to apply caution in interpreting these results due to the small sample size (n=53) for this question.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 34
Due to the small sample size who indicated they boated on coastal waters (n=53), there were limited differences
detected by main purpose of trip. The only notable difference was that those who commenced their trip at
Torquay were more likely to say this was part of an organised or club activity (41%), and less likely to say they
went fishing (0.0%), (see Table 29).
Table 29: Main purpose for boat use on coastal waters
Fishing
Water
skiing/
wakeboard
ing/ knee
boarding
etc.
Touring /
cruising
Organised
or club
activity
Racing
Diving
Sailing
Other
Total
79
4
14
3
0
0
0
0
Portland
92
0
8
0
0
0
1
0
Barwon River
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Lorne
89
0
11
0
0
0
0
0
Torquay
0↓
17
42
41↑
0
0
0
0
Apollo Bay
97
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
Mallacoota
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
29
71
0
0
0
0
0
Bermagui (NSW)
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Port Fairy
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Eden (SW)
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Other
37
13
47
1
0
0
2
0
Row %
Inverloch
Q9. In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip commence on coastal waters? (n=53) by Q6. What was your usual purpose for boating in the last 12
months?
* Important to apply caution in interpreting these results due to the small sample size (n=53) for this question.
3.1.3 Distance travelled to launch
Given the location where the boat was kept and the location where the boating trip usually commenced had
been provided in the survey, the distance that boaters undertook before they launched was calculated. It should
be noted that for five water bodies an exact location (postcode) was not known, so these were imputed based
on TSV’s understanding of the most frequented launch locations. These water bodies and the locations imputed
were; Glenelg River into Nelson, Murray River into Echuca, Loddon River into Loddon, Goulburn River into
Nagambie and Gippsland Lakes (no further information provided) into Lakes Entrance. Those participants who
boated on lesser known water bodies were excluded from this analysis.
As displayed below in Table 30, on average, boaters travelled 93.6 km from where the boat was stored to where
the boat was launched. Those from Regional Victoria were more likely to travel further to launch (124.9km)
compared to those from Metro Melbourne (65.4 km). In addition, those boating on inland waters (156.1 km) and
open boat operators (106.1 km) were more likely to travel a greater distance. In contrast, those who boated on
bays/inlets and cabin cruiser, half cabin, and yacht operators were more likely travel a lower distance to launch.
It is important to note that the median distance travelled overall was 56.4 km. The median is the value
separating the higher half of the sample from the lower half of the sample and is a measure of the distribution of
the values. The fact that the median is lower than the average indicates that the average is driven by the greater
distances in the sample.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 35
80.6
Median (km)
56.4
22.3
16.3
28.7
14.3
22.7
72.7
18.4
73.2
125.0
72.4
23.5↓ 184.4
0.0
133.0
Total
>54 years
95.5
35 – 54 years
59.5↓ 106.1↑
<34 years
Trailer Sailer
46.8↓
Yacht
PWC
101
Open Boat
Cabin
Cruiser
52.5↓
Half Cabin
Coastal
65.4↓ 124.9↑ 156.1↑
Inland
93.6
Regional
Average (km)
Distance
Metro
Melbourne
Bays/Inlets
Table 30. Distance travelled to launch
90.7
90.8
51.9
38.8
Q1 Would you please tell us the postcode where this boat is generally stored? (n=1,035) by Q9. In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip
commence? (n=826)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 36
3.2 Boating experience
This section of report covers areas related to boaters’ experiences, including choices around launch locations,
satisfaction with boating on Victoria’s waterways and within Victoria, satisfaction with berthing and swing
mooring, personal water craft characteristics and value for money.
3.2.1 Launching
The most common reason for ending a trip was to get back home (53%), followed by 27% who said the fish
had stopped biting and 20% who said it was getting dark. A similar proportion said the reason was deteriorating
weather or it was passenger preference/fatigue of others (16% and 14% respectively). The greatest average
distance travelled was for those whose reason for finishing their trip was ‘it’s getting dark’ at 134.5 km, followed
by fatigue - both of the passengers and of the master (131.2 km and 111.1 km respectively) and those who had
reached their on-water destination (108.3 km).
For those whose boat was stored on land, the main reason given as to why they launched at the water
body they mentioned was that it was closest to where they live (37%); while almost one-third (31%) said ‘It
provides best access to where I want to use my boat’. Three-quarters (75%) indicated their mentioned launch
location was in fact their preferred launch location.
The most common reason given by those who did not use their preferred launch location was that it was
too far to travel (24%), followed by a similar proportion who said they used ‘several different launch locations’
(22%), there was a ‘lack of/poor ramps/launching facilities’ or ‘it depends where I fish’ (21% each). Boaters
from Metro Melbourne were significantly more likely to say that their preferred launch location was ‘too
busy/congested’ compared to those from Regional Victoria (15% vs. 2%). Congestion at launch locations
was also a major complaint in the qualitative research, and contributed to a perception that boaters in Victoria
get poor value for money.
Almost one-quarter (23%) said they were not able to launch from their preferred location in the past 12
months. This was more likely to be the case for those boating on bays/inlets (33%) and less likely to occur
inland (13%). Of those who could not launch, almost half (46%) said that they ended up giving up on boating
that day, while around one-third (36%) said they ended up launching from another location.
This sub-section of the report covers areas related to boaters’ experiences, including usual reasons for finishing
trips, the reason for launching at the water body stated and preferred launch location. In addition, this section
covers the reasons for not using their preferred launch location, the number of times they were unable to launch
and resultant behaviour.
Reason for finishing the trip
All participants who had boated in the previous 12 months were asked for the usual reason that they finished
their trip on the water. For the majority (53%) the reason given was that they ‘needed to get back home’ (see
Table 31). This was followed by over one-quarter (27%) who said the ‘fish had stopped biting’ and one-in-five
(20%) who said ‘it was getting dark’. Furthermore, a similar proportion said the reason was ‘deteriorating
weather’ or it was ‘passenger preference/fatigue of others’ (16% and 14% respectively).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 37
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
Need to get back home
53
45
61
54
53
32
53
50
55
44
50
37↓
49
56
51
The fish stop biting
27
21
33
25
29
14
16
35
29
9↓
2↓
2↓
5
19
34↑
It’s getting dark
20
17
23
33↑
10↓
11
8↓
8↓
21
36↑
8↓
9↓
53
21
17
Deteriorating weather
16
19
13
11
20
15
12
23
15
14
11
5↓
4
14
18
Passenger preference / fatigue
(others)
14
14
14
21↑
8↓
16
8
14
14
19
8
5↓
39
14
13
Fish catch limit is reached
11
12
10
8
12
26
14
19
10
3
2↓
0
5
10
12
Fatigue (master)
8
6
10
8
7
19
3
4
9
16
3
3
9
8
8
Have reached my intended destination
/ to seek refuge / to stay overnight
5
5
5
2
7
1↓
20↑
5
3
1
31↑
40↑
0↓
3
6
Tide/tidal changes
2
1
3
0
4
0
1
5
2
0
0
1
0
0↓
4↑
Completed sailing/skiing/diving/boating
activities
2
1
2
1
1
15↑
4
0
2
4
4
3
0
1
2
Need extra fuel
2
1
2
3
1
1
0
1
1
9↑
0
0
0
2
2
Too many boats/skiers/too
congested/avoid busy times
1
2
0
0↓
2↑
0
1
2
1
2
0
0
1
2
0
Some other reason
1
0
1
2
0↓
3
1
1
1
0
2
1
0
2↑
0↓
Run out of bait/water/fuel
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
Completed club event/activities/race
0
1↑
0↓
0↓
1↑
0
0
0
0↓
0
9↑
22↑
0
0↓
1↑
Other commitments (NFI)
0
0↑
0↓
0
0
1
1
1↑
0
0
2↑
1
0
0
0
Return to work
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0↓
0
1↑
1↑
0
0
0
Column %
>54 years
Total
Table 31: Reason for finishing the trip
Q17. Generally speaking, in the previous 12 months what was the usual reason that you finished your trip on the water? Is it because of..? (n=909)
When we look at the distance travelled from where the boat was stored to where the trip commenced, we can
see that the greatest average distance was for those whose reason for finishing their trip was ‘It’s getting dark’ at
134.5 km (see Figure 8). This was then followed by ‘fatigue’ - both of the passengers and of the master (131.2
km and 111.1 km respectively) and those who had ‘reached their on-water destination’ (108.3 km).
Lowest distance travelled was for those who had completed a ‘club/race activity’ at 21.9 km, followed by those
whose reason was ‘tidal changes’ (24.4 km) and those who ‘needed to return to work’ (47.3 km).7
7
It is important to note that for reasons with a sample size less than n=30, caution should be applied when interpreting the results, and as
such these should be treated as indicative only.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 38
Figure 8: Reason for finishing the trip by distance travelled to launch
0
Distance (km)
50
100
150
It's getting dark (n=99)
134.5
Passenger preference / fatigue (others) (n=77)
131.2
Fatigue (master) (n=43)
111.1
Have reached my intended destination / to seek refuge / to stay
overnight (n=181)
108.3
Fish catch limit is reached (n=55)
98.9
Need extra fuel (n=10)
91.3
Too many boats/skiers/too congested/avoid busy times (n=7)
87.5
Need to get back home (n=392)
86.4
The fish stop biting (n=104)
71.6
Run out of bait/water/fuel (n=3)
66.2
Deteriorating weather (n=100)
60.5
Completed sailing/skiing/diving/boating activities (n=25)
59.8
Other commitments (No further information) (n=7)
54.2
Return to work (n=4)
Tide/tidal changes (n=11)
Completed club event/activities/race (n=63)
47.3
24.4
21.9
Q17. Generally speaking, in the previous 12 months what was the usual reason that you finished your trip on the water? (n=826)
Reason for launch location use
Those whose boat was stored on land (excluding dry storage) were asked why they launched at the water body
they mentioned. As presented in Table 32, almost four-in-ten (37%) said the reason given was that ‘it is closest
to where I live’; while almost one-third (31%) said ‘it provides best access to where I want to use my boat’. A
considerably smaller proportion said it was ‘close to holiday house/caravan park/holiday/camp in the area’ (7%),
while the same proportion said it was because of the quality of fishing, it was a safe launch/retrieval location or
enabled them to meet with family/friends (5% each).
Participants who boated on inland waters (9%) and PWC riders (18%) were more likely to say they launched
from their nominated location as it enabled them to meet with family/friends. In addition, those who operated a
trailer sailer (18%) were more likely to say they chose that location as it allowed them to participate in club
activities.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 39
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 32: Why do you usually launch at this location?
It is closest to where I live
37
33
40
36
37
34
33
31
38
36
26
29
36
37
36
It provides best access to where I want
to use my boat
31
32
30
26
36
33
33
45
29
25
28
36
19
28
35
Close to holiday house/caravan
park/holiday/camp in the area
7
7
7
7
9
1↓
4
5
8
10
2
0
0
10
6
Fishing/best fishing
5
2
8
9
2
3
3
2
6
0
0
0
1
3
7
It is the safest launch / retrieval
location
5
7
2
3
7
3
15
6
4
4
11
18
4
8
3
Enables me to meet up with family /
friends
5
5
4
9↑
1↓
6
0
2
4
18↑
2
4
2
7
3
There is less traffic congestion here
3
4
1
1
4
3
7
5
2
2
2
0
0
4
2
It is the only option for this waterway
3
3
2
2
1
16
6
1
3
1
2
0
15
0↓
4
Enables me to participate in club
activities
2
2
2
3
2
0
0
2
2
0
18↑
11
0
0
4↑
Other launch / parking options are too
costly
2
2
2
2
2
0
0
2
2
2
3
0
0
2
2
Boat is stored/moored at location
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1↑
3↑
4
0
0
0
Not answered
0
0
0
0
0
1↑
0
0
0
1↑
0
0
0
0
0
Storage area available
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2↑
0
0
0
0
Other reason
1
0
1
2
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
23↑
0↓
0
Column %
Q10. Why do you usually launch at [RESPONSE AT Q9]? (n=521)
The following chart (Figure 9) displays the reason for launching by the distance travelled from where the boat
was stored. Greatest distance travelled was for the reason ‘close to holiday house/caravan park/holiday/camp in
the area’ (187.7 km) followed by ‘enables me to meet up with family / friends’ (174.1 km). Shortest distance
travelled was because the ‘boat is stored/moored at location’ (26.1 km) followed by ‘it is the safest launch /
retrieval location’ (43.2 km).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 40
Figure 9: Reason for launching at location by distance travelled to launch
0
50
100
150
Close to holiday house/caravan park/holiday/camp in the area (n=19)
200
174.1
Storage area available (n=2)
173.2
Fishing/best fishing (n=7)
118.8
There is less traffic congestion here (n=13)
118.0
It provides best access to where I want to use my boat (n=156)
96.5
Enables me to participate in club activities (n=26)
83.8
It is closest to where I live (n=157)
71.8
Other launch / parking options are too costly (n=8)
61.5
It is the only option for this waterway (n=11)
59.4
It is the safest launch / retrieval location (n=39)
Other reason (n=2)
300
187.7
Enables me to meet up with family / friends (n=23)
Boat is stored/moored at location (n=6)
250
43.2
26.1
266.6
Q10. Why do you usually launch at [RESPONSE AT Q9]? (n=470)
Insight from qualitative study
For qualitative participants decision making around where to boat largely depended on access and weather.
Most boated near their home, although others would take boating holidays as far as Port Douglas. Several
destinations in NSW were nominated, particularly Bermagui, with a number agreeing it offered better and more
affordable launching options than available in Port Phillip Bay.
“You can go to Bermagui for instance, in the middle of the marlin season and the tuna season, and
there will be 150 boats launching and retrieving. You won’t wait more than 10 minutes…because there’s the
space, the facilities, four lanes, plenty of parking, toilets, cleaning tables. You don’t have that here.” (Mornington
Peninsula)
“When we go to Bermagui, we don’t pay for any ramp fees, there’s washing facilities, cleaning
tables…and you’ve got…six ramps in the township.” (Melbourne)
Beyond proximity to home, weather forecasts were the primary dictator of where, or if, to boat. Participants
relied on a range of sources for weather forecasts, with some emphasising that it is best to rely on multiple
sources to get the information required, as there is often conflicting advice. The Bureau of Meteorology and
Willy Weather were widely used, but so were more boating specific weather sites such as See Breeze and Bay
Winds. Some also relied on webcams to show the conditions on the water. It was agreed that poor weather
often meant that boating trips were avoided or cancelled early. This led some to suggest greater provision of
webcams, as further detailed in section 3.3, below.
“You look at one weather site, and it says it’s going to be fantastic, but another says it’s going to be
blowing 15-20 knots. There’s no consistency”. (Melbourne)
Others deliberately chose to boat at times and places that would avoid big crowds, particularly when launching.
Some launched early to avoid crowds, while others chose to boat only on weekdays, or would drive to different
ramps to find the shortest lines. Those who boated for fishing often sought out locations ‘where the fish were
biting’.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 41
“Eildon the week before Christmas is heaven on a stick. There’s no one there.
onwards, I won’t go. It’s too busy”. (Melbourne)
Christmas week
“Winter’s fantastic, because no one wants to go out. We do.” (Melbourne)
“For fishing, on a Saturday morning, I won’t go, ‘cause there’s too many people. Nine times out of 10 I
go on a RDO or a weekday evening.” (Melbourne)
Preferred launch location in Victoria
Those whose boat was stored at either the registered address or another address but out of the water, were
asked if the waterway they usually commenced their trip at was their preferred launch location in Victoria.
Three-quarters (75%) indicated their nominated launch location was in fact their preferred launch location – 25%
said this was not their preferred location to launch (see Figure 10).
Figure 10: Preferred launch location in Victoria
25%
Yes
No
75%
Q11. Is this your preferred launch location in Victoria? (n=521)
There were no notable differences across key demographics for this question (see Table 33 below).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 33: Preferred launch location in Victoria
Yes
75
75
74
75
74
77
81
75
74
80
79
78
95
74
75
No
25
25
26
25
26
23
19
25
26
20
21
22
5
26
25
Column %
Q11. Is this your preferred launch location in Victoria? (n=521)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 42
Reason for lack of use of preferred launch location
Boaters who did not use their preferred launch location were asked why this was the case. This question was
asked as a multiple response question, and the responses coded accordingly. As shown within Table 34, the
most common reason given for not using the preferred launch location was that it was too far to travel –
mentioned by almost one-quarter (24%). This was followed by a similar proportion who said they used ‘several
different launch locations’ (22%), there was a ‘lack of/poor ramps/launching facilities’ or ‘it depends where I fish’
(21% each).
Boaters from Metro Melbourne were significantly more likely to say that their preferred launch was ‘too
busy/congested’ compared to those from Regional Victoria (15% vs. 2%).
Across most boat types, the top reasons given for not using their preferred location were the same; ‘too far to
travel’, ‘use several different launch locations’ and ‘lack of/poor ramps/launching facilities’. In addition, half cabin
operators were significantly more likely to say that their preferred launch was ‘too busy/congested’ (29%).
Furthermore, those who fished on coastal waters were more likely to say it ‘depends where I go to fish’ (72%).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 34: Reasoning for lack of use of preferred launch location
Too far to travel
24
17
31
28
22
15
25
18
27
4
31
17
0
11
36
Use several different launch locations
22
36
8
24
20
27
24
15
22
35
38
17
0
29
16
Lack of/poor ramps/launching facilities
21
16
26
16
27
0
19
18
21
29
16
0
11
27
16
Depends where I go to fish
21
17
24
22
15
72↑
19
18
23
0
0
0
0
15
26
Do have a preferred launch location No Further Information
13
7
18
8
18
0
12
7
14
9
11
0
0
19
8
Too busy/congested
8
15↑
2↓
4
13
0
7
29↑
5
0
8
0
11
15
3
Lack of facilities (No specific
information)
7
8
7
7
8
0
0
11
6
9
4
17
0
14
2
Poor parking facilities
5
10
0
1
8
0
0
15
3
9
0
33
0
7
3
Depends on the activity/ boat being
used
4
8↑
0↓
9↑
0↓
0
0
0
5↑
0
4
17
0
0
7
High costs/too expensive
2
3
1
1
2
0
12
3
0↓
17↑
4
0
0
4↑
0↓
Location mentioned (No specific
information)
1
1
1
0
2
0
13↑
0
0
12↑
4
0
0
1
1
No fish cleaning facilities
1
1
0
0
1
0
7
4↑
0
0
0
0
11
0
1
Don't know/none
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
4↑
0
0
0
0
0
I do not have a preferred launch
location
3
5
0
6↑
0
1
0
0
3
9
4
0
89
4
0↓
Other
2
3
1
0
3
6
12
4
0↓
12↑
4
17
0
1
2
Column %
Q12. Why don’t you use you preferred launch? (n=118)
How many occasions not able to launch from preferred location
Those whose boat was stored at either the registered address or another address out of the water, were asked
on how many occasions they were unable to launch from their preferred launch location in the previous year.
Overall, almost one-quarter (23%) said they were not able to launch from their preferred location while the
remainder (77%) were able to launch (see Figure 11).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 43
Figure 11: How many occasions not able to launch from preferred location
23%
Always able to launch
Not able to launch
77%
Q13. On how many occasions were you unable to launch from your preferred launch location in the last year? (n=521)
Boaters using inland waters were more likely to say they were always able to launch from their preferred
location (87%), while those boating on bays/inlets were less likely to say they were always able to launch (67%).
Those who indicated they could not launch at their preferred location were asked to enter the number of times
they could not launch from there. Across the sample, boaters were unable to launch from their preferred
location on average 5.7 times (see Table 35). No notable differences were detected for this question by key
demographics.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 44
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 35: How many occasions not able to launch from preferred location
Always able to launch
(%)
77
74
80
87↑
67↓
90
81
70
77
80
86
85
90
74
78
Not able to launch (%)
23
26
20
13↓
33↑
10
19
30
23
20
14
15
10
26
22
Average number of
occasions unable to
launch from preferred
launch location in the
last year (Average)
5.7
6.8
4.3
4.3
5.9
15.5
8.5
6.8
5.4
5.3
6.0
7.0
4.1
7.1
4.4
Column %
Q13. On how many occasions were you unable to launch from your preferred launch location in the last year? (n=521)
Resulting behaviour
Those who indicated they were unable to launch from their preferred launch location at least once in the
previous year, were asked what they did when this was the case. As shown in Figure 12, almost half (46%) said
that they ended up giving up on boating that day, while around one-third (36%) said they ended up launching
from another location. One-in-twenty ended up returning later in the day and launched from their preferred
launch location (5%).
Figure 12: Resulting behaviour
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
46%
36%
30%
20%
10%
14%
5%
0%
I gave up on boating that I launched from another I returned later in the
day
location elsewhere
day and launched then
Other
Q14. What did you do when you could not launch from your preferred launch location? (n=108)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 45
Nearly all (94%) of those aged up to 34 years said they gave up on boating that day – significantly more than
those who were older (see Table 36).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 36: Resulting behaviour
I gave up on boating that day
46
53
36
30
52
18
67
51
45
37
29
75
94↑
43
47
I returned later in the day and
launched then
5
7
3
8
4
27
0
5
6
0
6
0
0
1
9
I launched from another location
elsewhere
36
33
39
37
34
55
26
41
33
46
59
25
6
53
20
Other
14
7
22
25
10
0
7
3
17
17
6
0
0
3↓
24↑
Column %
Q14. What did you do when you could not launch from your preferred launch location? (n=108)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 46
3.2.2 Satisfaction with boating experience
Highest satisfaction for boating experience on Victorian waterways was for ‘waterway draft for my boat’
with a rating of 7.3 out of 10, followed by ‘aids to the navigation on the water’ (6.8) and ‘Hazards in the
waterway’ (6.7). Lowest satisfaction was for ‘destination jetties’ (5.6) and ‘access to landside attractions’
(5.9). Yacht (keel boat) operators were significantly more likely to say they were satisfied with ‘aids to navigation
on the water’ (8.0) and ‘hazards in the waterway’ (7.8), while trailer sailer operators were also more satisfied
with ‘aids to the navigation on the water’ (7.9) as well as ‘destination jetties’ (6.5).
Highest satisfaction for those whose boat was stored at either the registered address or another
address was for ‘The wait time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at non-peak period’ (7.7 out of 10),
followed by ‘boat ramp proximity to my home address’ (7.3) and ‘signage’ (6.5). Lowest satisfaction was for
‘Fish cleaning facilities’ (4.4), followed by ‘The wait time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at peak
period’ (5.0). Significantly lower satisfaction for ‘The wait time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at peak
period’ was noted for those who fished (4.6). In addition, boaters from Metro Melbourne were more dissatisfied
with the parking at boat launch areas (4.8 vs. 6.7) and the ‘wait time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at peak
period’ (4.0 vs. 6.0) compared with those from Regional Victoria.
In the qualitative research, there was a strong view that Port Phillip Bay was an underutilised resource that lacks
many of the facilities that make other Australian locations great places to boat. This includes sufficient
launching and mooring facilities, and marinas to provide a pleasant destination for lunch. As such, many
boaters who predominately use Port Phillip Bay felt that the Victorian Government was not providing sufficient
infrastructure in return for their licence and registration fees. Those who boated elsewhere (particularly in
Gippsland or on Lake Eildon), were typically more satisfied with the facilities available.
This sub-section of the report covers areas including satisfaction with a number of areas relating to boating
experience on Victorian waterways and within Victoria.
Satisfaction with boating experience on Victorian waterways
All participants who indicated they had boated in the last 12 months were asked to rate their satisfaction with a
number of areas related to Victorian waterways. This question was asked on a scale from 0 through 10, where
0 was ‘not satisfied at all’ and 10 was ‘totally satisfied’.
Highest satisfaction was noted for the ‘waterway draft for my boat’ with a rating of 7.3 out of 10. This was
followed by ‘aids to the navigation on the water’ at 6.8 and ‘hazards in the waterway’ 6.7. Lowest satisfaction
was for ‘destination jetties’ (5.6) and ‘access to landside attractions’ (5.9), (see
Figure 13).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 47
Figure 13: Satisfaction with boating experience on Victorian waterways
Waterway draft for my boat
7.3
Aids to the navigation on the water
6.8
Hazards in the waterway
6.7
Access to landside attractions
5.9
Destination jetties
5.6
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
Average satisfaction score (0 - 10)
8.0
9.0
10.0
Q18. For this question, we would like to ask your satisfaction with a number of areas relating to your boating experience on Victorian waterways. Would you
please answer these questions on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean not satisfied at all and 10 would mean totally satisfied? If a statement is not
applicable, or you do not know, please select that option. (n= from 632 to 873)
As displayed below in Table 37, those who boated on bays/inlets provided significantly higher satisfaction
ratings for the ‘hazards in the waterway’ and ‘aids to navigation on the water’ (7.3 each), while those that boated
on inland waters provided significantly lower ratings for hazards in the waterway’ (6.0) and ‘aids to navigation on
the water’ (5.9).
Those who operated a yacht (keel boat) were significantly more likely to say they were satisfied with ‘aids to
navigation on the water’ (8.0) and ‘hazards in the waterway’ (7.8), while those with a trailer sailer were also
more satisfied with ‘aids to the navigation on the water’ (7.9) as well as ‘destination jetties’ (6.5).
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
7.1
7.8
7.2
7.0
7.4
Hazards in the waterway
6.7
6.7
6.8
6.0↓
7.3↑
7.0
6.7
7.2
6.6
Aids to the navigation on the water
6.8
6.9
6.6
5.9↓
7.3↑
7.3
7.2
7.4
6.6
Destination jetties
5.6
5.6
5.6
4.9
5.9
6.6
5.5
5.7
Access to landside attractions
5.9
5.7
6.0
5.6
6.0
7.0
5.6
5.3
>54 years
Coastal
7.5
35 – 54 years
Bays/Inlets
7.7
<34 years
Inland
6.9
Yacht
Regional
7.3
Trailer Sailer
Metro
Melbourne
Waterway draft for my boat
Average
PWC
Total
Table 37: Satisfaction with boating experience on Victorian waterways
6.9
7.8
7.1
7.0
6.9
7.6
6.5
7.4
7.8↑
6.6
6.6
6.8
6.6
7.9↑
8.0↑
6.6
6.7
6.8
5.6
5.3
6.5↑
5.3
6.7
5.1
6.0
6.0
5.8
6.6
5.4
6.7
5.5
6.1
Q18. For this question, we would like to ask your satisfaction with a number of areas relating to your boating experience on Victorian waterways. Would you
please answer these questions on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean not satisfied at all and 10 would mean totally satisfied? If a statement is not
applicable, or you do not know, please select that option. (n= from 632 to 873)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 48
Satisfaction with boating facilities within Victoria
Those whose boat was stored out of the water (at either the registered address or another address) were asked
to rate their satisfaction with a number of areas related to their boating facilities in Victoria. This question was
asked on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 was ‘not satisfied at all’ and 10 was ‘totally satisfied’.
As shown in Figure 14, highest satisfaction was noted for ‘the wait time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at
non-peak period’ at 7.7 out of 10. This was followed by ‘boat ramp proximity to my home address’ (7.3) and
‘signage’ (6.5). Lowest satisfaction was recorded for ‘fish cleaning facilities’ at 4.4, followed by ‘the wait time
needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at peak period’ (5.0).
Significantly lower satisfaction for ‘the wait time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at peak period’ was reported
by those who fished (4.6), while significantly higher satisfaction was for those who were ‘water skiing/
wakeboarding/knee boarding etc.’ (6.7). Those whose main activity was ‘racing’ were totally satisfied with ‘the
wait time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at non-peak period’ (10). Furthermore, significantly lower
satisfaction for fish cleaning activities was found for those whose main activity was ‘organised or club activity’
(1.6).
Figure 14: Satisfaction with boating experience within Victoria
The wait time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at nonpeak period
7.7
Boat ramp proximity to my home address
7.3
Signage
6.5
Physical condition of the boat ramp
6.4
The amount of sand / weed at boat ramp
6.3
Design of the boat ramp
6.2
Behaviour of other boaters at the ramp
6.1
Boating information (boat ramp cameras, notices, etc.)
5.9
Parking at boat launch areas
5.8
The wait time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at peak
period
5.0
Fish cleaning facilities
4.4
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
Average satisfaction score (0 - 10)
10.0
Q19. For this question, we would like to ask your satisfaction with a number of areas relating to your boating experience within Victoria. Would you please
answer these questions on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean not satisfied at all, and 10 would mean totally satisfied? If a statement is not
applicable, or you do not know, please select that option. (n= from 312 to 499)
Boat ramps
As displayed in Table 38, boaters from Regional Victoria provided higher satisfaction ratings for two areas –
‘behaviour of other boaters at the ramp’ (6.6 vs. 5.5) and ‘the wait time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at
peak period’ (6.0 vs. 4.0) compared to those from Metro Melbourne. In addition, those who boated on
bays/inlets provided significantly lower satisfaction with ‘the wait time needed to launch/ re-trailer at ramp at
peak period’ (at 3.9) – while those who boat on inland waters provided higher ratings (6.6). Further, those with a
yacht (keel boat) provided a significantly lower rating for ‘boat ramp proximity to my home address at 4.0.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 49
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 38: Satisfaction with boat ramps
The wait time needed to launch/ retrailer at ramp at non-peak period
7.7
7.4
8.1
8.1
7.5
7.1
8.1
7.3
7.9
7.7
7.9
8.2
8.6
7.6
7.9
Boat ramp proximity to my home
address
7.3
7.1
7.5
7.1
7.4
7.9
7.0
7.1
7.4
7.1
6.8
4.0↓
7.8
6.8
7.6
Physical condition of the boat ramp
6.4
6.3
6.5
6.2
6.6
7.1
6.8
6.7
6.4
6.2
7.1
7.7
6.4
6.2
6.6
The amount of sand / weed at boat
ramp
6.3
5.9
6.6
6.7
6.0
5.6
6.5
5.4
6.5
5.8
7.1
7.6
7.1
6.0
6.4
Design of the boat ramp
6.2
6.2
6.3
6.3
6.1
6.6
6.3
6.5
6.2
6.0
7.0
8.1
6.5
6.1
6.3
Behaviour of other boaters at the ramp
6.1
5.5↓
6.6↑
6.6
5.6
5.5
6.5
5.6
6.2
5.5
6.1
5.9
6.6
5.6
6.4
The wait time needed to launch/ retrailer at ramp at peak period
5.0
4.0↓
6.0↑
6.6↑
3.9↓
3.6
4.6
3.9↓
5.3
4.7
5.8
6.7
5.8
4.5
5.4
Average
Q19. For this question, we would like to ask your satisfaction with a number of areas relating to your boating experience within Victoria. Would you please
answer these questions on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean not satisfied at all, and 10 would mean totally satisfied? If a statement is not
applicable, or you do not know, please select that option. (n= from 312 to 499)
Insight from qualitative study
Launching was an issue for a key group of boaters – those who stored their boats on land, and typically
conducted most of their boating activity on Port Phillip Bay. In regional Victoria, access to launches was seen to
be much easier, with limited congestion and short or no wait times.
“You can moor pretty much anywhere at Eildon…there are a number of jetties, the wait time is generally
either immediate or nothing more than 10 minutes….it’s lifestyle, it’s boating at your house, which is what the
Gippsland lakes is all about too. Convenient boating with easy access and lifestyle makes boating enjoyable.”
(Melbourne)
Launching onto Port Phillip Bay was seen to be a problem on peak days throughout the main boating season
(from around September to April). This issue predominately hinged on waiting times, with participants
complaining that they often had to wait up to three hours to launch their boat. This reflects the quantitative
finding that metropolitan boaters were more likely to cancel a trip due to congestion at launching. Generally, it
was agreed that anything over half an hour to 45 minutes is too long to wait.
“At Sorrento, if the sun shines – it doesn’t even have to be hot – you can’t get in. To be able to launch
and retrieve your boat, you have to be [at Mornington boat ramp] at 3am”. (Mornington Peninsula)
Additionally, congestion at and around boat ramps led to safety concerns. Some said they felt concerned about
other people (particularly children) walking around the ramp while they are launching, and also the congestion of
the boats on the water around boat ramps. Others worried about supervising their own children while launching,
given that the children could not, by law, wait in the car or boat. Given the difficulty accessing ramps, many felt
that ramp launching fees were unreasonable.
For some, concerns around a lack of ramps were particularly acute at present given the closures of Black Rock
and North Road launching ramps due to storm damage. There was frustration that damage takes a long time to
remedy, and that this causes increased congestion at nearby boat ramps in the interim.
“At the moment Black Rock and North Road are both closed, and there’s only two ramps to service that
side of the bay, Mordialloc and St Kilda. The number of boats that are going to be getting in and out of there….
it’s going to be absolute chaos, you’re going to have to get down there at 2am to get on the water.”
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 50
Launch and boating information
Boaters from Metro Melbourne were more dissatisfied with the parking at boat launch areas compared with
those from Regional Victoria (4.8 vs. 6.7) (see Table 39). In addition, the same was true for those who boated
on bays/inlets – having lower satisfaction with the parking at boat launch areas (5.0) while those who boated on
inland waters provide higher satisfaction (6.9).
Trailer sailer operators were the most satisfied - rating all areas higher except for ‘fish cleaning facilities’. In
addition, half cabin operators were the least satisfied (4.7) with parking at boat launch areas, while trailer sailers
and open boat operators provided higher satisfaction (6.9 and 6.1 respectively).
Those aged older than 35-54 years were significantly less satisfied with the parking at launch areas (5.0).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 39: Satisfaction with launch, and boating information
Signage
6.5
6.1
6.8
6.2
6.6
7.3
6.6
6.8
6.4
6.4
7.2↑
7.9
6.7
6.2
6.6
Boating information (boat ramp
cameras, notices, etc.)
5.9
5.8
6.0
6.1
5.7
6.7
6.6
5.7
6.0
5.5
6.8↑
7.9
5.8
5.7
6.1
Parking at boat launch areas
5.8
4.8↓
6.7↑
6.9↑
5.0↓
4.6
5.2
4.7↓
6.1↑
5.1
6.9↑
7.6
6.7
5.0↓
6.3
Fish cleaning facilities
4.4
3.8
4.9
4.3
4.3
5.8
4.9
4.5
4.4
4.0
5.2
5.5
2.2
4.3
4.6
Average
Q19. For this question, we would like to ask your satisfaction with a number of areas relating to your boating experience within Victoria. Would you please
answer these questions on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean not satisfied at all, and 10 would mean totally satisfied? If a statement is not
applicable, or you do not know, please select that option. (n= from 312 to 499)
Insight from qualitative study
As with launching, qualitative research found that participants’ satisfaction with Victoria’s boating facilities more
broadly varied considerably depending on where they typically went boating. Again, those using Port Phillip Bay
reported far more issues – particularly around infrastructure – than others.
Boaters who predominately utilised waterways in Gippsland or Lake Eildon tended to be satisfied with the
facilities available. They felt that there were plenty of quality, free launching locations and destination moorings.
The main concern for this group was busy and at times dangerous waterways at peak times, such as Christmas.
“[Poor infrastructure at Port Phillip Bay] is why we looked somewhere else, that’s why we went to
Gippsland lakes. And we’re still exploring.” (Melbourne)
“At Gippsland lakes, we don’t pay for anything.
(Melbourne)
I’ve got a jetty fee for my own jetty, that’s all”.
Those who boated on Port Phillip Bay generally sighted more issues around infrastructure and safety, and
appeared more dissatisfied with the cost of licensing and registration. The primary concern for this group was a
lack of, or poor quality launching ramps (as discussed above) and destination moorings. The former issue
tended to be an issue for those who store their boats on land, while the latter was of greater concern for those
who utilise a swing mooring, particularly those with yachts.
For Port Phillip Bay boaters, there was a unanimous view that Melbourne lacks the excellent boating facilities of
New South Wales or Queensland.
“Port Phillip Bay is a great resource that’s completely and totally underutilised because the facilities
aren’t there.” (Melbourne)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 51
Insight from qualitative study
To some extent, the lack of facilities at Port Phillip Bay was seen to be dictated by geography. It was
acknowledged that Port Phillip Bay is a very large body of water, meaning that destinations can be quite far
away. Additionally, it lacks natural safe harbours. However, there was frustration that little to no effort had been
made to build marinas or other safe harbours.
“We can’t even get into Safety Beach. So the only place we can go is Blairgowrie, which is scarily
expensive, or Queenscliff. We can go to Geelong as well, but we don’t do that very often because it’s not very
well protected in a good Northerly.” (Melbourne)
Concern around this issue centred on both leisure and safety. Yachters in particular wanted to see destinations
with moorings and restaurants for lunch that they could utilise for day trips, reflecting dissatisfaction with
landside attractions as found in the survey. Further, the lack of a safe place to take shelter in the event of
sudden inclement weather was viewed as a major danger when boating on the Bay. This reflects the
quantitative finding that there was low satisfaction with destination jetties in Victoria.
“There aren’t enough places to seek refuge. I’ve been out at Hastings and an unexpected change has
come. It hasn’t been life threatening but it’s been bad enough that I don’t want to sit out here anymore, so I’ll try
to go in. And you go in, and there’s 200 boats waiting to get in…we’re all bobbing up and down like mad men.”
(Mornington Peninsula)
“There’s not much to do on the bay…you just go out, smell the seals, then come back.” (Melbourne)
“Safety comes back to infrastructure….if you’ve got somewhere that’s not so far between to go to…safe
harbours. If there’s nothing between Sandringham and Mornington, it’s a long way with no harbours.”
(Melbourne)
“Who hasn’t been out on the bay when it’s gone from dead flat… to a metre swell in under 20 minutes,
and when you haven’t got a safe harbour…it’s dangerous.”(Melbourne)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 52
3.2.3 Satisfaction with berthing and swing mooring
This sub-section of the report covers areas including the proportion of those who berth or moor their boat,
satisfaction with berthing arrangements and satisfaction with swing mooring arrangements.
Almost all (86%) boaters who indicated their boat was not kept on land or in dry storage said the boat was kept
at a berth or in a pen berth and 13% said on a swing mooring.
Equal highest satisfaction for boaters who indicated their boat was kept at a berth or in a pen berth was
for ‘boat proximity to my home address’ and ‘weather and tide protection’ each at 7.9 out of 10. In
addition, both ‘security’ and ‘provision of shore power’ were rated at similar levels (7.5 and 7.2). Lowest
satisfaction was for ‘availability of alternative berth / mooring’ (3.9) followed by ‘on-water refuelling services’
(5.3).
Highest satisfaction for boaters who indicated their boat was kept at a swing mooring was for the ‘boat
proximity to my home address’ at 7.9 out of 10, followed by the mooring’s ‘value for money’ (6.8) and its
‘weather and tide protection’ (6.4). The lowest rated area was the ‘on-water refuelling services’ at 2.9 followed
by ‘sewage pump-out facilities’ (3.5).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 53
Percentage of those who berth or moor their boat
Boaters who indicated their boat was not kept on land or in dry storage were asked if their boat was contained
within a berth or moored. As displayed in Figure 15, almost all (86%) said the boat was kept at a berth or in a
pen berth, 13% said on a swing mooring and 1% said their boat was not in water.
Figure 15: Percentage of those who berth or moor their boat
100%
90%
86%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
13%
10%
1%
0%
At a berth or in a pen berth
On a swing mooring
My boat is not in-water
Q25. Is your boat contained within a berth or moored? (n= 290)
All trailer sailer operators whose boat was not kept on land indicated their boat was kept at a berth or in a pen
berth, while 96% of cabin cruisers and 73% of yacht (keel boat) operators indicated the same (see Table 40).
One-quarter (25%) of yacht (keel boat) operators said their boat was kept on a swing mooring while 4% of cabin
cruisers said this was also where the boat was kept.
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 40: Percentage of those who berth or moor their boat
At a berth or in a pen berth
86
84
89
100
85
89
96↑
-
-
-
100
73↓
0
89
85
On a swing mooring
13
14
11
0
14
11
4↓
-
-
-
0
25↑
100
9
14
My boat is not in-water
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
-
-
-
0
2
0
1
1
Column %
Q25. Is your boat contained within a berth or moored? (n= 290)
Satisfaction with berthing arrangements
Boaters who indicated their boat was kept at a berth or in a pen berth were asked their satisfaction with a
number of areas related to their current berthing arrangements. This question was asked on a scale from 0
through 10, where 0 was ‘not satisfied at all’ and 10 was ‘totally satisfied (see Figure 16 below).
Equal highest satisfaction was noted for ‘boat proximity to my home address’ and ‘weather and tide protection’
each at 7.9 out of 10. In addition, both ‘security’ and ‘provision of shore power’ were rated at similar levels (7.5
and 7.2). Lowest satisfaction was for ‘availability of alternative berth / mooring’ at 3.9 out of 10 followed by ‘onwater refuelling services’ (5.3).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 54
Figure 16: Satisfaction with berthing arrangements
Boat proximity to my home address
7.9
Weather and tide protection
7.9
Security
7.5
Provision of shore power
7.2
Value for money
6.9
Landside facilities (toilets, showers etc.)
6.8
Sewage pump-out facilities
6.1
On-water refuelling services
5.3
Availability of alternative berth / mooring
3.9
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0
Average satisfaction score (0 - 10)
9.0
10.0
Q26. How satisfied are you with your current berthing arrangements? Would you please answer this question on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean
not satisfied at all, and 10 would mean totally satisfied? (n= from 154 to 228)
Differences by demographics were limited across berthing area satisfaction (see Table 41). However, boat
operators from Regional Victoria were significantly less satisfied with the ‘provision of shore power’ compared to
Metro Melbourne boat operators (5.7 vs. 8.2). In addition, those who boated on inland waters were significantly
less satisfied with this measure as well (0.2). Further, those who boated on inland waters were more satisfied
with ‘sewage pump-out facilities’ (8.8).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin
Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer
Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54
years
>54 years
Table 41: Satisfaction with berthing arrangements
Boat proximity to my
home address
7.9
7.7
8.3
8.4
7.9
8.5
8.2
-
-
-
9.0
7.5
-
7.9
8.0
Weather and tide
protection
7.9
7.6
8.4
8.4
7.9
7.6
7.8
-
-
-
8.0
8.0
-
8.1
7.8
Security
7.5
7.7
7.1
6.7
7.5
7.5
7.2
-
-
-
9.0
7.8
-
7.7
7.4
Provision of shore
power
7.2
8.2↑
5.7↓
0.2↓
7.5
7.7
6.6
-
-
-
10.0
8.2
-
7.4
7.2
Value for money
6.9
7.0
6.8
6.5
6.9
7.7
6.7
-
-
-
6.0
7.2
-
6.2
7.1
Landside facilities
(toilets, showers etc.)
6.8
7.3
6.1
5.0
6.9
6.5
6.8
-
-
-
-
6.9
-
6.5
6.9
Sewage pump-out
facilities
6.1
6.1
6.3
8.8↑
6.1
4.7
6.7
-
-
-
3.0
5.3
-
5.3
6.4
On-water refuelling
services
5.3
5.2
5.5
5.6
5.3
4.7
5.3
-
-
-
3.0
5.3
-
5.0
5.4
Availability of
alternative berth /
mooring
3.9
4.3
3.4
3.7
3.9
4.2
3.9
-
-
-
-
3.9
-
3.6
4.0
Average
Q26. How satisfied are you with your current berthing arrangements? Would you please answer this question on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean
not satisfied at all, and 10 would mean totally satisfied? (n= from 154 to 228)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 55
Satisfaction with swing mooring arrangements
Boaters who indicated their boat was kept at a swing mooring were asked their satisfaction with a number of
areas related to their current mooring arrangements. This question was asked on a scale from 0 through 10,
where 0 was ‘not satisfied at all’ and 10 was ‘totally satisfied’.
As shown in Figure 17, highest satisfaction was for the ‘boat proximity to my home address’ at 7.9 out of 10.
This was followed by the mooring’s ‘value for money’ (6.8) and its ‘weather and tide protection’ (6.4). The lowest
rated area was the ‘on-water refuelling services’ at 2.9 followed by ‘sewage pump-out facilities’ (3.5).
Figure 17: Satisfaction with swing mooring arrangements
Boat proximity to my home address
7.9
Value for money
6.8
Weather and tide protection
6.4
Servicing arrangements for mooring tackle
6.3
Storage or provision of tender (if applicable)
6.2
Security
5.7
Availability of alternative berth / mooring
3.8
Sewage pump-out facilities
3.5
On-water refuelling services
2.9
Other services
4.1
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
Q27. How satisfied are you with your current swing mooring arrangements? Would you please answer this question on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0
would mean not satisfied at all, and 10 would mean totally satisfied? (n= from 30 to 58)
The only notable differences by demographic were by location, with those from Regional Victoria providing
significantly higher satisfaction compared to those from Metro Melbourne for ‘value for money’ (8.5 vs. 5.9),
‘storage or provision of tender (if applicable)’ (8.6 vs. 5.1) and ‘other services’ (6.0 vs. 3.0), (see Table 42).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 56
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin
Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54
years
>54 years
Table 42: Satisfaction with swing mooring arrangements
Boat proximity to my
home address
7.9
7.9
7.9
-
7.9
7.4
9.0
-
-
-
-
7.7
10.0
8.0
7.9
Value for money
6.8
5.9↓
8.5↑
-
6.7
9.3
3.0
-
-
-
-
7.5
8.0
7.7
6.6
Weather and tide
protection
6.4
5.6
8.1
-
6.3
9.3
4.0
-
-
-
-
6.8
5.0
7.1
6.2
Servicing
arrangements for
mooring tackle
6.3
5.5
8.0
-
6.3
8.6
5.5
-
-
-
-
6.5
2.0
5.8
6.6
Storage or provision of
tender (if applicable)
6.2
5.1↓
8.6↑
-
6.3
3.0
7.5
-
-
-
-
6.0
1.0
5.7
6.5
Security
5.7
5.5
6.2
-
5.7
7.7
4.5
-
-
-
-
6.0
3.0
5.5
5.9
Other services
4.1
3.0↓
6.0↑
-
4.1
2.7
0.0
-
-
-
-
4.5
-
4.7
3.9
Availability of
alternative berth /
mooring
3.8
3.3
5.0
-
3.8
3.0
3.0
-
-
-
-
4.0
4.0
4.1
3.8
Sewage pump-out
facilities
3.5
3.4
3.5
-
3.4
5.9
2.5
-
-
-
-
3.7
2.0
4.7
3.2
On-water refuelling
services
2.9
2.4
3.8
-
2.9
4.0
1.0
-
-
-
-
3.4
-
4.3
2.6
Average
Q27. How satisfied are you with your current swing mooring arrangements? Would you please answer this question on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0
would mean not satisfied at all, and 10 would mean totally satisfied? (n= from 30 to 58)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 57
3.2.4 Personal Water Craft (PWC)
This section covers findings related to PWCs including the proportion of those who have owned a PWC for the
first time and the reason for the attraction to PWC riding.
Almost two-thirds (64%) indicated that the PWC owned was not the first one that they had owned. For over fourin-ten, the reason given as to what attracted them to PWC riding was, ‘thrill seeking, speed’ (41%), while a
similar proportion said that the PWC is a ‘family craft’ (39%), followed by around three-in-ten (31%) who said
they had been boating for a while and prefer a PWC.
Percentage of those who have owned a PWC for the first time
All boaters who were Personal Water Craft (PWC) operators were asked if the registered PWC was the first one
they owned. As displayed in Figure 18, almost two-thirds (64%) indicated that this PWC was not the first one
they owned, while the remainder (36%) said this was their first one.
Figure 18: Percentage of those who have owned a PWC for the first time
36%
Yes
No
64%
Q28. Is this the first PWC you’ve owned? (n= 88)
There were no notable differences by demographics (see Table 43).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 43: Percentage of those who have owned a PWC for the first time
Yes
36
32
46
24
46
38
-
-
-
36
-
-
55
36
30
No
64
68
54
76
54
62
-
-
-
64
-
-
45
64
70
Column %
Q28. Is this the first PWC you’ve owned? (n= 88)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 58
Reason for attraction to PWC riding
All PWC operators were asked what attracted them to PWC riding. For over four-in-ten, the reason given was,
‘thrill seeking, speed’ (41%), while a comparable proportion said that the PWC is a ‘family craft’ (39%), (see
Table 44). This was followed by around three-in-ten (31%) who said they had been boating for a while and
prefer a PWC and a similar proportion who said it was the ‘price’ or that they used it for ‘water skiing’ (20% and
19% respectively).
Table 44: Reasoning for attraction to PWC riding
Reason
%
Thrill seeking, speed
41%
Family craft
39%
Have been into boating for a while, and prefer PWC
31%
Price
20%
Water skiing
19%
Appearance
14%
Flexible/versatile/provides another option
7%
Fun
7%
Easy to use/store/launch
5%
Own several PWC
4%
Something else
3%
Something different
3%
Fishing
3%
Q29. What attracted you to PWC riding? (n=88)
Insight from qualitative study
A number of PWC riders attended the discussion groups. For this group, there were major concerns around the
safety and behaviour of other PWC riders. It was felt that PWC riders deservedly have a poor reputation in
Victoria’s waters due to careless and dangerous behaviour, but that there are some people who use PWCs in a
safe way.
“They are the sports car of the water, but there’s a safe way to run them and an unsafe way to run
them.”
These PWC riders used their PWC with their children and emphasised the importance of instilling safe
behaviour in their children when they acquire their restricted marine licence at 12 years of age. There was
strong demand for a more rigorous licensing system and regular policing of boating to ensure safety for PWC
users and other users of the marine environment.
“[It’s important to] lay the [safety] foundations when they’re young.” (Melbourne)
“It’s all about educating 20 year olds to get a license. Maybe it is a practical test, not just tick a few extra
boxes on your license.” (Melbourne)
This discussion of licensing in relation to safety among PWC riders fed into a broader discussion about the need
for practical licensing, discussed in further detail in section 0, below.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 59
3.2.5 Value for money
Overall value for boat launching/parking fees at boat ramps was low at 4.8 out of 10 - those from Metro
Melbourne indicated significantly lower value for money (4.2) compared to those from Regional Victoria (5.4). In
addition, overall rating for boat registration fee was also low at 4.8 out of 10.
More than one-third of all who had boated in the previous 12 months indicated that they would be willing
to pay more for their registration if it helped improve boating infrastructure at the locations where they
boated (36%).
This reflected a qualitative finding that while participants do not feel the registration fee is exorbitant, they are
not seeing any return on their fee in the form of improved infrastructure.
This sub-section of the report describes areas related to boaters’ value for money such as the value seen in
boat launching/parking fees at boat ramps, their boat registration fee and their willingness to pay more to
improve boating infrastructure.
Boat launching/parking fees at boat ramps
All participants who stored their boat on land, excluding dry storage were asked to what extent they agreed that
they feel they get value for money for boat launching/parking fees at boat ramps. This question was asked on a
scale from 0 through 10 where 0 means ‘low value’ and 10 means ‘high value’.
As seen in Table 45, the overall rating for boat launching/parking fees at boat ramps was low at 4.8 out of 10.
Those from Metro Melbourne indicated significantly lower value for money (4.2) compared to those from
Regional Victoria (5.4). In addition, those with a trailer sailer saw significantly greater value in the amount paid
for boat launching/parking fees at boat ramps (6.0).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 45: Value for money - boat launching/parking fees at boat ramps
4.8
4.2↓
5.4↑
5.3
4.6
3.3
4.7
4.8
4.8
4.5
6.0↑
4.5
6.3
4.1
5.2
Average
Average value
Q20. To what degree do you feel you get value for money for the amount you pay for boat launching/parking fees at boat ramps? (n=662)
Boat registration value
All participants who had boated in the previous 12 months were asked if they felt they got value for money for
the amount they pay for their boat registration fee. This question was asked on a scale from 0 through 10 where
0 means ‘low value’ and 10 means ‘high value’.
The overall rating for value of boat registration fee was low at 4.8 out of 10 (see Table 46).
There were no notable differences by key demographics.
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
4.6
Bays/Inlets
4.8
Inland
Average value
Regional
Total
Average
Metro
Melbourne
Table 46: Average value from boat registration fee
5.0
4.9
4.7
4.6
5.6
4.8
4.6
5.8
5.5
4.8
6.1
4.4
5.0
Q21. To what degree do you feel you get value for money for the amount you pay for your boat registration fee? (n=909)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 60
Willingness to pay more to improve boating infrastructure
As shown in Figure 19, more than one-third (36%) of all who had boated in the previous 12 months indicated
that they would be willing to pay more for their registration if it helped improve boating infrastructure at the
locations where they boated.
Figure 19: Willingness to pay more to improve boating infrastructure
36%
Yes
No
64%
Q22. Would you be willing to pay more for your registration if it helped to improve boating infrastructure at the locations where you go boating? (n= 909)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 61
There were no notable differences by key demographics (see Table 47).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 47: Willingness to pay more to improve boating infrastructure
Yes
36
41
31
34
39
25
46
41
33
44
39
40
39
36
36
No
64
59
69
66
61
75
54
59
67
56
61
60
61
64
64
Column %
Q22. Would you be willing to pay more for your registration if it helped to improve boating infrastructure at the locations where you go boating? (n = 909)
Insight from qualitative study
Frustration around access to and availability of boating facilities (as outlined above in section 3.2.2) fuelled a
more general dissatisfaction with the costs associated with boating among qualitative participants. While it was
agreed that the cost of licencing and registration is not a major economic impost, boaters felt that they did not
get much in return for their fees. This was particularly the case for participants who had been boating for a long
time and had seen very little money invested in the industry. When licence and registration fees were
introduced it was understood that the money would go into boating infrastructure, but they felt that this had not
been delivered as there was little to no evidence of investment in boating, particularly on Port Phillip Bay.
“In my lifetime there haven’t been any additional facilities (for boaters in Victoria)” (Mornington
Peninsula)
“The amount of money that the government take off boaties a year, for what we get, is really poor.”
(Melbourne)
While the majority of dissatisfaction over licencing and registration costs were driven by a perceived lack of
infrastructure, there was also a view that there are many unwarranted fees associated with boating. Some felt
that it was unreasonable to charge a registration fee for both the boat and trailer, and for both a boating and
fishing licence. This created a perception that the government takes whatever opportunity it can to make money
off boaters, without offering much in return.
“No matter where you turn you get slugged” (Melbourne)
“The government is happy to take money from registration fees, fishing licence fees, boat licence fees,
tax of petrol…but there’s no give back” (Mornington Peninsula)
In addition to launching and destination facilities, parking was also raised as an infrastructural concern,
particularly in Melbourne. Some boaters were particularly concerned at the distance from their boat they had to
park after launching. Boats were viewed as a considerable asset, so leaving a boat unattended caused anxiety.
Navigation aids were typically not a key concern – as many now utilised GPS technology – although for some
fishers, lack of or dim lighting on markers at night was a safety concern.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 62
3.3 Opportunities for improvement across Victoria’s waterways
and boat launch locations
In overview, the main area for improvement provided by those who said they would be willing to pay
more for their boat registration was that they wanted to have ‘Improved boat launch / retrieval facilities’
(68%), followed by four-in-ten (41%) who said they would like to see ‘better navigation aids and signage’ and a
similar proportion who said there was a need for ‘better boating safety education programs’ (37%).
The main areas mentioned by all those who had boated in the previous 12 months in regards to
anything they think should be considered with regard to boating facilities was ‘better / increased access
to ramps launching facilities’ (18%), followed by over one-in-ten (13%) who said mentions related to parking
fees at launch areas ‘free access / excessive fees / no launch parking fees’. Eight percent said comments
related to ‘better / increased access to facilities’ or ‘better / increased access to parking’.
These suggestions were echoed in the qualitative research. Additionally qualitative participants wanted to see
more destination moorings such as marinas. There was also strong support for the idea of a centralised ‘app’
which would provide, for example safety information for each vessel type, access to all web cams, weather and
perhaps the ability to register trips with Volunteer marine rescue groups..
This section of the report covers areas for improvement across Victoria’s waterways and boat launch locations,
including, areas for those who said they would be willing to pay more for their registration – in a prompted
format, and an open ended question which asked if there was anything else they think should be considered
with regard to boating facilities.
Areas for improvement across Victoria’s waterways - prompted
Those who said they would be willing to pay more their boat registration if it improved boating infrastructure at
the locations where they went boating were asked what things they would like to see improved across Victoria’s
waterways.
By far, the main reason given by over two-thirds (68%) was that they wanted to have ‘improved boat launch /
retrieval facilities’ (see Table 48). This was followed by four-in-ten (41%) who said they would like to see ‘better
navigation aids and signage’ and a similar proportion who said there was a need for ‘better boating safety
education programs’ (37%). Sixteen percent said they would like ‘improved search and rescue services’ (16%).
Boaters from Regional Victoria were more likely to say they would like to see ‘more police/fisheries officers/law
enforcement’ compared to Metro Melbourne boaters (5% vs. 0%), while those from Metro Melbourne would like
to see more marinas compared to Regional Victorian boaters (3% vs. 0%).
Those who boated on bays/inlets were more likely to say they would like ‘better/additional/more accessible
jetties’ and would like to see ‘more police/fisheries officers/law enforcement’ (4% each).
Those who operated a yacht (keel boat) were more likely to say they would like to have ‘better/additional/more
accessible jetties’ (18%), but were less interested in ‘improved boat launch / retrieval facilities’ (20%).
Alternatively, half cabin operators were more likely to desire ‘improved boat launch / retrieval facilities’ (87%).
Boaters over 54 years of age were more interested in seeing ‘more police/fisheries officers/law enforcement’
and ‘more/better/cheaper parking’ (4% each) compared to those who were younger.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 63
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 48: Areas for improvement across Victoria's waterways - Prompted
Improved boat launch /
retrieval facilities
68
73
62
69
67
84
53
87↑
65
72
71
20↓
77
75
63
Better navigation aids
and signage
41
42
39
40
42
32
42
38
38
60
40
34
77
48
33
Better boating safety
education programs
37
38
36
39
35
47
42
37
38
32
40
38
66
37
36
Improved search and
rescue services
16
16
17
11
20
21
19
17
14
25
23
24
0
16
18
Better/additional/more
accessible jetties
2
3
1
0↓
4↑
0
11
2
2
0
10
18↑
1
1
4
Better/more
destination/activities
access
2
1
4
5
1
0
4
0
3
4
0
2
0
1
4
More police/fisheries
officers/law
enforcement
2
0↓
5↑
0
4↑
0
4
0
3
0
7
3
0
0↓
4↑
More marinas
2
3↑
0↓
0
3
0
5
2
2
0
0
3
0
1
2
Better wash/hose down
areas
2
3
0
3
1
0
0
2
2
0
0
1
0
0
3
None/nothing
0
0
0
0
0
0
1↑
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
Other
0
0
0
0
0
1
2↑
0
0↓
0
1
3↑
0
0
0
Column %
Q23. What things would you like to see improved across Victoria’s waterways or boat launch locations in regards to recreational boating? (n = 360)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 64
Areas for improvement across Victoria’s waterways - unprompted
All those who had boated in the previous 12 months were asked if there was anything else they think should be
considered with regard to boating facilities. This question was asked as an open ended question, and the
responses coded accordingly (see Table 49).
The main comments mentioned related to ‘better / increased access to ramps launching facilities’ mentioned by
almost one-in-five (18%). This was followed by over one-in-ten (13%) who provided comments related to
parking fees at launch areas ‘Free access / excessive fees / no launch parking fees’, while 8% said comments
related to ‘better / increased access to facilities’ or ‘Better / increased access to parking’. Across the sample,
just over one-third (34%) said ‘none/nothing’.
Table 49: Areas for improvement across Victoria's waterways - Unprompted
Areas for improvement
%
Better / increased access to ramps launching facilities
18%
Free access / excessive fees / no launch parking fees
13%
Better / increased access to facilities (No Further Information)
8%
Better / increased access to parking
8%
More better maintained updated markers signs lights speed signs 5 knot buoys
7%
Better / increased access to jetties marina's tie up facilities wharves floating jetties
6%
(Inconsiderate) behaviour by other people yobbos hoons / needs addressing by water police
5%
More water police enforcement security guards coastguards
5%
More / better (fish) cleaning facilities
3%
Questions are invalid not relevant / responses questions not applicable, responses don't apply to boat location selected
3%
Fees should not go into consolidated revenue should be spent on facilities improvement
3%
Sheltered safe protected launch ramp anchorage mooring areas
3%
More education boater advice information / bag limit fish size info / chart info access
3%
Better / increased access to (fresh) water / to wash motor boat
3%
Jet skiers - PWC's should be better regulated / have separate facilities / areas lanes / ramps
3%
Better / increased access to toilets showers amenities change rooms
2%
Improve promote boating tourism destinations / develop destination infrastructure develop attractions create destinations
2%
Rubbish recycling bins / bins emptied
2%
Not answered
2%
Better / increased access to (public) moorings berths
2%
Other mentions
10%
None/nothing
34%
Q24. Is there anything else you think should be considered with regard to boating facilities? (n = 909)
Insight from qualitative study
Suggestions to improve Victoria’s waterways for recreational boaters primarily centred around the infrastructural
limitations of Port Phillip Bay, as discussed in section 3.2.6. Those who stored their boats on land wanted to
see more and better quality launching facilities to reduce congestion at boating ramps.
Boaters also wanted to see better mooring destinations, particularly in the form of large marinas with deep
water, where boaters could take day trips and stop for lunch. It was felt that providing such facilities would be
excellent for the Victorian economy. However, it was lamented that previous attempts to build marinas were
often met with planning restrictions and protests from a ‘vocal minority’. Blairgowrie Marina was used as an
example of a marina that had been built but had not met its potential because of planning restrictions and
interference from the non-boating community.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 65
“Every impediment was thrown into [Blairgowrie] Marina” (Mornington Peninsula)
“The government hasn’t made it easy for developers to create opportunities for boating around the bay.
Either because greenies have said ‘don’t do it’ or they’ve made it too hard for private enterprise to get involved.”
(Melbourne)
Some also suggested a better, centralised source of information about boating in Victoria, particularly the
condition of waterways. It was suggested that there could be a centralised source of webcams to view the water
conditions, particularly from a safety perspective. While there are currently a number of webcams available,
these are all on different websites, and some felt there could be more webcams introduced.
“I’d like to have webcams strategically placed around the bay, and one website where you can go to see
a dozen webcams. This is not a question of convenience, it’s a question of safety. And it won’t cost much
money.” (Melbourne)
Additionally, focus groups were used as an opportunity to test the idea of a centralised phone app about boating
in Victoria. There was considerable enthusiasm about this idea. In particular, it was viewed as a great location
for the centralisation of webcams. Additionally, participants felt it could include weather reports, safety
information for each boat type, and could push out information about new safety regulations or any news about
boating in Victoria. It was also suggested that the app could include the ability to track your trip, and register a
trip with Volunteer Marine Rescue Groups. Some thought people may feel more comfortable alerting the
Volunteer Marine Rescue Groups through an app than they do making a phone call. Importantly, it was
emphasised that such an app should be free and should be funded by boat registration fees.
“A lot of people don’t have the confidence to get on the radio and talk to the coast guard.” (Mornington
Peninsula)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 66
3.4 Safety behaviour
On a scale from 0 through10 where 0 means ‘not risky at all’ and 10 means ‘extremely risky’, boaters believed
their usual boating trip was very low risk with a mean score of 2.5 out of 10. In the qualitative research,
this often reflected the confidence boaters felt in their own abilities, with many having several decades of
experience. However, it was agreed that for less experienced or safety conscious boaters, it can be a very
dangerous pastime.
More than three-quarters (77%) said they checked the safety equipment before every trip on the water.
Of those that did not check before every trip, one-in-ten (10%) said they checked once every few months, 8%
said monthly and a small proportion 2% said they checked weekly. There is a relationship between frequency of
the safety checks and number of times the boat was used in the previous 12 months - the more trips
undertaken, the more frequent safety checks were undertaken on the boat. Some participants in the qualitative
research utilised checklists to remind them of these processes, and felt they were a useful tool.
Overall ratings indicated high importance in the need to have all necessary equipment when boating
with an average rating of 8.9 out of 10. Participants operating a cabin cruiser (9.5) or half cabin (9.4) indicated
a significantly higher level of importance, whereas those who operated an open boat indicated lower importance
(8.7). In addition, those who boated on coastal waters indicated significantly higher importance at 9.8.
Almost six-in-ten (56%) said they wore a lifejacket personally every time, while around one third (32%) said
they wear one on some occasions. One-in-ten (10%) said they never wear a lifejacket. In addition, just under
six-in-ten (59%) said someone else on their boat wore a lifejacket every time, while one third (34%) said
that others wore one on some occasions. Some qualitative participants had recently begun wearing life jackets
all the time, particularly because the new designs were so comfortable. However, the main reason people did
not wear life jackets all the time (particularly when they were not required to by law) was comfort, and also some
concern that they can be restrictive and potentially dangerous when yachting.
The most frequently undertaken safety activity was checking the weather, with almost all (89%) saying
they did this every time. This was followed by three-quarters (76%) who said they check/run the engine and
over two-thirds who said they tell someone where they are going and when they will be getting back (69%). The
least frequent activities undertaken ‘always’ were to check waterway web cams (10%), check flares (32%) and
undertake a safety checklist (47%). In addition, almost three-in-ten (28%) said they never check flares, while
10% said they never undertake a safety checklist.
Nearly all (99%) said they check the weather sometimes, most times or always. The most common way that
boaters checked the weather was by using the Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au) website (75%),
followed by a similar proportion who said radio or TV (24% and 22% respectively). Other less common
mentions included, Willy Weather (14%), webcams located at waterways (13%), by talking to friends/colleagues
and newspapers (12% each).
The most common way that boaters found out about information to do with boating was through ‘other
boat owners’ – with almost four-in-ten saying this (38%). One third (33%) said they used the ‘internet’ to
source this information, while a similar proportion said ‘published boating guides’ (27%), ‘general internet
search/Google’ (25%) and the ‘tackle and bait shop’ (24%). Just over one-in-twenty (6%) said they obtained this
information from Transport Safety Victoria. Qualitative research participants felt that information about boating
(particularly updated regulations) could be provided by mail with the annual registration notice, as this would be
a good way to reach all registered boaters.
Highest recollection of safety campaigns was for Lifejackets saves lives with almost two-thirds (65%)
indicating they remembered it, followed by almost half who remembered Steer clear of big ships (49%). Less
than one third (30%) said they remembered It’s only a lifejacket if you’re wearing it while around one quarter
remembered the Get on board on life jackets campaign. Lowest recollection was for Will your boat float – with
6% saying they remembered it and Be cool respect the rules 10%.
Qualitative research participants were concerned about some inexperienced boaters who put themselves and
others at risk – sometimes wilfully, but more often as a result of ignorance. As such, participants wanted to see
further education and regulation of boating. Suggestions included a practical exam as part of the licencing
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 67
process, the implementation of ‘L’ and ‘P’ plates, a 0.0% blood alcohol tolerance and a blanket rule for life
jackets.
This section of the report covers areas related to boater safety, including the boater's perceived risk when
boating, participants frequency in undertaking safety checks for the boat, the importance of having all necessary
safety equipment for the boat, life jacket use and their frequency in undertaking of safety behaviour. In addition,
the section covers how they check the weather before boating, how they get information about boating safety
and awareness of previous boating safety campaigns.
Perceived riskiness of boating activity
Participants were asked to consider their usual boating trip in the previous 12 months and indicate how risky
they felt the activity was. This question was asked on a scale from 0 through10 where 0 means ‘not risky at all’
and 10 means ‘extremely risky’. In general, participants believed their usual boating trip was very low risk with a
mean score of 2.5 out of 10 (see Table 50).
Ratings for this question were similar across key demographics, with no notable differences detected.
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 50: Perceived riskiness of boating activity (Q30)
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.4
2.5
3.5
2.2
2.7
2.4
2.9
2.4
2.4
2.2
2.5
2.5
Average
Average perceived riskiness
Q30. Considering you usual boating trip in the last 12 months, how risky do you feel this activity is for you? (n=907)
Frequency of safety checks
All those who had boated in the previous 12 months were asked how often they checked the safety equipment
on their boat. As presented in Figure 20, more than three-quarters (77%) said they checked the safety
equipment before every trip on the water. Of those that did not check before every trip, one-in-ten (10%) said
they checked once every few months, 8% said monthly and a small proportion 2% said they checked weekly.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 68
Figure 20: Frequency of safety checks
100%
90%
77%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
8%
10%
3%
2%
0%
Before every trip on
the water
Weekly
Monthly
Once every few
months
Less often
Q31. How often do you check the safety equipment on this boat? (n=909)
Those who boated on inland waters were more likely to check the safety equipment before every trip on the
water (92%), while those boating on inland waters were less likely (66%), (see Table 51). Cabin cruiser (56%)
operators and yacht (keel boat) operators were both less likely to undertake a safety check before every trip on
the water.
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
86
68
46↓
11
6
2
2
4
4
11↑
13
17↑
8
7
4
8
25↑
15↑
4
16
17
8
5
16
17
3
3
5
4
5
3
2
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0↓
0
0
0
0
1↑
0
0
7
3↓
3
4
0
0
0
0↑
Regional
12↑
Metro
Melbourne
3
1↓
Total
0↓
82
2
4↑
1↓
8
10
6
Once every few months
10
12
Less often
3
I don’t - this is done by
somebody else
Other
Weekly
Monthly
>54 years
Open Boat
80
66↓
72
Before every trip on the
water
35 – 54 years
Half Cabin
66
92↑
77
Column %
<34 years
Cabin Cruiser
56↓
Bays/Inlets
66
Inland
Coastal
Table 51: Frequency of safety checks
91
72
79
4
1
3
0↓
10
7
5
15↑
6
2
0
2
4
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
Q31. How often do you check the safety equipment on this boat? (n=909)
When viewing this question, it important to compare the number of times the boat had been used in the previous
12 months to the frequency of safety equipment checks. As displayed below in Table 52, those who checked
the safety equipment before each trip, on average used the boat 16.6 times in the year, while those that were
checking the equipment weekly used the boat around 64 times, on average in the previous 12 months.
Independent of those that check their safety equipment before each trip, there seems to be relationship between
frequency of the safety checks and number of times the boat was used in the previous 12 months. Put simply,
the more trips undertaken, the more frequent safety checks were undertaken on the boat.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 69
Table 52: Average times boat was used by different safety equipment check frequencies
Average
Average times boat was used
Before
every
trip on
the
water
Weekly
16.6↓
64.8↑
Monthly
Once
every
few
months
Less
often
Other
27.5↑
22.7
11.5↓
34.7↑
Q5. And approximately, how many times did you use the boat in the last 12 months? (n=450 to 909)
Perceived importance of having all necessary safety equipment for the boat
All participants who had been boating in the previous 12 months were asked to consider their usual boating trip
and indicate how important they feel it is to have all the necessary safety equipment. This question was asked
on a scale from 0 through 10 where 0 means ‘not important’ and 10 means ‘extremely important’.
Overall, participant’s ratings indicated high importance in the need to have all necessary equipment when
boating with an average rating of 8.9 out of 10 (see Table 53). Participants operating a cabin cruiser (9.5) or
half cabin (9.4) indicated a significantly higher level of importance, whereas those who operated an open boat
indicated lower importance (8.7). In addition, those who boated on coastal waters indicated significantly higher
importance at 9.8.
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin
Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer
Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54
years
>54 years
Table 53: Perceived importance of having all necessary safety equipment for the boat
8.9
9.1
8.7
8.7
9.0
9.8↑
9.5↑
9.4↑
8.7↓
9.2
9.3
9.2
8.6
9.0
8.9
Average
Average perceived importance
Q32. Considering your usual trip, how important do you feel it is to you to have all the necessary safety equipment for the boat? (n=909)
Life jacket use
Personal use
All participants who had been boating in the previous 12 months were asked how often they would personally
wear a lifejacket. Overall, as shown in Figure 21, almost six-in-ten (56%) said they wore on every time, while
around one third (32%) said they wear one on some occasions. One-in-ten (10%) said they never wear a
lifejacket.
When compared to the TSV research undertaken in 2006, there were significantly more who said they wore a
lifejacket every time in 2014 (56% vs. 46%).8 In addition, there were less in in 2014 who said they never wore a
lifejacket compared to 2006 (10% vs.19%).
8
Marine Safety Victoria New Marine Safety Regulations. Qualitative and Quantitative Research Findings (2006). Quantum Market Research
Commissioned by TSV.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 70
Figure 21: Personal life jacket use
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
56%
50%
40%
32%
30%
20%
10%
10%
2%
0%
Every time
Every second time
On some occasions
Never
Q33. When you go boating, how often would you personally wear a lifejacket? (n=909)
As displayed below in Table 54, those who operated a PWC were significantly more likely to wear a lifejacket
every time (87%). In addition, those who operated a cabin cruiser (63%), half cabin (48%) and yacht (keel boat)
were significantly more likely to wear a lifejacket on some occasions. Furthermore, significantly more cabin
cruiser operators indicated they would never wear a lifejacket (21%).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 54: Personal life jacket use
56
58
55
62
54
37
15↓
38↓
59
87↑
53
26↓
84
50
60
Column %
Every time
Every second time
2
1
2
2
2
0
1
2
2
0
2
3
0
3
1
On some occasions
32
31
33
28
33
60
63↑
48↑
29
12↓
41
63↑
13
37
29
Never
10
11
9
8
12
3
21↑
12
10
1↓
4
8
3
10
10
Q33. When you go boating, how often would you personally wear a lifejacket? (n=909)
Use by others on boat
All participants who had been boating in the previous 12 months were also asked how often someone else on
their boat would wear a life jacket that they carried. Overall, just under six-in-ten (59%) said someone else on
their boat wore a lifejacket every time, while one third (34%) said that others wore one on some occasions (see
Figure 22). Under one-in-twenty (4%) said that any others never wore a lifejacket.
In comparison to the 2006 TSV research, there were more boaters who said that someone else wore a lifejacket
on some occasions in 2014 (34% vs. 27%). In addition, in 2014 there were fewer who said that someone else
never wore a lifejacket compared to 2006 (4% vs. 12%).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 71
Figure 22: Lifejacket usage by others on boat
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
59%
50%
40%
34%
30%
20%
10%
4%
2%
0%
Every time
Every second time
On some occasions
Never
Q34. Not thinking of yourself, how often would someone on your boat wear a lifejacket you carry? (n=909)
As displayed in Table 55, those who operated an open boat (63%) and PWC (86%) were significantly more
likely to say that someone else wore a lifejacket when on their boat ‘every time’. In addition, those who operated
a cabin cruiser, half cabin or yacht (keel boat) were significantly more likely to say that others wore a life jacket
‘on some occasions’.
Those who boated on inland waters were significantly more likely to say that someone else on their boat would
wear a lifejacket ‘every time’ (69%), while those who boated on coastal waters were more likely to say that
someone else wore a lifejacket on some occasions (62%).
Those aged up to 34 years were more likely to say that someone else on their boat wore a lifejacket every time
(89%), while a significantly higher proportion of those aged 35-54 (5%) said that someone else wore a lifejacket
every second time.
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 55: Lifejacket usage by others on boat
Every time
59
58
59
69↑
53
34
20↓
37↓
63↑
86↑
54
27↓
89↑
54
61
Every second time
2
2
3
3
2
0
1
2
3
2
2
3
0
5↑
0↓
On some occasions
34
36
32
25↓
39
62↑
70↑
51↑
31
9↓
41
65↑
11
36
34
Never
4
3
6
3
6
3
9
9
4
0
3
5
0↓
4
5
Column %
Q34. Not thinking of yourself, how often would someone on your boat wear a lifejacket you carry? (n=909)
Undertaking of safety behaviour
All participants who had been boating in the previous 12 months were asked to indicate how often they
undertook a number of activities before going out on the water. This question was asked on the following scale;
never, sometimes, most times and always.
Of all the activities, checking the weather was most frequently undertaken with almost all (89%) saying they did
this ‘always’ before going out on the water (see Figure 23). This was followed by three-quarters (76%) who said
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 72
they check/run the engine and over two-thirds who said they tell someone where they are going and when they
will be getting back (69%). The least frequent activities undertaken ‘always’ were to check waterway web cams
(10%), check flares (32%) and undertake a safety checklist (47%). In addition, almost three-in-ten (28%) said
they never check flares, while 10% said they never undertake a safety checklist.
Figure 23: Undertaking of safety behaviour
Check the weather
89%
Check engine/run engine
7%3%1%
76%
Tell someone where I am going on the water and
when I will be back
7% 3%
15%
69%
17%
10% 4%
Always
Check the battery
66%
17%
8% 9%
Most times
Sometimes
Never
Undertake a safety checklist
47%
Check flares
Check waterway web cams
32%
10% 6%
26%
16%
17%
24%
20%
10%
28%
65%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Q35. How often do you undertake the following activities before going out on the water? (n=909)
Check the weather
As displayed in Table 56, almost nine-in-ten (89%) said they check the weather always before going out on the
water, while 7% said most times, 3% said sometimes and 1% said never. Those that operate a yacht (keel
boat) were the most likely to say they always checked the weather (96%), while those operating a PWC were
the least likely (73%). In addition, those aged up to 34 years were more likely to say they never checked the
weather (14%) compared to those that were older - where none said they would not check the weather before
going out on the water.
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin
Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer
Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54
years
>54 years
Table 56: Check the weather
Never
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
14↑
0
0
Sometimes
3
2
4
7↑
0↓
0
2
0
4
3
2
1
2
1
5
Most times
7
6
8
8
7
4
8
4
6
22↑
4
3
4
6
8
Always
89
91
87
83
93
96
90
96
89
73↓
95
96↑
80
92
87
Column %
Q35. How often do you undertake the following activities before going out on the water? (n=909)
Check the battery
Two-thirds (66%) said they checked the battery always before going out on the water, 17% said most times, 8%
said sometimes, while 9% said they never did (shown in Table 57 below). Those that boated on inland waters
were more likely to say they never checked the battery before going out on the water (17%), while those that
boated on bays/inlets were less likely to say never (3%). In addition, significantly more that were open boat
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 73
operators said they would never check the battery before going out on the water (12%), while a significantly
lower proportion of half cabin operators said the same (2%).
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
35 – 54 years
>54 years
9
7
12
17↑
3↓
9
2
2↓
12↑
5
13
4
0
5
13
Sometimes
8
7
9
8
8
5
15
9
7
6
11
15
0↓
10
7
Most times
17
20
14
15
20
4
17
19
16
27
21
18
31
20
15
Always
66
66
65
60
69
82
65
71
65
62
56
62
69
66
65
<34 years
Metro
Melbourne
Never
Column %
Yacht
Total
Table 57: Check the battery
Q35. How often do you undertake the following activities before going out on the water? (n=909)
Check flares
As displayed in Table 58, just under one-third (32%) said they always checked the flares always before going
out on the water, 16% said most times, 24% said sometimes and 28% said they never checked the flares before
going out on the water. Boaters from Regional Victoria, those that boated on inland waters and PWC operators
all were significantly more likely to say they never checked their flares before going out on the water. In addition,
significantly more boaters who boated on coastal waters said they checked their flares most times as did those
aged 35-54 years.
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 58: Check the flares
Never
28
20↓
36↑
55↑
7↓
20
12↓
6↓
31
52↑
11↓
9↓
40
21
32
Sometimes
24
27
20
11↓
35↑
7↓
40↑
32
22
12
39↑
55↑
23
21
25
Most times
16
18
14
8↓
20
41↑
19
19
16
15
17
15
12
23↑
11
Always
32
35
30
25
38
32
29
43
32
20
33
21↓
26
35
31
Column %
Q35. How often do you undertake the following activities before going out on the water? (n=909)
Undertake a safety checklist
Just under half (47%) said they always undertook a safety check before going out on the water, 26% said most
times, while 17% said sometimes and 10% said never (see Table 59 below). Those who were yacht (keel boat)
operators were significantly less likely to always undertake a safety check always (30%) and were more likely to
say they undertook a safety check sometimes (36%).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 74
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 59: Undertake a safety checklist
Never
10
11
9
8
11
12
19
8
9
17
10
5
29
12
8
Sometimes
17
15
19
10
22
19
25
23
15
10
26
36↑
23
19
15
Most times
26
25
27
30
23
23
19
15
27
36
25
29
4
28
26
Always
47
50
45
52
44
46
37
54
48
37
38
30↓
44
42
52
Column %
Q35. How often do you undertake the following activities before going out on the water? (n=909)
Check engine/run engine
As presented in Table 60, over three-quarters (76%) said they always checked the engine before going out on
the water, 15% said most times, 7% said sometimes and 3% said never. The only notable difference by key
demographic was that yacht (keel boat) operators were significantly more likely to check the engine always
(89%).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 60: Check engine/run engine
Never
3
3
2
4
1
3
3
2
3
1
4
1
14
2
2
Sometimes
7
7
7
5
8
14
2
9
8
2
6
4
14
8
6
Most times
15
16
14
12
17
12
15
17
14
19
9
7
30
17
12
Always
76
74
77
79
74
71
80
72
76
78
81
89↑
42
73
79
Column %
Q35. How often do you undertake the following activities before going out on the water? (n=909)
Check waterway web cams
The majority (65%) said they never checked waterway web cams, 20% said sometimes, 6% said most times
and 10% said always (see Table 61 below). Those boating on bays/inlets were more likely to say they checked
waterway webcams most times (10%) and sometimes (28%). Those who boated on inland waters were more
likely to say they never checked waterway web cams (81%).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin
Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer
Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54
years
>54 years
Table 61: Check waterway web cams
Never
65
59
70
81↑
51↓
72
62
59
67
59
66
53
74
64
64
Sometimes
20
21
18
11↓
28↑
7
23
18
20
12
24
34↑
5
19
21
Most times
6
10
3
0↓
10↑
14
9
9
5
12
8
9
0
6
7
Always
10
10
10
8
11
6
5
14
8
17
2↓
4
21
11
8
Column %
Q35. How often do you undertake the following activities before going out on the water? (n=909)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 75
Tell someone where I am going on the water and when I will be back
As displayed in Table 62, more than two-thirds (69%) said they always tell someone where they are going on
the water and when they will be back, 17% said they did this most times, 10% said sometimes and 4% said they
never did this. Those who boated on bays/inlets were less likely to say they never told anyone where they were
going and when they will be back (1%), while those from inland waters were more likely to say they never
undertook this behaviour (8%).
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
4
3
5
8↑
1↓
0↓
4
1
5
2
7
2
16
3
4
Sometimes
10
14
7
9
12
8
16
10
10
9
8
14
4
11
10
Most times
17
17
18
16
19
8
16
23
15
24
25
21
27
16
18
Always
69
66
71
67
68
84
64
66
70
65
61
62
53
70
68
Total
>54 years
Inland
35 – 54 years
Regional
Never
Column %
Half Cabin
Metro
Melbourne
Cabin Cruiser
Table 62: Tell someone where I am going on the water and when I will be back
Q35. How often do you undertake the following activities before going out on the water? (n=909)
Source used to check weather
Those who had boated within the previous 12 months were asked how they checked the weather before going
out on the water. By far, the most common way that boaters checked the weather was by using the Bureau of
Meteorology (bom.gov.au) website (75%), (see Table 63 ). This was followed by a similar proportion who said
radio or TV (24% and 22% respectively). Other less common mentions included, Willy Weather (14%),
webcams located at waterways (13%), by talking to friends/colleagues and newspapers (12% each). One
percent (1%) said they checked the weather via the TSV website.
Yacht (keel boat) (94%) and trailer sailer (93%) operators were more likely to say they used the Bureau of
Meteorology (bom.gov.au) website. In addition, those who boated on bays/inlets and half cabin operators were
more likely to say they used Willy Weather.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 76
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 63: Source used to check weather
Bureau of Meteorology
(bom.gov.au) website
75
76
74
68
80
85
83
82
73
73
93↑
94↑
86
83
69
Radio
24
22
27
27
22
26
28
18
26
21
30
27
26
20
28
TV
22
21
24
27
18
28
19
16
25
15
16
13
26
22
22
Willy Weather
14
11
17
1↓
23↑
16
16
29↑
11
6
14
11
19
14
14
Webcams located at
waterways
13
15
12
7
18
10
14
18
12
16
14
13
5
18
10
I talk to
friends/colleagues
12
11
14
12
13
7
10
12
13
8
11
12
0
16
10
Newspapers
12
14
9
13
12
3↓
11
9
13
14
11
6
26
8
14
Look out the
window/visual/check for
myself
6
4
9
7
6
0↓
4
2
7
10
1
2
0
5
7
Seabreeze
5
7
2
3
6
8
8
9
3
4
3
10
0
8
3
Phone app/Pocket
Weather/Weather
App/Google
4
6
2
5
3
9
5
2
3
11
3
3
5
5
3
Elders/Weather
3
1
4
4
2
0↓
1
2
3
2
3
0
0
0↓
4
Weatherzone
2
2
2
3
0↓
4
1
2
2
3
2
2
14
3
0↓
Transport Safety
Victoria website
1
3↑
0↓
1
2
3
0
1
1
5
2
2
0
2
1
Other websites
2
0
3
2
2
0
0
0
2
2
1
1
0
2
1
Other
4
2
6
2
6
2
4
3
4
2
6
4
0
5
3
I don't check the
weather before going
out
1
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
1
Column %
Q36. How do you check the weather before heading out on the water? (n=909)
Source used to obtain information on boating safety, areas to launch etc.
All those who had been boating in the previous year were asked where they got their information on boating
safety, areas to launch and the like. This question was asked as a multiple response question and the
responses coded accordingly. The results have been presented in Table 64 below.
The most common way that boaters found out about information to do with boating was through ‘other boat
owners’ – with almost four-in-ten saying this (38%). One third (33%) said they used the ‘internet’ to source this
information, while a similar proportion said ‘published boating guides’ (27%), ‘general internet search/Google’
(25%) and the ‘tackle and bait shop’ (24%). Just over one-in-twenty (6%) said they obtained this information
from Transport Safety Victoria.
Those aged 35-54 years were significantly more likely to say they used the internet to source their information
(44%), while those aged older than 54 years were less likely to (25%).
Cabin cruiser (18%), trailer sailer (18%) and yacht (keel boat) (13%) operators were significantly more likely to
say they obtained their information from Transport Safety Victoria.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 77
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 64: Source used to obtain information on boating safety, areas to launch, etc.
Other boat owners
38
37
38
35
40
37
28
44
37
30
40
36
35
44
33
Internet
33
35
30
28
34
55
28
36
30
44
39
33
10
44↑
25↓
Published boating
guides
27
28
27
23
32
20
34
26
29
14
42↑
35
8
25
30
General internet
search/Google
25
26
23
23
26
30
21
27
23
36
34
22
34
32
19
Tackle and bait shop
24
28
20
20
26
29
14
32
24
15
6↓
2↓
14
28
22
Friends/family/colleagu
es
22
22
23
27
20
13
20
24
22
27
20
11↓
10
27
19
I don't actively search
out this information
17
17
17
21
16
5
25
16
17
17
17
22
28
12
21
Boat shop
11
10
11
10
11
7
13
14
10
12
4
5
4
11
10
VicRoads
7
7
7
11
4
2
8
5
7
9
10
6
1↓
5
8
Transport Safety
Victoria
6
7
5
4
7
7
18↑
7
4
10
18↑
13↑
4
6
6
Tourist Information
Centre
6
7
5
8
4
0↓
4
4
6
8
7
3
0
7
5
Waterway manager
3
4
1
2
4
2
9↑
5
1
7
6
5
0
4
2
Land manager /council
2
2
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
0
1
2
Other
1
2↑
0↓
1
1
0
0
1
1
2
3
1
14↑
1
0
Column %
Q37. Where do you get your information on boating safety, areas to launch etc.? (n=909)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 78
3.4.1 Safety campaigns
All participants who had boated in the previous 12 months were provided with a list of previous boating safety
campaigns and asked which of them they recalled. It’s important to note that no images or campaign materials
were used for this question, only the tagline from the campaign. The limitation with undertaking recall using this
method is that only the tagline recall is measured, and it is possible that a tagline could be confused or diluted
with other information out there (false recall). While not undertaken here, asking respondents what they
remember specifically about an ad may lead to distinguishing between levels of ‘false’ recall and ‘true’ recall.
Highest recollection was for Lifejackets saves lives with almost two-thirds indicating they remembered that one,
followed by almost half who remembered Steer clear of big ships (see Figure 24). Less than one third (30%)
said they remembered It’s only a lifejacket if you’re wearing it while around one quarter remembered the Get on
board on life jackets campaign. Lowest recollection was for Will your boat float – with 6% saying they
remembered it and Be cool respect the rules at 10%.
Figure 24: Awareness of boating safety campaigns
Life jackets save lives
65%
Steer clear of big ships
21%
49%
It’s only a lifejacket if you’re wearing it
30%
Get on board on life jackets
17%
34%
22%
23%
15%
47%
18%
I remember that one
59%
I have some recollection
Not at all
Don’t let your boat go up in smoke
Be cool respect the rules
Will your boat float?
14%
10%
24%
62%
16%
74%
6% 11%
0%
20%
82%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Q38. Of the following: which boating safety campaign do you recall? (n=909)
Life jackets save lives
As shown in Table 65, almost two-thirds said they remembered this campaign, 21% said they had some
recollection and 15% said they could not remember it. Given this campaign was undertaken in 2002 – 2003,
65% indicating they remember it would appear to be a high level of recall. Those from Regional Victoria were
significantly more likely to say they did not remember it (21%), while those from Metro Melbourne were less
likely to not remember the campaign (8%).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 79
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 65: Life jackets save lives
Not at all
15
8↓
21↑
17
13
5
14
11
16
13
12
14
20
11
17
I have some
recollection
21
19
22
17
23
25
24
21
20
24
26
25
0↓
28
16
I remember that one
65
73
57
66
64
70
62
68
65
63
62
61
80
61
67
Column %
Q38. Of the following: which boating safety campaign do you recall?? (n=909)
Steer clear of big ships
The Steer clear of big ships campaign has been delivered by the Port of Melbourne Corporation for the previous
seven years with a focus on Port Phillip Bay boaters. Almost half said they remembered the Steer clear of big
ships campaign, 17% said they had some recollection, while around one third (34%) said they could not
remember it at all (see Table 66). Boaters from Metro Melbourne had significantly higher recollection compared
to those from Regional Victoria (64% vs. 35%). In addition, those who boated on bays/inlets and half cabin
operators had higher recall of the campaign, while those who boated on inland waters and those aged up to 34
years had lower recall.
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 66: Steer clear of big ships
Not at all
34
19↓
50↑
50↑
22↓
25
32
23↓
35
46
34
25
86↑
29
35
I have some
recollection
17
18
16
16
16
23
10
15
17
15
20
16
0↓
25↑
11↓
I remember that one
49
64↑
35↓
34↓
61↑
51
58
62↑
47
39
45
59
13↓
45
55
Column %
Q38. Of the following: which boating safety campaign do you recall?? (n=909)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 80
It’s only a lifejacket if you’re wearing it
As shown in Table 67, less than one third (30%) said they remembered the It’s only a lifejacket if you’re wearing
it campaign, (22%) said they had some recollection and almost half (47%) said they could not remember it at all.
There were no notable differences by demographics detected.
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Not at all
47
39
56
50
46
31
46
45
48
49
38
35
66
55
41
I have some
recollection
22
26
19
22
24
14
28
28
21
22
25
28
22
19
25
I remember that one
30
35
25
28
30
55
26
27
31
29
37
38
13
27
34
Metro
Total
Column %
Melbourne
Regional
Table 67: It's only a lifejacket if you're wearing it
Q38. Of the following: which boating safety campaign do you recall? (n=909)
Get on board on life jackets
The Get on board on life jackets campaign ran in 2005 through to 2007 in conjunction with the introduction of
lifejacket laws in 2005. The majority (59%) said they could not remember the Get on board on life jackets
campaign, 18% said they had some recollection and almost one-quarter (23%) said they remembered it (see
Table 68).
There were no notable differences by demographics detected.
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 68: Get on board on life jackets
Not at all
59
57
61
58
61
55
57
56
60
60
55
58
45
62
58
I have some
recollection
18
20
16
13
21
25
23
19
18
17
22
24
8
24
15
I remember that one
23
23
22
29
18
20
20
25
22
23
23
19
47
14
28
Column %
Q38. Of the following: which boating safety campaign do you recall?? (n=909)
Don’t let your boat go up in smoke
The Don’t let your boat go up in smoke campaign is the most recent TSV campaign, running over 2013/14
targeting open boats operating on inland waters. As seen in Table 69, almost two-thirds did not remember the
Don’t let your boat go up in smoke campaign, one-quarter (24%) had some recollection, while 14% said they
remembered it.
There were no notable differences by demographics detected.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 81
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 69: Don't let your boat go up in smoke
Not at all
62
59
66
64
62
51
62
63
64
51
56
63
65
62
63
I have some
recollection
24
26
22
18
27
36
24
25
22
29
29
27
9
25
24
I remember that one
14
15
12
17
11
13
13
12
14
20
15
10
26
13
14
Column %
Q38. Of the following: which boating safety campaign do you recall?? (n=909)
Be cool respect the rules
The Be cool respect the rules campaign was targeted at PWC operators and was undertaken in 2012/13. Almost
three-quarters (74%) had no recollection of this campaign, 16% had some recollection, and 10% said they
remembered it (see Table 70). Those aged older than 54 years had significantly higher recollection (15%), while
those aged 35-54 years had significantly lower awareness (3%).
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 70: Be cool respect the rules
Not at all
74
71
77
73
75
76
79
71
75
66
72
80
66
78
71
I have some
recollection
16
18
14
16
16
18
11
17
15
27
18
15
26
19
14
I remember that one
10
11
9
11
9
7
10
12
10
8
9
5
8
3↓
15
Column %
Q38. Of the following: which boating safety campaign do you recall?? (n=909)
Will your boat float?
The Will your boat float campaign was undertaken in 2011/12. Most (82%) said they did not remember the Will
your boat float campaign, 11% said they had some recollection while around one-in-twenty (6%) said they
recalled it (see Table 71 below). There were no notable differences by demographics detected.
Total
Metro
Melbourne
Regional
Inland
Bays/Inlets
Coastal
Cabin Cruiser
Half Cabin
Open Boat
PWC
Trailer Sailer
Yacht
<34 years
35 – 54 years
>54 years
Table 71: Will your boat float?
Not at all
82
78
86
81
83
82
81
77
84
83
76
77
91
85
80
I have some
recollection
11
15
8
12
11
14
8
14
11
10
16
17
5
12
11
I remember that one
6
6
6
7
6
5
11
9
5
7
8
7
4
3
9
Column %
Q38. Of the following: which boating safety campaign do you recall?? (n=909)
Transport Safety Victoria
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3.4.2 Qualitative insights on safety
Insight from qualitative study
Safety was acknowledged as one of the major issues facing people who boat, particularly as the popularity of
the sport increases causing congestion around key launching locations. Weather, lack of education and lack of
law enforcement were seen as particular concerns.
The biggest safety risk discussed was inclement weather. While boaters would typically avoid unsafe weather,
many had experienced sudden and unexpected changes in weather while out on the water. Other boaters on
the water who behave in a dangerous fashion also caused risks, even for highly experienced boaters. In
addition, it was felt that the limited infrastructure – such as crowded launch ramps and a lack of safe harbours –
was a safety issue, as discussed above in section 3.2.6.
Safety behaviour
In order to mitigate the risks described above, a range of safety strategies were employed by participants.
Typically, they said they carried all equipment and undertook all checks described in the
Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook as required for their vessel type. Some also kept a checklist
(such as a sticker) on their boat to remind them of the requirements, and this was felt to be a useful tool which
should be used more widely.
Many also had changed their attitude to life jackets, largely because the newer, inflatable models were
perceived as far more comfortable and less cumbersome than older, foam designs. For some this also reflected
a change in attitude towards taking greater safety precautions. While participants generally wore a life jacket
whenever they were legally required to do so, some said they wear a life jacket at all times. It was agreed that
far more people now wear life jackets than ten years ago.
“I don’t even take mine off when I get in the car….I hardly notice I’ve got it on” (Mornington Peninsula)
“Now you do see fishermen on their own wearing a lifejacket, whereas ten years ago you didn’t see
anybody wearing a lifejacket. You’re not going to catch everybody…but now I think it’s terrific the way
everybody wears a lifejacket.” (Mornington Peninsula)
I’ve changed my opinion [on life jackets], I’ve started wearing mine all the time…just for safety.
(Melbourne)
However, others chose only to wear life jackets when legally required to do so. For these participants, the main
reason for not wearing life jackets all the time was comfort, and that they didn’t feel they were at risk, particularly
in large boats. While it was agreed that newer designs were more comfortable, some felt that they were still
restrictive on hot days. There was also some concern that the jackets can be restrictive and potentially
dangerous when yachting. While it was felt that these issues had been overcome to some extent by the
development of new, inflatable designs, some still preferred not to wear life jackets at all times.
“They’re a cumbersome object for no reason. It’s a deep cockpit, I’m steering down inside…at night I
might, and in bad weather. As soon as I go out on Bass Strait I wear it all the time. But I’m better off being
tethered to the boat than having a life jacket. If I’m out there on a life jacket it’ll just take me longer to die.”
(Melbourne)
“They can hinder you, if you’re on a yacht and you’ve got to get up forward and get a sail down, it can
trip you or catch you. “(Melbourne)
While some boaters were less diligent about wearing a life jacket outside of the required situations, they were
concerned about friends and family members, and it was broadly agreed that children should always wear a
lifejacket. Many also insisted that guests wear a life jacket, as it cannot be assumed that they will be strong
swimmers.
Transport Safety Victoria
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It was also commented that some states have been providing the option to trade in the older style foam life
jackets, for the newer, inflatable models, free of charge. There was strong support for introducing a similar
initiative in Victoria, particularly given strong agreement that discomfort is one of the primary barriers to life
jacket use, and that the inflatable models are far more comfortable than the foam style.
Boating education and enforcement
Focus group participants typically viewed themselves as highly experienced, and therefore felt very confident in
their ability to mitigate safety risks. However, they were concerned about the risks presented by other boaters,
either because they blatantly behaved in a dangerous manner, or because of inexperience. Inexperience was
identified as the most common factor leading to risky behaviour. As such, there was strong demand for an
increased police presence at popular boating locations, the provision of further education for new boaters and
increased safety regulations.
“At Eildon, there’s a couple [of water police] on the water and a couple on the ramp and they check
every boat out there. Good on them, I reckon that’s the way to do it, education.” (Melbourne)
Most participants developed their boating skills through family. Many had been boating as children and were
therefore educated by their relatives from a young age. Those who took up boating independently often gained
skills through clubs (such as yacht and fishing clubs) or through ‘trial and error’.
It was agreed that there is currently plenty of opportunity to gain boating skills through formal training at boating
and fishing clubs, as well as information events. However, these are all programs that need to be sought out by
an individual. As such, there was some concern that there isn’t any compulsory training required to obtain a
boating licence, besides a multiple choice theory test. Many felt that it was far too easy to obtain a boating
licence because licence providers are financially incentivised to pass licence applicants, or boating clubs provide
the answers to their members.
“A lot of clubs…to get a license they’d have a function on a Saturday night, you all go and spend $50 on
your dinner and they’ve got a big screen with all the questions and answers. You just pay your $90 and there’s
your license.” (Melbourne)
As such, there was strong support for the idea of a practical licence test, which was understood to be the
process in NSW and Queensland. It was felt that there was an inconsistency between the rigorous requirements
to obtain a drivers’ licence compared to the requirements for a boating licence, with agreement that boating is by
far the more dangerous activity. Additionally, it was suggested that an ‘L’ plate and ‘P’ plate be implemented so
that more experienced boaters know to give newcomers additional space on the water.
“A lot more can go wrong in the water than on the road…but on the road you have to log 120 hours
before you get a licence” (Melbourne)
Participant 1: “I think they need to probably bring in a practical test for boating licences.”
Participant 2: “I agree, there’s no survival training, it’s all by the book.” (Mornington Peninsula)
There was also some discussion around the risks of alcohol and boating. Participants felt strongly that alcohol
should never be consumed when boating and were very strict about this themselves. As such, there was
demand for a 0.0% blood alcohol level requirement.
Similarly, it was felt quite strongly that the current laws around life jackets were confusing, with some still unsure
what the requirements were. As such, it was argued that rather than having specific rules for different boats in
different settings, a blanket rule should apply: that all people on boats wear a life jacket at all times. Some who
are selective about when they wear life jackets at present said this would motivate them to always wear a life
jacket.
“I don’t even know when a skipper needs to have a jacket on.” (Melbourne)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 84
“I don’t like wearing it when I’m out fishing…I take it off when I stop….but if it was legislation, I’d wear it
always” (Mornington Peninsula)
In addition, it was felt that TSV could provide more safety seminars to explain the regulations around boating
and provide safety advice. One key point of contact that could be used to provide any information on safety was
the annual registration notice, which would reach all registered boaters. It was agreed this could be used to
provide any updates about new regulations, and also general safety advice or campaign materials, including the
provision of a safety checklist sticker which boaters could include in their vessel. Further, some felt that maritime
police had a responsibility to provide safety information to boaters, rather than focusing purely on law
enforcement.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 85
4.
Demographics
The following section outlines the unweighted demographics for the sample as collected.
Table 72: Boat type from sample by Usage in the last 12 months (unweighted)
Boat Type
Total
n
Yacht (keel boat)
25%
260
Trailer sailer
22%
232
Cabin cruiser
15%
154
Open boat
14%
145
Half cabin
14%
143
Personal water craft (PWC)
10%
101
HQ1.Boat type from sample (n=1035); Q3. In the last 12 months, did you use the boat…(n=1035) - unweighted
Table 73: Boat type match with sample by Usage in the last 12 months (unweighted)
Total
n
Yes
97%
1,000
No
3%
35
SQ2. This boat is registered as a HQ1? Is this correct? (n=1035); Q3. In the last 12 months, did you use the boat… (n=1035) - unweighted
Table 74: Boat type for those that said No to SQ2 by Usage in the last 12 months (unweighted)
Total
n
Open boat
34%
12
Half cabin
14%
5
Trailer sailer
11%
4
Yacht (keel boat)
9%
3
Cabin cruiser
3%
1
Personal water craft (PWC)
0%
0
Other (Please Specify)
29%
10
SQ3. So what type of boat is the boat with registration [REGISTRATION NUMBER FROM SAMPLE]? (n=35); Q3. In the last 12 months, did you use the boat…
(n=1035) - unweighted
Table 75: Years as a boat owner by Usage in the last 12 months (unweighted)
Total
n
Less than 1 year
1%
14
1 to 5 years
13%
132
6 to 10 years
17%
173
More than 10 years
69%
716
SQ4.How many years have you been a boat owner? (n=1035) ; Q3. In the last 12 months, did you use the boat… (n=1035) - unweighted
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 86
Table 76: Boat club, fishing club or boating association membership by Usage in the last 12 months
(unweighted)
Total
n
Fishing club
9%
68
Boat club
6%
89
Yacht club
6%
340
Water Ski Club
2%
7
Field and Game/hunting
2%
3
Boating association
1%
76
Online/Internet/boating/sailing forum/website
0%
4
Marina
0%
2
Coast Guard
0%
5
Yachting Australia/Victoria
0%
4
Sunmade Association
0%
2
Scouts
0%
0
AVCG / AVCGA
0%
0
Other Clubs / Associations (Dive/Rowing/Boating)
0%
1
Other group
1%
11
None of the above
76%
521
SQ8. Are you a member of a boat club, fishing club or boating association? (n = 1035); Q3. In the last 12 months, did you use the boat… (n=1035) - unweighted
Table 77: Year obtained marine licence (unweighted)
Year range
Total
n
2010 - 2014
4%
37
2005 - 2009
25%
258
2000 - 2004
33%
346
1995 - 1999
14%
142
1990 - 1994
9%
94
1985 - 1989
5%
52
1980 - 1984
4%
39
1975 - 1979
3%
35
1970 - 1974
2%
21
1965 - 1969
0%
5
1960 - 1964
0%
5
1955 - 1959
0%
1
Q39. In what year did you obtain your marine licence? (n=1035); Q3. In the last 12 months, did you use the boat… (n=1035) - unweighted
Table 78: Gender (unweighted)
Total
n
Male
98%
1,017
Female
2%
18
Q40. Please select your gender (n=1035); Q3. In the last 12 months, did you use the boat… (n=1035) - unweighted
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 87
Table 79: Age group (unweighted)
Age group
Total
n
18-24 years
0%
1
25-34 years
2%
17
35-44 years
8%
87
45-54 years
23%
233
55-64 years
33%
345
65+ years
34%
350
I’d prefer not to say
0%
2
Q41. Would you please tell us your approximate age? (n=1035); Q3. In the last 12 months, did you use the boat… (n=1035) - unweighted
Table 80: Speak a language other than English (unweighted)
Total
n
Yes
24%
249
No
76%
783
I’d prefer not to say
0%
3
Q42. Do you mainly speak a language other than English at home? (n=1035); Q3. In the last 12 months, did you use the boat… (n=1035) - unweighted
Table 81: Employment (unweighted)
Total
n
Employed full time
46%
474
Employed part time
9%
97
Retired or pensioner
36%
377
Home duties
1%
7
School or secondary student
0%
0
TAFE or university student
0%
1
Unemployed
1%
8
Other (Please Specify)
6%
57
Prefer not to say
1%
14
Q43. Which of the following best describes you? (n=1035); Q3. In the last 12 months, did you use the boat… (n=1035) - unweighted
Table 82: Highest level of education (unweighted)
Total
n
Postgraduate degree (honours, Masters, PhD)
13%
134
Graduate diploma or graduate certificate
12%
124
Bachelor degree (undergraduate)
13%
133
Advanced diploma or diploma
13%
132
Certificate (TAFE)
14%
150
Year 12
9%
95
Year 11
10%
106
Year 10 or under
11%
113
I’d prefer not to say
5%
48
Q44. What is the highest level of education that you have completed? (n=1035); Q3. In the last 12 months, did you use the boat… (n=1035) - unweighted
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 88
Appendix 1 – Questionnaire
Introduction
[STANDARD INSTRUCTIONS]
Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) is currently undertaking this research that will help TSV better understand the way Victorian boaters use
their boats. You have been randomly selected to take part in this Boater Survey.
The collective results from the survey will identify key issues facing boaters and will be shared with other parts of government to help
prioritise areas for investment across Victorian waterways. All responses are anonymous in that your details will not be connected with any
answers you provide.
The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 89
SECTION A: SCREENER QUESTIONS
HQ1
[IF SAMPLE = 2 SKIP TO SQ3]
[HIDDEN QUESTION - RECORD BOAT TYPE FROM SAMPLE FILE]
SQ1
Our records indicate that you are the registered owner of the boat [REGISTRATION NUMBER FROM SAMPLE]. Is this correct?
Yes
1
No
2
[IF SQ1 = 2 THANK AND TERMINATE]
SQ2
This boat is registered as a [BOAT TYPE FROM SAMPLE]? Is this correct?
Yes
1
No
2
[IF SQ2 = 2 ASK]
SQ3
So what type of boat is the boat with registration [REGISTRATION NUMBER FROM SAMPLE]?
[IF SAMPLE = 2 QUESTION TEXT IS] What type of boat is your boat? If you have more than one, please answer the following
questions based on the boat you use most often.
Cabin cruiser
1
Half cabin
2
Open boat
3
Personal water craft (PWC)
4
Trailer sailer
5
Yacht (keel boat)
6
Other (please specify) [IF SAMPLE = 2 DO NOT DISPLAY THIS CODE]
97
I do not own a boat [IF SAMPLE = 1 DO NOT DISPLAY THIS CODE]
7
[IF SQ3= 7 THANK AND TERMINATE]
SQ4
How many years have you been a boat owner?
Less than 1 year
1
1 to 5 years
2
6 to 10 years
3
More than 10 years
4
[IF SAMPLE = 2 SKIP TO SQ8]
SQ5
Are you usually the master of the boat with the registration [REGISTRATION NUMBER FROM SAMPLE]?
Yes
1
No
2
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 90
[IF SQ5 = 2 ASK]
SQ6
Would you be able to ask the usual master of this boat to complete the survey? Simply close the survey, and provide the survey
link and login details to this person and they will be able to compete the survey. We are interested in obtaining information from
the person who is the master of the boat most often.
[IF SQ5 = 2 ASK]
SQ7
You have been provided with this survey by the registered owner of the boat with the registration [REGISTRATION NUMBER
FROM SAMPLE] because they believe you are the master most often for this boat. Is this correct?
Yes
1
No
2
[IF SQ7 = 2 TERMINATE AND THANK]
SQ8
Are you a member of a boat club, fishing club or boating association? [MULTIPLE RESPONSE. CODE 5 EXCLUSIVE]
Boat club
1
Yacht club
2
Fishing club
3
Boating association
4
Other group (please specify)
97
None of the above
5
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 91
[ASK ALL]
MAIN QUESTIONS
Q1
Would you please tell us the postcode where this boat is generally stored?
If you don’t know the postcode, please write the suburb here. [OPEN RESPONSE]
Q2
Where is this boat usually stored? [SINGLE RESPONSE]
At the registered address
1
At another address, but out of the water (excluding dry storage)
2
It is kept in dry storage facilities
3
It is berthed in a marina
4
It is berthed at a public jetty under a licence
5
It is kept on a swing mooring
6
It is berthed at a private jetty
7
Other (please specify)
97
Q3
In the last 12 months, did you use the boat [MULTIPLE RESPONSE][CODE 3 EXCLUSIVE]
October through April
1
May through September
2
Did not use the boat in the previous 12 months
3
[IF Q3 = 3]
Q4
Why did you not use the boat in the last 12 months? [OPEN ENDED]
[IF Q3 = 3 NOW GO TO Q39]
[IF Q3 = 1 OR 2]
Q5
And approximately, how many times did you use the boat in in the last 12 months?
Number of times
[RANGE 1 – 1000]
In October through April
In May through September
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 92
Q6
What was your usual purpose for boating in the last 12 months? [SINGLE RESPONSE]
Fishing
1
Water skiing/ wakeboarding/knee boarding etc.
2
Touring / cruising
3
Organised or club activity
4
Other (please specify)
97
Q7
In the last 12 months, how many people usually went boating with you? [SINGLE RESPONSE]
None, I boat on my own
1
One other person
2
Two other people
3
Three other people
4
Four other people
5
Five other people
6
More than five persons
7
Q8
Over the last 12 months, what type of water did you most often boat on? [SINGLE RESPONSE]
Inland waters (lakes and rivers)
1
Bays/Inlets
2
Coastal waters (excluding bays/inlets)
3
Q9
In the last 12 months, where did your usual boating trip commence on [RESPONSE AT Q8]?
[SINGLE RESPONSE]
[IF INLAND WATERS Q8 CODE 1 DISPLAY]
Lake Eildon
1
Lake Eppalock
2
Lake Narracan
3
Lake Glenmaggie
4
Lake Nillahcootie
5
Lake Hume
6
Lake Mokoan
7
Lake Nagambie
Lake Bolac
Lake Purumbeete
8
9
10
Transport Safety Victoria
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Lake Wartook
11
Lake Fyans
12
Lake Buffalo
13
Lake Bullen Merri
14
Lake Charm
15
Hopkins River
16
Loddon River
17
Kangaroo Lake
18
Pykes Creek Reservoir
19
Rocklands Reservoir
20
Other (please specify)
97
[IF BAYS/INLETS Q8 CODE 2 DISPLAY]
Port Phillip Bay
Altona
1
Black Rock (Half Moon Bay)
2
Clifton Springs
3
Frankston
4
Geelong (Limeburners point)
5
Geelong (St Helens)
6
Indented Heads
60
Martha Cove
7
Mordialloc
8
Mornington
9
Newport (The Warmies)
10
North Road, Brighton
11
Patterson River
12
Portarlington
13
Queenscliff
14
Rye
15
Safety Beach
16
Sorrento
17
St Kilda marina
18
Transport Safety Victoria
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St Leonards
19
Tootgarook
20
Werribee South
21
Other (please specify)
97
Western Port
Blind Bight
23
Corinella
24
Cowes
25
Hastings
26
Newhaven
27
Rhyll
28
Stony Point
29
Tooradin
30
Warneet
31
Other (please specify)
97
Gippsland Lakes
Lakes Entrance
33
Metung
34
Paynesville
35
Other (please specify)
97
Corner Inlet
37
Inverloch
38
Lake Tyers
39
Mallacoota Lakes
40
Port Albert
41
Port Welshpool
42
Shallow Inlet
43
Snowy River (Marlo)
44
Sydenham Inlet
45
Tamboon Inlet
46
Wingan Inlet
47
Other (please specify)
97
Transport Safety Victoria
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[IF COASTAL Q8 CODE 3 DISPLAY]
Apollo Bay
49
Barwon River
50
Inverloch
51
Mallacoota
52
Point Roadknight
53
Port Fairy
54
Portland
55
Torquay
56
Walkerville
57
Warrnambool
58
Other (please specify)
97
IF LAUNCHING FROM A BOAT RAMP [Q2=1 OR 2]
Q10 Why do you usually launch at [RESPONSE AT Q9]?
It is closest to where I live
1
It is the only option for this waterway
2
It is the safest launch / retrieval location
3
It provides best access to where I want to use my boat
4
There is less traffic congestion here
5
Enables me to meet up with family / friends
6
Other launch / parking options are too costly
7
Enables me to participate in club activities
8
Other reason (please specify)
97
Q11 Is this your preferred launch location in Victoria?
Yes
1
No
2
[IF Q11 = 2 ASK]
Q12 Why don’t you use your preferred launch location?
[OPEN ENDED]
[IF LAUNCHING FROM A BOAT RAMP [Q2=1 OR 2]
Q13 On how many occasions were you unable to launch from your preferred launch location in the last year?
Never, I was always able to launch
Please enter number of times [RANGE 1 TO 365]
1
[RANGE 1
TO 365]
Transport Safety Victoria
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[IF Q13 ≠ CODE 1]
Q14 What did you do when you could not launch from your preferred launch location?
I gave up on boating that day
1
I returned later in the day and launched then
2
I launched from another location elsewhere
3
Other (please specify)
97
Q15 [ASK ALL] In the previous 12 months, what time of the day did you usually commence your trip? [MULTIPLE RESPONSE]
Morning – before sunrise
1
Morning
2
Afternoon
3
Evening
4
Evening – after sunset
5
Q16 And what was the usual trip duration?
Under 1 hour
1
1 to 2 hours
2
3 to 4 hours
3
4 to 5 hours
4
5 to 6 hours
5
6 to 7 hours
6
7 to 8 hours
7
8 to 10 hours
8
10 – 12 hours
9
More than 12 hours
10
Q17 Generally speaking, in the previous 12 months what was the usual reason that you finished your trip on the water? Is it because
of…[MULTIPLE RESPONSE]
Deteriorating weather
1
Fatigue (master)
2
Passenger preference / fatigue (others)
3
It’s getting dark
4
Fish catch limit is reached
5
The fish stop biting
6
Need to get back home
7
Need extra fuel
8
Have reached my intended destination / to seek refuge / to stay overnight
Some other reason (please specify)
9
97
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 97
BOATING SATISFACTION QUESTIONS
[ASK ALL].
Q18 For this question, we would like to ask your satisfaction with a number of areas relating to your boating experience on Victorian
waterways.
Would you please answer these questions on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean not satisfied at all, and 10 would
mean totally satisfied? If a statement is not applicable, or you do not know, please select that option. [RANDOMISE].
Not satisfied at
all
Totally
satisfied
Don’t know /
Not Applicable
Waterway draft for my boat
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Hazards in the waterway
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Aids to the navigation on the
water
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Destination jetties
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Access to landside attractions
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
[IF Q2 = 1 OR 2]
Q19 For this question, we would like to ask about your satisfaction with a number of areas relating to your boating experience within
Victoria.
Would you please answer these questions on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean not satisfied at all, and 10 would mean
totally satisfied? If a statement is not applicable, or you do not know, please select that option. [RANDOMISE].
Not satisfied at
all
Totally
satisfied
Don’t know /
Not Applicable
Boat ramp proximity to my
home address
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
The amount of sand / weed at
boat ramp
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Physical condition of the boat
ramp
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Design of the boat ramp
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Parking at boat launch areas
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
The wait time needed to
launch/ re-trailer at ramp at
peak period
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
The wait time needed to
launch/ re-trailer at ramp at
non-peak period
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Behaviour of other boaters at
the ramp
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Fish cleaning facilities
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 98
Signage
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Boating information (boat ramp
cameras, notices, etc.)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Q20 To what degree do you feel you get value for money for the amount you pay for boat launching/parking fees at boat ramps?
Please answer on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean low value and 10 would mean high value?
Low value
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
High value
Don’t know /
unsure
10
99
Q21 To what degree do you feel you get value for money for the amount you pay for your boat registration fee?
Please answer on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean low value and 10 would mean high value?
Low value
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
High value
Don’t know /
unsure
10
99
Q22 Would you be willing to pay more for your registration if it helped to improve boating infrastructure at the locations where you go
boating?
Yes
1
No
2
[IF Q22=1]
Q23 What things would you like to see improved across Victoria’s waterways or boat launch locations in regards to recreational boating?
[MR]
Better navigation aids and signage
1
Improved search and rescue services
2
Better boating safety education programs
3
Improved boat launch / retrieval facilities
4
97
Other (please specify)
Q24 Is there anything else you think should be considered with regard to boating facilities?
[OPEN ENDED]
CABIN CRUISER OR YACHT (KEEL BOAT)
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 99
[IF BOAT TYPE FROM SAMPLE = 1 OR 6, OR SQ3=1 OR 6]
[NOTE: IF SOMEONE SAYS SQ3 = 97. THEN ANY QUESTIONS RUNNING OFF BOAT TYPE TO RUN OFF BOAT TYPE FROM
SAMPLE]
IF BOAT IS BERTHED OR ON SWING MOORING
[IF Q2 = 4, 5, 6, 7 OR 97]
Q25 Is your boat contained within a berth or moored?
At a berth or in a pen berth
1
On a swing mooring
2
My boat is not in-water
3
[IF Q25 =1]
Q26 How satisfied are you with your current berthing arrangements?
Would you please answer this question on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean not satisfied at all, and 10 would mean
totally satisfied?
Not satisfied at
all
Totally satisfied
Don’t know /
unsure
Boat proximity to
my home address
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Weather and tide
protection
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Security
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Value for money
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Provision of shore
power
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Availability of
alternative berth /
mooring
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Landside facilities
(toilets, showers
etc.)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
On-water
refuelling services
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Sewage pump-out
facilities
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
[IF Q25 =2]
Q27 How satisfied are you with your current swing mooring arrangements?
Would you please answer this question on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean not satisfied at all, and 10 would mean
totally satisfied?
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 100
Not satisfied at
all
Totally satisfied
Don’t know /
unsure
Boat proximity to
my home address
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Weather and tide
protection
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Security
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Value for money
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Storage or
provision of tender
(if applicable)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Availability of
alternative berth /
mooring
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Other services
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
On-water
refuelling services
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Sewage pump-out
facilities
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
Servicing
arrangements for
mooring tackle
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
99
PERSONAL WATER CRAFT
[IF BOAT TYPE FROM SAMPLE = 4, OR SQ3 =4]
[NOTE: IF SOMEONE SAYS SQ3 =97. THEN ANY QUESTIONS RUNNING OFF BOAT TYPE TO RUN OFF BOAT TYPE FROM SAMPLE]
Q28 Is this the first PWC you’ve owned?
Yes
1
No
2
Q29 What attracted you to PWC riding? [MULTIPLE RESPONSE]
Have been into boating for a while, and prefer PWC
1
Appearance
2
Thrill seeking, speed
3
Price
4
Family craft
5
Water-skiing
6
Something else (please specify)
97
[ASK ALL]
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 101
SAFETY QUESTIONS
Q30 Considering your usual boating trip in the last 12 months, how risky do you feel this activity is for you?
Please answer on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean not risky at all, and 10 would mean extremely risky.
Not risky at all
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Extremely risky
Don’t know /
unsure
10
99
9
Q31 How often do you check the safety equipment on this boat? [SINGLE RESPONSE]
Before every trip on the water
1
Weekly
2
Monthly
3
Once every few months
4
Less often
5
Other (please specify)
97
I don’t - this is done by somebody else
7
Q32 Considering your usual trip, how important do you feel it is to you to have all the necessary safety equipment for the boat?
Please answer on a scale from 0 through 10, where 0 would mean not important, and 10 would mean extremely important.
Not important
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Extremely
important
Don’t know /
unsure
10
99
9
Q33 When you go boating, how often would you personally wear a lifejacket? [SINGLE RESPONSE]
Every time
1
Every second time
2
On some occasions
3
Never
4
Q34 Not thinking of yourself, how often would someone on your boat wear a lifejacket you carry? [SINGLE RESPONSE]
Every time
1
Every second time
2
On some occasions
3
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 102
Never
4
I never take anyone else on the boat
5
Q35 How often do you undertake the following activities before going out on the water? [RANDOMISE]
Never
Sometimes
Most times
Always
Check the weather
1
2
3
4
Check the battery
1
2
3
4
Check flares
1
2
3
4
Undertake a safety checklist
1
2
3
4
Check engine/run engine
1
2
3
4
Check waterway web cams
1
2
3
4
Tell someone where I am going on the water
and when I will be back
1
2
3
4
Q36 How do you check the weather before heading out on the water? [RANDOMISE 1 TO 8] [MR]
Newspapers
1
Radio
2
TV
3
Webcams located at waterways
4
Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au) website
5
Transport Safety Victoria website
6
Other websites (please specify) [CODE 7 ALWAYS BELOW CODE 6]
7
I talk to friends/colleagues
8
Other (please specify)
97
I don’t check the weather before going out
10
Q37 Where do you get your information on boating safety, areas to launch, etc.? [RANDOMISE 1 THROUGH 12] [MR]
Transport Safety Victoria
1
VicRoads
2
Friends/family/colleagues
3
General internet search/Google
4
Boat shop
5
Other boat owners
6
Waterway manager
7
Land manager /council
8
Internet
9
Published boating guides
10
Tackle and bait shop
11
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 103
Tourist Information Centre
12
Other (please specify)
97
I don’t actively search out this information
13
Q38 Of the following: which boating safety campaigns do you recall?
Not at all
I have some recollection
I remember that one
Don’t let your boat go up in smoke
1
2
3
Steer clear of big ships
1
2
3
Life jackets save lives
1
2
3
Get on board on life jackets
1
2
3
Will your boat float?
1
2
3
Be cool respect the rules
1
2
3
It’s only a lifejacket if you’re wearing it
1
2
3
DEMOGRAPHICS
Now just a few additional questions about you that will help us in the analysis of the data…
Q39 In what year did you obtain your marine licence? [RANGE 1900-2014]
If not sure, please provide your best estimate.
Q40 Please select your gender
Male
1
Female
2
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 104
Q41 Would you please tell us your approximate age? [SINGLE RESPONSE]
18-24 years
2
25-34 years
3
35-44 years
4
45-54 years
5
55-64 years
6
65+ years
7
I’d prefer not to say
9
Q42 Do you mainly speak a language other than English at home?
Yes
01
No
02
I’d prefer not to say
99
Q43 Which of the following bests describes you? [SINGLE RESPONSE]
Employed full time
1
Employed part time
2
Retired or Pensioner
3
Home duties
4
School or secondary student
5
TAFE or university student
6
Unemployed
7
Other [SPECIFY]
97
Prefer not to say
99
Q44 What is the highest level of education that you have completed? {SINGLE}
Postgraduate degree (honours, Masters, PhD)
1
Graduate diploma or graduate certificate
2
Bachelor Degree (undergraduate)
3
Advanced diploma or diploma
4
Certificate (TAFE)
5
Year 12
6
Year 11
7
Year 10 or under
8
I’d prefer not to say
99
On behalf of Transport Safety Victoria we would like to thank you for helping with this important survey.
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 105
Appendix 2 – Discussion guide
The following document is intended as a guide for Ipsos consultants as to the key areas to be
addressed in the group discussions with members of the community rather than a rigid set of
questions.
INTRODUCTION
5 minutes

[EFTPOS Cards]

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this important project.

The research is being conducted on behalf of Transport Safety Victoria to further explore some of the
findings from the survey you participated in. We are going to be talking about your boating experiences,
starting fairly broadly then narrowing in on some more specific issues.

Group discussions are just one of the ways we do research. They are particularly helpful when we are
looking for in-depth feedback around what people feel about a certain issue, or we want to brainstorm new
ideas. This is not a question and answer session.

We’ve got a lot to cover in this time, so one of my key roles is to keep track of the time, and to keep our
conversations on track, and focused!

I also want everyone to have a chance to have their say so I might interrupt if we start to wander too far off
track or I’m trying to give everyone a chance to speak and so that we can cover everything and finish up on
time.

I’d like to point out that I’m not expecting that you’ll all to have the same point of view. There’s no right or
wrong thing to say, in fact, it’s quite likely that you’ll all have different points of view, and that’s great. Please
don’t feel like you have to agree with one another.

Housekeeping:

Ipsos is an independent market and social research consultancy

Audio recording for analysis purposes

Mobile phones

The session will go for about an hour and a half to two hours.

We will be reporting key themes that come up in all the group discussions in aggregate.

What we talk about will be confidential in that we will not attribute your name to comments in the
report.

No right or wrong answers – we are after your views, your experiences.

Housekeeping issues / emergency exits

Any questions before we start?
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 106
2. WARM UP – PAIRED INTRODUCTIONS TASK
5 mins

To get things started, I’d like you to turn to the person sitting next to you.

I’m going to give you all exactly 3 minutes, to have a chat with your neighbour and see what you can find out
about them, such as what type of boat they have, the main reasons they like boating and their favourite
place to go boating.

When your time’s up, I’m going to ask each of you to report back on what you just found out about your
neighbour and introduce them to the rest of the group.

(When half way through the 3 mins, prompt that it’s time to swap over)
KEY ISSUES
10 min
I’d like to start with a very broad discussion about boating...

What are the big issues for boaters at the moment?
[ALLOW FOR BROAD DISCUSSION AND MINIMAL FACILITATION – issues raised here may dictate order of
subsequent sections of this guide]
BEHAVIOUR
15 min
I’m interested in knowing a bit about your boating behaviour and decision making.

How would you describe a ‘typical’ boating trip for you? Who do you go with, where and when? [ask all to
contribute]

And within your typical use, what would be your perfect trip out in your boat? Describe it to me: company,
weather, launch, location (new or a favourite?), catch, how long out on the water, time of day, purpose of
trip, take along food / drinks?

When might your trip vary from this? What factors might mean you don’t get to achieve your “ideal boating
experience”?

What factors influence decisions around when and where to take your boat out? [IF NECESSARY PROBE]

Availability of launch locations?

Weather?

Safety considerations?

Mooring location?

Proximity to home?

Anything else?

Infrastructure?
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 107
INFRASTRUCTURE

15 min
How do you feel about the quality of Victoria’s boating infrastructure? How does it compare with other
places around Australia and the world? [IF NECESSARY, PROBE]:

Launching ramps

Parking

Jetties to assist launching

Navigation aids

Depth

Signage

What are you happy with? What is tolerable? What needs improvements? [IF NECESSARY PROBE

How long do you wait to launch? What is acceptable, tolerable and unacceptable?

Would improved infrastructure impact your boat use habits? How/why?
VALUE FOR MONEY
15 min

How do you feel about the costs of boating? Where do you get value? Where don’t you get value?

How much do you estimate you would spend on a typical trip out in the boat?

How do you feel about the cost of registration? How does it compare with car registration or the cost of
registration in other states?

What do you know about the way registration funds are used? How do you feel about this?

How do you feel about the way the boating sector (e.g. infrastructure, search and rescue) are funded in
Victoria?
SAFETY

15 min
What would you all say are the main safety risks associated with boating?

[IF NECESSARY PROBE] Weather, boat seaworthiness, ability to raise the alarm independently,
operator’s skills.

How do you feel about these risks?

How frequently do you feel that boating incidents (including fatalities and serious injuries) take place?

How likely do you feel it is that these things could happen to you?

Has anyone had any accidents or near misses? Tell me about these.

What, if anything, do you personally do to minimise these risks?

[IF NECESSARY PROBE] have you purchased/ investigated purchasing additional (non-mandatory)
equipment such as VHF radio, EPIRBs etc?

Does this differ in different circumstances (e.g. only in poor weather)?

Are there any other things you could do to mitigate these risks? Why is it that you don’t currently do these
things?

Where do you get your information about how to minimise these risks from?
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 108

How do you feel about life jackets as a safety measure when boating? [probe for efficacy, pros and cons of
wearing a life jacket]

How frequently do you all wear life jackets? (Feel free to be honest)

Are there certain situations in which you would or wouldn’t wear a life jacket? Why is this?

What motivates you to wear/not wear a life jacket? Why?

If you had someone out on the boat with you, do you get them to wear life jackets?


Does this vary with ‘type’ of person (how well you know them, age etc.)?
If you had company on the boat would this have an impact on your likelihood to wear a lifejacket would you
say?
KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION

15min
How have you acquired your boating skills? [IF NECESSARY PROBE]:

Is boating a multigenerational thing?

Has anyone gotten in to boating without knowing anyone else to learn from and had to seek out
information? Where did you get this info?

How do you stay up to date on boating regulations, equipment, safety etc?

Where do you get most of your information to help you decide where/when to boat?

[IF BOM RAISED] What specific information on the BOM site do you use? How do you feel about
this?

How do you feel about the quality and accessibility of boating information? If someone was new to boating,
do you think they’d be able to find the info they need? Why/why not?

Would you use a government website/app that was a one stop shop for boating related information?
(Weather, webcams, safety, launching information)

Is there anything else you’d like to say or reiterate at all about anything we’ve discussed today?
[THANK AND CLOSE]
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 109
Appendix 3 – Email subscriber
analysis
In addition to the random sample, an online survey was mailed to 2,500 members of TSV’s email subscriber list.
From this, n=260 survey were completed between 27 August 2014 through to 21 September 2014, with a
response rate of 10%.
The following analysis displays the findings from surveying the email subscriber list. It is important to note that
not every question has been reported on, only those where there was a difference detected between the email
subscriber and random samples. On the whole, across the majority of questions results were similar.
It is important to note that there was no population data for the email subscriber sample. As such, weighting for
any sampling bias has not been undertaken, and any inferences in comparing these results to the random
sample should be applied with caution.
Boater characteristics
Email subscribers boaters were more likely to be employed full time (65% vs 52%) and less likely to be a retiree
or pensioner (17% vs. 29%) compared to the random sample.
They were also more likely to be highly educated - more likely to have a bachelor degree (undergraduate) (14%
vs 6%).
Email subscribers were more likely to own a cabin cruiser (13% vs. 3%), half cabin (32% vs. 16%), trailer sailer
(4% vs. 1%) and Yacht (8% vs. 1%). In contrast they were less likely to own an open boat (41% vs. 69%) and
PWC (3% vs. 9%). It’s important to note though, these are the proportions that answered the survey, and
weighting was not applied as no population of boat type for this sample was known.
They were also more likely be part of a yacht club (14% vs. 6%).
Boating behaviour
Email subscribers were more likely to be newer boat owners, with significantly more having been a boat owner
for only 1 to 5 years (25% vs 15%), whereas significantly less had been owners for more than 10 years (58% vs
70%) compared to the random sample.
They were also more likely to boat in the off season - May through to September (49% vs 35%).
They were more likely to boat on bays/inlets (76% vs 53%) and significantly less likely to boat on inland waters
(lakes and rivers) (18% vs 42%).
Significantly less email subscribers used their boat for water skiing/wake boarding/ knee boarding etc. (7% vs
18%), while significantly more were likely to use their boat for an organised or club activity (5% vs 1%).
Safety
Email subscribers were significantly more likely to feel that it is important that you to have all the necessary
safety equipment for the boat (9.5 vs.8.9 out of 10).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 110
Email subscribers were more likely to say that they always checked the weather before going out on the water
(95% vs. 89%). In addition, they were less likely to not check flares (10% vs. 28%) and to not check waterway
web cams (47% vs. 65%).
Email subscribers were more likely use the BoM (88% vs. 75%), Willy Weather (23% vs. 14%) and Webcams
located at waterways (24% vs. 13%) to check the weather.
In addition, they were more likely to use Transport Safety Victoria to get information on boating safety etc. (41%
vs. 6%).
Boating trips
Email subscribers were more likely to have their boats berthed in a marina (11% vs. 3%), and at a public jetty
under a licence (2% vs. 0%).
They were more satisfied regarding signage (7.1 vs. 6.5 out of 10).
They were also more likely to have four other people on board the boat (7% vs. 2%).
Campaigns
In general, email subscribers were more likely to have some recollection of the campaigns.
Don’t let your boat go up in smoke: email subscribers were more likely to say I have some recollection (32%
vs. 24%) and I remember that one (35% vs. 14%).
Steer clear of big ships: significantly more likely to say I remember that one it (73% vs. 49%).
Get on board on life jackets: significantly more likely to say I have some recollection (29% vs. 18%).
Will your boat float: Significantly more likely to say I have some recollection (20% vs. 11%) and I remember
that one (14% vs. 6%).
Transport Safety Victoria
14-052329-01 TSV Boating Behaviour Report | March 2015 | Page 111