Safety on the water

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

These safety bailer kits from BCF have most of the safety equipment that you will need in your craft.

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 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. 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. Remember to not have any trip hazards or open holes behind your back when fishing. This is how accidents can easily happen.

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.

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

(two red hand-held and two orange smoke), firefighting equipment, signalling device between sunset and sunrise, V sheet, lifejacket level 100, 150, 275 or level 50.

For beyond partially smooth waters, you must carry: EPIRB or PLB, flares (two red hand-held and two orange smoke), firefighting equipment, signalling device between sunset and sunrise, V sheet, lifejacket level 100, 150, 275.

All PWC users must carry a lifejacket level 50 (there’s the option of 50 special purpose in smooth waters) and a signalling device at night. PWC users in partially smooth/beyond partially smooth waters must also bring a V sheet, flares (two red hand-held and two orange smoke), and an EPIRB/PLB.

Marine Safety Qld also recommends that boaters and jet skiers carry an anchor (with cable appropriate for the vessel’s size), drinking water, oars/ paddles (for boats under 6m) and pumping/bailing equipment for all waterways. In partially smooth and offshore waters, MSQ also recommends bringing a chart and compass, or a handheld navigation device. You can find out more at www.msq. qld.gov.au. Victoria

In Victoria, the waterway categories are ‘coastal offshore’ (>2nm from coast), ‘coastal inshore’ (<2nm from coast), ‘enclosed’ (bays and estuaries’ and ‘inland’ (rivers, lakes and dams). The safety gear required in Victorian waters can vary a lot, depending on whether you’re using a powerboat, PWC, yacht, or paddle craft.

If you’re fishing from a trailer boat, regardless of the waterway, you need to carry a waterproof floating torch, electric or manual bilge pumping system or bailer, bucket with lanyard (can double as a bailer), oars with rowlocks or paddles (for vessels less than 4.9m), an approved fire extinguisher, and lifejackets (type 1, 2 or 3 PFDs for inland, and type-1 PFDs for everywhere else).

In coastal offshore waters, you’ll also need: anchor and chain/line, flares (two orange and two red), a lifebuoy for boats more than 8m but less than 12m, compass, marine radio, red star parachute distress rocket, and registered EPIRB.

In coastal inshore and enclosed waters you’ll need: anchor and chain/ line, two orange and two red flares, and a lifebuoy for vessels greater than 8m and less than 12m.

For more information, including rules for PWCs and kayaks, head to transportsafety.vic.gov. au and search for ‘safety equipment’. Western Australia

Wherever you take your boat you’ll be required to have a bilge pump (vessels <7m can carry a bailer instead), and a fire extinguisher. In protected waters that’s all you’re

Waist belts are lightweight and comfortable to wear, and don’t compromise movement.

A throw bag can be useful when someone goes overboard. If you’re 2-5nm out you’ll also need to carry an EPIRB, and if you’re more than 5nm out you’ll also have to carry two parachute flares and a marine radio.

Regulations differ for PWCs and paddle craft,

The Challenger PFD 100 Child’s Life Jacket is designed to keep your kid safe if any problems come up.

legally required to bring, but on all other waters you’ll need an anchor and line, lifejacket ≥ 100, and two red and two orange flares. and you can find out more by visiting www.transport. wa.gov.au and searching for ‘boating safety equipment’.

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Tasmania

In Tasmania you have three classifications of waterways: ‘smooth waters’ (inland lakes and rivers), ‘sheltered waters’ (all waters not exceeding 2nm to seaward of land on the North and East coasts unless specified in the MAST LIFE JACKETS

Lifejackets are the most important safety equipment on any recreational vessel. Wearing a lifejacket can save your life and it’s recommended that you wear one at all times, even if you legally don’t have to.

Vessels must carry enough approved lifejackets to a face-up position. They are mainly used in enclosed waters, intended for people who can swim and are close to the bank/shore or have help close by. These PFDs are made in high-visibility colours to make it easier to see you in the water and increase your chance of rescue.

When you are fishing during the cooler months and you have a lot of warm clothing on, you should either wear a PFD or have one close by.

‘Limits of Operational Areas’) and ‘coastal waters’ (those beyond sheltered waters as well as waters on the South and West Coasts between South East Cape and Cape Grim).

In smooth waters you must carry an anchor, rope and chain, bailer or bilge pump, a life jacket for each person on board, fire extinguisher and oars or an auxiliary propulsion for for everyone on board at all times, even when they don’t have to be worn, and they need to be stored somewhere that’s easy to get to.

There are a number of rules for when you must wear a lifejacket and what type. These rules depend on: • your age (there are special rules for children) • the level of risk • the type of vessel you’re in • the type of waterway you

The neoprene outer layer of this PFD retains body heat well, but it can be a bit heavy and hot after a while.

boats under 6m.

For sheltered waters you’ll need what’s listed above plus two orange and red flares.

For coastal waters you will also need two red, two orange and two parachute flares, plus a HF radio, heaving line, lifebuoy, EPIRB, radar reflector and a first-aid kit and water.

To keep up-to-date with equipment requirements, visit mast.tas.gov.au/ safe-boating. are in, for example, enclosed waters, alpine waters, open waters or crossing coastal bars. • what time of day you’re on the water.

Lifejackets are grouped into safety levels – level 50, 50S, 100, 150 and 275 – based on their buoyancy, performance and what they’re intended to be used for.

Level 50 lifejackets will support you in the water but won’t automatically turn you that could prevent lesser lifejackets from turning you to a face-up position.

How to maintain an inflatable life jacket

In multiple states, inflatable lifejackets are legally required to be serviced once a year, or after self-activation, or in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re buying a new inflatable lifejacket, you need to have it serviced within a year of the date of purchase. Some manufacturers request that your lifejacket is serviced by them or an authorised agent.

Inflatable lifejackets can be self-serviced by following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and making sure the recharge kit matches your lifejacket.

Firstly, check over all the straps and stitching to make sure that all are intact. Secondly check the bladder for abrasions or faulty stitching. Next, check that the reflective tape is not missing, and the oral inflater and whistle are working. Then check the cylinder is not corroded or damaged. that the firing clip works. Remove the cylinder before you check that it goes from green to red.

Before attaching the to break the information down into four parts: what to do at home, arriving at the ramp, launching and retrieving.

Regular maintenance of your trailer bearings is a must, or your next trip could be interrupted by having to replace them.

A Standard Level 100 PFD. Whether you’re a confident swimmer or not, this life jacket is here to keep you safe if a problem comes up. cylinder back into the jacket, you will need to weigh it. If it’s more than 2g under the gross weight you will need to replace it.

Once the life jacket has passed all the tests you need to indicate this on the inside of the jacket. If this is not available, create your own paper record and keep a copy of it onboard your vessel.

Maritime Safety Victoria has made a good video on lifejacket maintenance, and I recommend checking it out. Go to YouTube and search for ‘looking after your lifejacket’. BOAT RAMPS

Over the years I have used boat ramps all over Australia. Some are very good – they are not too steep, there is plenty of parking, they have nearby toilet facilities, cleaning tables, floating pontoons, washdown bays, garbage bins and are well looked after. On the other hand, there are plenty of ramps with none of the above, and which have just enough room for you to get your boat down to the water.

Before I travel to a new area, I like to do a bit of research on what to expect when I get to the ramp. If this is not possible, I will check it out before using it. Things I like to know include what it’s

Level 50S lifejackets are basically the same as Level 50, but come in a wider range of colours and styles. They’re popular for activities such as wakeboarding and water skiing.

Level 100 lifejackets have higher levels of buoyancy and help turn you to a face-up position. They are intended for use when the shore is in sight, and are not intended for rough conditions.

Level 150 lifejackets are intended for offshore and rough weather and help turn you to a face-up position when unconscious.

Level 275 lifejackets provide maximum buoyancy. They are intended for offshore and rough weather when you’re wearing clothes that could trap air – a situation

This is what can happen when you forget to tie a rope to the front of your boat when launching it. You may have to go for a swim. At home

Check that the battery is fully charged, all the safety gear is onboard, the trailer is connected properly to the car, and there is enough fuel. Try starting the engine if you haven’t been out in it for a long period of time. If you haven’t launched a boat before I would strongly suggest that you practice reversing the boat. On a number of occasions, I have offered (in a nice way) to back someone’s boat down to the ramp for them.

Arriving at the ramp

Do not, I stress DO NOT back your boat down to the ramp and then proceed to take everything you need to go into the boat. Not only does this take up time, it can infuriate other ramp users to the point where ramp rage occurs.

Instead, get yourself inline, load everything into the boat, turn on the battery switch if you have one, prime the petrol tank, take off the tie-down straps, raise the engine and take off the lock, make sure you have the keys, attach your bow rope ready and don’t forget the bungs. Launching

When it’s your turn, back the back down close to the water’s edge, remove the safety chain, push the boat off and then move it to a secure place like a pontoon, jetty or beach. Don’t leave it at the ramp or tie it up to the pontoon where it’s in the way of other ramp users. Retrieving

Before moving your vehicle, always check to ensure the trailer hasn’t been tampered with and that it is properly secured to your vehicle. Ensure the winch rope is played out sufficiently to reach the vessel winch eye, and have the winch handle close by. Don’t forget to attach the safety chain.

Move the rig away from the ramp to a safe area, ensuring you don’t impede the traffic flow. Resecure the tie-down straps and all safety equipment, raise the motor and apply the tow lock or leg support and then turn off any master switch and/or radios.