We're used to police in cars, on horses, motorbikes and bicycles, but on jet skis?
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A wet-suited crew of Australian Federal Police made a splash this week in Nelligen and Narooma as they completed a NSW Maritime "personal watercraft course". Federal police oversee Commonwealth rivers, lakes and dams. NSW Maritime says it is the only state government agency to offer the nationally accredited course, which covers controlled and moderate-to-difficult conditions. The Clyde River at Nelligen was perfect for the former, but Narooma upped the ante for the latter.
"Day 1 consisted of theory and a series of controlled manoeuvres in relatively calm conditions: launching and retrieving, general maintenance and work, health and safety," a NSW Maritime spokesperson said.
"Day 2 consisted of an endurance ride of approximately 70km, operating in a surf zone of 1-2 metres performing patient pick ups, whilst maintaining spatial awareness. It's important for Boating Safety Officers to attain these competencies as educators and compliance officers on our waterways."
More people each year are using personal watercraft and safety officers can teach skills and techniques, manoeuvrability, acceptable behaviour and environmental impacts.
NSW Maritime boating safety officers must complete the two-day course before operating a personal watercraft.
"NSW Maritime offer this training to the Australian Federal Police, NSW Marine Area Command, DPI Fisheries and more recently Marine Safety Queensland," the spokesperson said.