LAUNCHING @ DSBC CLUB
Please complete the launch register before you launch and after you return. Remember to call VHF ch.8 for radio check. Permission to launch must be obtained before proceeding to sea and before beaching on return. Marine safety requires you to call when launching even if the radio tower is not manned, to notify other vessels that you are about to launch and beach.
LAUNCHING IN THE DARK
Only allowed if both the Vessel & Skipper are Night Rated.
Tractor drivers duty hours are as follows:
Summer 4:00 – 18:00 (7 Days a Week)
Winter 5:00 – 18:00 (7 Days a Week)
Our Drivers are a special part of the family, please treat them with the respect
they deserve at all time
Their shifts are posted in the launch control hut. If a tractor driver is not awake at the launch control hut you will need to wake him up. Drivers’ cell numbers as well as a Club contact cell number are also available in the hut. Only wake up the driver on duty that day. If you want to make a night launch the skipper needs to arrange with the driver on duty.
TRACTOR TOW LAUNCH
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Drive in via the automated boom gate with PWC card access (please don’t use the other gate closest to the beach).
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Please keep access to the boom gate free by parking your boat away from the boom, towards the road leading behind the club house. Other vehicles/ boat trailers to be parked as close behind as possible. You can park on either side of the rope demarcating the parking area. Be considerate – space is at a premium and be organised so we can clear the way for other boats ASAP.
PUSH POLE LAUNCH
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The DSBC encourages boats to launch via the push pole method. Local boat dealerships will attend to installations – it’s not expensive.
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The tractor driver will launch you and leave your trailer on the beach.
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If you self-launch with a push pole, the tractor driver will push you in once you have your boat on the sand. If the tractor driver is not busy launching other vessels then ask him to follow you to the beach.
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During peak times when more than one tractor is operating, the drivers will organise themselves so that one driver will attend to a number of boats that have been un-trailered and are waiting for a push. They know the drill; please allow them to work efficiently.
SELF LAUNCH
During construction of a storm water drain from the new development there is a temporary update to the usual procedure, detailed below.
Launching Regulations:
The Merchant Shipping (National Small Vessel Safety) Regulations 2007,Regulation 12: Voyage Information
PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY NIGHT RATED BOATS CAN LAUNCH BEFORE FIRST LIGHT! TRACTOR DRIVERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PUT YOU IN THE WATER BEFORE FIRST LIGHT!
PLEASE RESPECT THIS RULE!
PLEASE NOTE THAT INSIDE THE VETCHIES BASIN IS A NO WAKE ZONE!!! THIS IS A LAUNCH SITE AND NOT AN AREA FOR PICKING AND DROPPING OFF PASSENGERS. DSBC LAUNCH SITE IS PURELY TO LAUNCH AND BEACH FOR DEEP SEA FISHING. IT IS NOT FOR JOY RIDING! DISCIPLINARY ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU IF YOU DO NOT ADHERE TO THE NO WAKE, NO JOYRIDING RULE!
TRACTOR TOW LAUNCH & SELF RECOVERY
- 4 x 4’s without a trailer are not allowed onto the beach. The guard has been instructed not to allow these vehicles through the boom gate.
- If you recover your own boat from the beach after a tractor has launched you, then you will need to identify yourself to the guard before you launch and he will give you a special access disk valid for that day only, entitling you to drive your 4 x 4 onto the beach without a trailer to recover your boat & trailer.
- If you are a regular in this category then please enquire at the office for a permanent beach access disk which will be provided on signed acceptance of conditions applicable to its use.
NON DSBC / DUC BOATS
- If you are not a DSBC boat (S number) or DUC boat then you must pay to launch whether you self-launch or require a tractor tow. Members who launch with different boat numbers are to please ensure that their numbers are on the “Non-Club Numbers” register to ensure that they won’t be charged to launch.
