The water safety minefield SYDNEY SOUTH
Gary Brown gbrown1@iprimus.com.au
Over the past two years, boat, jet ski and kayak sales have soared to the point that if you are after a new vessel, you may be up for a 9-month wait to get on the water. Many areas have seen a big increase in waterway users, not only during the weekend, but also during the week. As well as boaters, there are more PWCs, yachts, kayaks, canoes, wind surfers and stand-up paddle boarders. Due to this increase, many of us have noticed a number of watercraft users engaged in unsafe activities, because they don’t know the regulations. Even experienced boaters can sometimes overlook certain requirements/ recommendations, especially when holidaying in a different state. In this feature I will outline which boating licence you need and the safety equipment that is required
requirement if you’re driving any vessel for recreational purposes at 10 knots (approximately 18.5 km/h) or more, on NSW waters. From the age of
To operate a personal watercraft, you must have a recreational marine licence and a personal watercraft licence. To get a Queensland
recreational vessel. Holders of a restricted marine licence may act as master of a recreational vessel only if: • operating during daylight hours between sunrise and sunset; • operating at speeds of less than 10 knots; and • not operating a vessel that is towing a person, another vessel or object. You cannot get a PWC endorsement on a restricted licence. Once a restricted master turns 16 years old, the restricted marine licence automatically becomes a marine licence. Western Australia A person driving a boat powered by an engine with more than 6hp must have a recreational skipper’s ticket. This is the same for a PWC. The minimum age to obtain a recreational skipper’s ticket (RST) is 14 years old.
These safety bailer kits from BCF have most of the safety equipment that you will need in your craft. marine licence, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a BoatSafe course or have a recognised and valid interstate marine licence. Victoria Anyone operating a powered recreational vessel on Victorian waters requires a marine licence. This includes sailing boats and paddle craft fitted with a motor – though some low-powered kayaks and canoes are exempt. Jet ski riders require a marine licence with personal watercraft (PWC) endorsement. A restricted licence is required for 13-15 year olds who are operating a powered
This Adult Kayak Paddler PFD 50 is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for kayaking or canoeing, as well as other smooth water-based activities.
Each boat should have a piece of emergency equipment to sound a large noise to attract passers-by. when in NSW, Qld, Victoria, WA and Tasmania. I will also include information on different types of life jackets, how to maintain boat ramp etiquette, and provide couple of suggested boat set-ups. Bear in mind that this article is a guide only; you still need to visit your state government website to check the latest regulations (links provided below). BOATING LICENCES NSW A general boat driving licence is a minimum 12
JANUARY 2022
Remember to not have any trip hazards or open holes behind your back when fishing. This is how accidents can easily happen.
12 you can hold an NSW boating licence. To obtain a PWC driving licence you must hold a general boat driving licence and have successfully undertaken the PWC licence knowledge test. Queensland You must have a marine licence to operate a boat that has an engine power greater than 4.5kW. You don’t need to carry your licence with you on the water, but you must have proof of identity with you.
Inflatable lifejackets can be self-serviced by following the manufacturer’s instructions and making sure the recharge kit matches your lifejacket.
Tasmania A motor boat licence is required to operate a vessel of 4hp or more (except for a hire and drive vessel). To be eligible for this licence you must: • be at least 17 years old, and • have passed a BoatSafe practical tuition course. To obtain a PWC endorsement you must also complete a PWC practical course with Surf Life Saving Tasmania. You can apply for a provisional licence if you are aged between 12 and 17 years old and have passed a Boatsafe practical tuition course. Provisional licence conditions include: • must be accompanied by a responsible adult, • cannot operate a vessel at night, • cannot go faster than 20 knots, and • cannot tow a skier.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT NSW In NSW you have two classifications of waterways: ‘enclosed’ (including alpine waters) and ‘open waters’. In enclosed waters you’ll need a lifejacket per person, anchor and chain, bailer or bucket with a lanyard, bilge pump for vessels with covered bilge or closed underfloor compartments, fire extinguisher for boats with electric start, electric engines, battery, gas installation or fuel stoves, paddles or oars and rowlocks for boats up to 6m long (unless they have a second means of propulsion), sound signal, air horn, whistle or bell, waterproof torch (floating and working) and a green safety label. In open waters you’ll need what is listed above, plus: a chart (map) for area of operation (printed or digital), a fluid-filled magnetic compass, distress flares (two orange smoke and two red hand-held, not expired), drinking water (2L per person), EPIRB (406 MHz and must be registered with AMSA and not expired) if 2nm or more from the shore, and a minimum 1.8m x 1.2m V sheet. For more information, head to www.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘safety checklists’. Queensland In Queensland there are three waterway classifications: ‘smooth waters’, ‘partially smooth waters’, and ‘beyond partially smooth waters’. In smooth waters, boaters must carry: firefighting equipment, a signalling device if you’re out between sunset and sunrise (e.g. torch, glow stick), and a lifejacket level 50, 100, 150, 275 or level 50 special purpose. In partially smooth waters you must carry: flares
