Emergency crews were out in force for the third time on Sunday when a skipper and his crew were forced to abandon ship after they hit rough seas.

Their boat lost power near Waterhouse Island off the North-East Coast and was being swept toward rocks.

The skipper contacted police and the rescue helicopter, an Australian Maritime Safety Authority rescue aircraft and a Bridport Surf Lifesaving boat made their way to the men, who were preparing to jump into a life raft.

The men managed to escape the boat uninjured and found their own way off the island.

The incident was less than a week after a father and son narrowly escaped from their burning boat near Three Hummock Island off the North-West Coast.

Escaping onto a life raft, the father and son and two other fishermen made it to safety and were taken to hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

In the state’s south, a woman remains missing after she was believed to have fallen from a boat on Saturday.

Rescue crews undertook an “extensive” search in the Lymington area but the 55-year-old woman has not been located.

RELATED STORIES:

Launceston Inspector Darren Hopkins said police were reminding boaters to check safety equipment ahead of summer.

“We certainly recommend an EPIRB or a similar device in case you do get into trouble,” Inspector Hopkins said. 

“Another important thing is to make sure people know where you are going and your intended time to return.”

Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding also announced a $100,000 scheme on Monday, which would provide recreational boaters with a $20 discount when purchasing new standard life jackets.

“I encourage all recreational boaters to check their life jackets for compliance with the new standard, as it’s a small investment to make to ensure maximum protection for your family and friends,” Mr Hidding said.

 The new Australian standard for life jackets will be compulsory from 2020.

For more information on life jacket standards visit mast.tas.gov.au/recreational/boating/life-jackets.