If you are bringing your own boat on the Raid now is a good time to be checking your safety equipment. The first few days of the Raid will be in waters classified by Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) as ‘Sheltered Waters’. North of Dover we will be in ‘Smooth Waters’ (https://www.mast.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Operational-areas-map.pdf). Please make sure you have everything required on vessels operating in Sheltered Waters (https://www.mast.tas.gov.au/recreational/boating/). Before departure all boats will be inspected for safety including safety equipment. As well as the equipment on the Mast list all Raid boats must carry a VHF, as this is the main means of communication within the fleet, and a heaving line with a fender attached in case of person overboard. In previous years MAST has exempted our open boats from the requirement to carry a fire extinguisher. I will let you know if the exemption applies to tn19 when I hear back from MAST. The LBT has standardised on the Icom M23 handheld VHF which until 12 November are on special at Whitworths for $199.95. Remember flares have a limited life, so check the dates on the ones you have. We encourage you to support your local chandler and if you still need anything when you get to Franklin there is a well-stocked chandler (Franklin Marine) next to the LBT shed.