Safe Paddling on Sydney Harbour

Find out how you can paddle safely in Sydney Harbour

Obtain a copy of NSW Maritime Boating Handbook. Read it in-depth and understand fully.

"The Maritime Traffic Rules" apply to all vessels including kayaks.

Maritime law views kayakers as "Masters" of their vessel.
Remember: "The Master is responsible at all times for keeping a lookout for dangers" (p44 Water Traffic Rules in the Boating Handbook).
Know how to interpret the buoyage system. These are Maritime signposts, just like road advisory signs.
Remember: "a vessel drifting is deemed underway and has no special right of way" (p45 Boating Handbook).

Give way to all sailing craft, whether racing or cruising.
Avoid yacht starting areas and turning marks or buoys.
Kayaks are considered 'powered vessels' under the regulations, and must give way to a sailing vessel, unless the sailing vessel is in the process of overtaking you.

Identify the shipping lanes and only cross them at right angles and by the shortest distance when it is safe.
Always assume that you cannot be seen by approaching ferries and shipping.
Respect that ferries and shipping have absolute right of way and will not change course to avoid you.
Understand the Sound Signals (1, 2, 3 & 5 short blasts) as they may be directed at you.
Avoid the approach and departure areas around ferry and other public wharves. The harbour is a commercial port and a commuter and tourist thoroughfare.

Always paddle in small compact groups. Avoid long trailing lines of paddlers that can become a collision hazard to other craft.
Wear bright, conspicuous clothing and always wear your PFD.
Use the shallow draft of your kayak to track along the shore and enjoy a part of the harbour not accessible by larger vessels.
Check the harbour weather forecasts and tidal information. Make sure you fully understand the likely effects of wind and tide on the paddling environment. High winds and large swells make the harbour seriously dangerous to all small craft.
Learn a number of rescue and self rescue techniques that are fast and reliable before venturing into busier and more exposed areas.
Always carry a water proof torch and display an all round white light for night time paddling.

Be prepared & be alert. Be seen & be safe.

Click image to enlarge

Care should be taken when paddling near ferry wharves and sailing or rowing clubs. The operators are concentrating and generally not looking out for smaller craft.
Ferries can operate from all the wharves shown on this map, and their paths may vary between wharves. They also need to be given extra clearance as they manoeuvre in and out of the wharves.
Be aware of extra congestion near sailing clubs on race days. This is usually on Saturdays and midweek during daylight saving evenings.
Be alert whilst crossing the Harbour. Try to cross the shipping channels by the most direct route without impeding ships or ferries that are required to use these channels.

NSW Sea Kayak Club Kayaking is life, the rest is water