Boating is one of the most popular activities in Australia. Boating is fun but it is vital to follow the safety guidelines, have proper training and have the right safety equipment on your boat. All this can help save your life in case of an emergency.
As per Maritime Safety Queensland, there are 3 types of safety equipment for boats registered in Queensland:
- compulsory equipment for all registerable boats
- compulsory equipment for all boats operating in certain areas
- other equipment that’s recommended you carry to meet your general safety obligation.
Your boat size matters here and the safety equipment you need depend on the size of the boat. Some boats need additional safety equipment than others.
Life jackets
All boats must have life jackets or personal floatation devices for all passengers and crew.
You must wear a life jacket:
- when crossing a coastal bar in an open boat less than 4.8m in length or
- if you are under the age of 12 in a moving, open boat less than 4.8m in length.
You can find more info. on life jackets here
Weather
Always check the weather forecast before and during any trip on the water.
Maritime Safety Queensland’s weather service provides weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for the cost of a local phone call.
Current weather forecasts
Visit BOM for weather updates. Alternatively, call:
All of Queensland—13 00 36 04 26
Marine warnings—13 00 36 04 27
South-east Queensland—13 00 36 04 28
Weather information is also regularly broadcast on VHF radio Channel 67 by local volunteer marine organisations.
Standard safety equipment for registered boats
| Equipment | Smooth waters | Partially smooth waters | Beyond partially smooth waters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Must carry the following equipment | |||
| EPIRB or PLB* | ✔# | ||
| Flares (2 red hand-held and 2 orange smoke) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Fire fighting equipment | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Signalling device if operating at between sunset and sunrise (e.g. torch, lantern, glow stick) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| V sheet | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Lifejacket | ✔ Lifejacket level 50, 100, 150, 275 or level 50 special purpose | ✔ Lifejacket level 100, 150, 275 or level 50 | ✔ Lifejacket level 100, 150, 275 |
| Should carry the following equipment | |||
| Anchor | ✔ (with cable appropriate for size of vessel) | ✔ (with cable appropriate for size of vessel) | ✔ (with cable appropriate for size of vessel) |
| Chart | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Compass | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Drinking water | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Handheld electronic navigation device (if not equipped with a chart and compass) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Oars or paddles (for boats under 6m) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pumping or bailing equipment | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
More info is available on the Qld govt maritime safety website. You can see it here.
Proper training comes really handy and if you are considering getting training and support for boating then going for a course with experienced & licenced trainers is important. It is wise to take an online course that is prepared to provide you full theory knowledge you need. These online courses enable you to cut down classroom time, allowing you the flexibility to complete the theory at home at your own pace and allowing you to move straight to the practical training and assessment components of your boating course with a trainer. Licence to Boat is one of the few quality training providers that offer first-class Boat & Jetski Licence training on the Sunshine Coast. They offer a complete and comprehensive training package, delivered in a relaxed yet professional manner.
Be a responsible skipper, before you head out on the water. Here are some more simple tips you can follow:
- check that your boat is serviced and in a seaworthy condition
- have the required safety equipment on board, not expired and in good condition and easily accessible
- tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return
- have the correct marine licence and know how to handle the boat
- know how to use your marine radio
- check the weather and tides before you go out
- know the navigation rules and follow them
- wear your lifejacket–if it’s not on it can’t save you.
For professional advice, talk to a licenced trainer. Also, don’t forget to download this complete boating and fishing safety guide for more information.
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