Launching

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.

51904382_2221650478153886_5616899461671288832_n

TRACTOR TOW LAUNCH

Drive in via the automated boom gate with PWC card access (please don’t use the other gate closest to the beach).
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.

The DSBC encourages boats to launch via the push pole method. Local boat dealerships will attend to installations – it’s not expensive.
The tractor driver will launch you and leave your trailer on the beach.
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.
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

MEMBERS WHICH INCLUDE DUC AND URS NUMBERS

Enter through the main boom by swiping your club card.
After the boom turn right into lot 5.6 where you will be directed where to park.
Prep your vehicle and boat in lot 5.6. Please ensure you deflate your tyres. We recommend 1bar pressure as the beach can get very soft with all the usage.
Please fill out the launch register which is located under the tunnel by the bait room.
Once your vehicle and boat are prepped, proceed out lot 5.6 and head under the tunnel. Please keep to the right, this roadway works contraflow. Under no circumstance are you to stop under the tunnel and block the roadway. You are now to continue straight onto the beach.

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.

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!

51212028_2217655491886718_8818378366261395456_n

DSBC TRACTOR POLICY AND LEVY

• Any member who has paid a tractor levy will be entitled to a free tow for launch and recovery.
• The tractor levy accrues to the member and not the boat.
• DSBC members with S numbers – the levy will be billed automatically and identified as a line item on the annual subs invoice.
• The Tractor Levy is applicable to S Number members who launch their own boats as well.
• Any DSBC member who does not own a boat and regularly fishes on other boats may purchase a tractor levy to avoid paying tractor costs on the day.
• Non-members cannot purchase a tractor levy. They are required to pay for tractor costs per launch, which are payable by card (No Cash – We are a cashless Club) at the “Bait/Launch Control” Room.