photographs of their boats.

The council believes the photos will make vessels easier to recognise at sea.

New registrations will be required to have a picture of the boat but people who have already registered their boats are being asked to take photos along to the Marine and Ports Department.

The Council is also recommending to sailors travelling outside the reef to buy Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) which can be picked up by the East Coast of the USA and Harbour Radio as well as aircraft and boats.

It is also suggesting that top quality flares and rockets be stored in case of problems at sea.