NSW Maritime supports Murray River charity ride

NSW Maritime has provided an exemption from the speed restriction on the Young Adult Personal Watercraft (PWC) Licence for a charity ride on the Murray River to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.

NSW Maritime chief executive Steve Dunn said an exemption from the 10 knots speed restriction had been granted to Coen Ashton, a 13-year-old cystic fibrosis sufferer, in order to reduce fatigue and shorten the overall trip time.

Coen hopes to cover about 2000 kilometres of the Murray River from Yarrawonga Weir in Victoria to Goolwa in South Australia by PWC, arriving in time for 2011 Australia Day celebrations.

“An exemption has been granted that will allow him to travel at speeds of up to 20 knots, allowing him to complete the challenge safely, responsibly and in a reasonable time,” Dunn said.

“The journey is based on an average of 60 km per day and the exemption will reduce the risk of fatigue.”

Coen’s goal is to sign 1000 new names to the Australian Organ Donor Register.

A support vessel will accompany him for the duration of the trip, which will include health awareness talks in towns along the way.

Dunn said NSW Maritime had met with Coen and his support crew at Mulwala to conduct a safety review prior to Coen setting off on his attempt yesterday.

NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officers will monitor Coen's progress and will be available to assist with safety or navigation.

The Young Adult PWC Licence is a restricted licence for those aged from 12 to 16 who wish to ride a PWC such as a jetski. Those who wish to apply for a Young Adult PWC licences must already be holders of a General Young Adult Boat Licence.

For more information go to http://maritime.nsw.gov.au/.