Operation Boatsafe: Remember the Rules started on January 16 and will continue until sundown on Sunday.

The operation will focus on issues including lifejacket compliance, wash and towing, distance requirements, navigating safely and alcohol consumption while operating a vessel.

Random inspections of vessels across the coast and inland waterways to ensure compliance with current safety rules. 

RMS senior boating safety officer Darren Hulm said the operation would be carried out in conjunction with Eden Water Police across the local area.

Acting RMS director maritime Hendrik Clasie said 121 reported boating incidents had occurred on NSW waters since July 1 last year, including 24 last month.

“Boaters with all levels of experience can be involved in incidents with tragic consequences," Mr Clasie said at the launch of the campaign.

"Just last week on the mid north coast a young person was seriously injured when the tube he was being towed on collided with an anchored vessel," he said.

There are 449,576 boat licence holders in NSW 

Boating safety officers will patrol waterways around Forster and Taree in the north, Port Stephens and Myall River in the Hunter, Georges River and Botany Bay in Sydney and from Eden to Wonboyn and Moama to Echuca in the state's south.

“Not keeping to a safe speed or maintaining a proper lookout can have serious consequences,” Mr Clasie said.

“Even the most experienced skippers should refresh their knowledge of NSW boating laws and ensure safety equipment is up to standard,” he said.

For more information on skipper responsibilities and boating safety visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime