South Australia

Safety

The general safety obligation requires all boat owners and operators to make sure the boat is safe, appropriately equipped and crewed and operated in a safe manner.

All boats operating beyond smooth and partially waters and more than 2 nautical miles from land must carry an EPIRB
All boats operating between sunset and sunrise must carry a signalling device.

Boats requiring registration must carry the regulated safety equipment. Additional safety equipment recommended in the standard should also be carried to satisfy the general safety obligation. The standard allows boat owners and operators to choose the equipment best suited for the type of boat and intended voyage.

Safety equipment must be within the service expiry date.

There are a number of simple precautions that you should take when planning even the shortest excursion in your boat.

Before you leave the ramp:

Check the weather forecast and weather warnings. (see Weather)

Is it safe for you to start out and is the weather likely to change dramatically during the course of your trip?

Strong Winds

Check your boat and check that the motor is in sound working order.

Is your vessel seaworthy? Can you
rely on your vessel to handle adverse conditions should they arise, and how long is it since you serviced the motor?

Check Your Equipment

Check that your vessel is suitable for the proposed trip, especially if going offshore.

Do you have sufficient supplies and is your craft designed for what you are hoping to achieve?

Craft Design

Check your EPIRB. (see EPIRB Information)

If you have to carry an EPIRB, is your EPIRB stored where it won't be accidentally switched on?

Check your safety equipment. Make sure you carry the legally required amount and that it is stowed. (see Safety Equipment)

If you get into trouble, can you rely on your safety equipment and do you have enough for everyone?

Man In Lifebouy

Check your marine radio. (see Radio Information)

If you have a radio, is it working? Have you maintained it properly and are you familiar with it's operation?

Radio Base

Check your fuel supply and fuel lines.

Do you have more than enough for the trip plus an adequate reserve for an emergency? Are your fuel lines in good order with no leaks?
Tide, current and wind conditions can effect your fuel consumption. Don't leave yourself short!

Check your drain plugs.

Are your drain plugs tightly inserted?

Leaky Boat

Check the loading of your boat.

Have you overloaded your boat?
Is the load evenly distributed and is
it stowed low?

Overloaded Vessel

Note the tides and currents. (see Links Page for tides link)

You don't want to be left high and dry or caught in dangerous conditions.

High And Dry

Make sure you plan ahead. (see Radio Information)

Have you told someone where you are going. your expected time of return, your boats description and the number of people on board?
If going offshore, have you filled out a "trip Sheet" or logged on with your marine radio at your boating or rescue group?

Check your registration.

Is your boat registration current and is your label on correctly?

Check Your Registration

These are simple precautions and won't take you long to complete before beginning the journey. At the worst, it will take you only a few minutes - at best, it could save your life!

Proud Member Of Volunteer Marine Rescue - South Australia