Boat Safety Requirements SA

14th Jun 2011

Minimum safety equipment required for recreational boats under 8 metres in length

Protected waters

one lifejacket or PFD for each person on board
a bucket with line attached, or a manual bilge pump
if the boat has an engine, one fire extinguisher
a pair of paddles or oars, or other auxiliary means of propulsion, or an anchor with cable

Semi-protected waters

one lifejacket or PFD for each person on board
a pair of paddles or oars, or other auxiliary means of propulsion
a suitable anchor with cable
a bucket with line attached, or a manual bilge pump
if the boat has an engine, one fire extinguisher
a waterproof torch or lantern

Unprotected waters

one PFD that complies with AS1512 for each person on board (PFD)
a suitable anchor with cable
a bucket with line attached, or a manual bilge pump
if the boat has an engine, one fire extinguisher
a waterproof torch or lantern
a two-way marine radio
two flares and two smoke signals
four litres of fresh water
a suitable compass (liquid damped)

If operating more than 3 nautical miles from shore, except Lakes Alexandrina and Albert, or more than five nautical miles from shore in Gulf of St Vincent or Spencer Gulf

as above, plus
one EPIRB (Emergency Distress Beacon)
one V distress sheet

If operating more than 10 nautical miles from shore

all the above, plus
two distress rockets with parachutes
a map or chart of the waters in which the boat will operate

For more information?

Minimum safety equipment required for recreational boats 8 metres to 15 metres in length

Protected waters

one lifejacket or PFD for each person on board
a suitable anchor with cable
a bucket with line attached
a manual bilge pump
two fire extinguishers
one life-buoy with line

Semi-protected waters

one lifejacket or PFD for each person on board
two suitable anchors with cables (if less than 12 metres one anchor may be carried as a spare)
two buckets with lines attached
a manual bilge pump
two fire extinguishers
one life-buoy with line
a waterproof torch or lantern

Unprotected waters

one PFD that complies with AS1512 for each person on board
two suitable anchors with cables
two buckets with lines attached
a manual bilge pump
two fire extinguishers
one life-buoy with line
a waterproof torch or lantern
a two-way marine radio capable of communication with ashore stations
two flares and two smoke signals
four litres of fresh water
the boat must be fitted with a compass, preferably liquid damped

If operating more than 3 nautical miles from shore, except Lakes Alexandrina and Albert, or more than five nautical miles from shore in Gulf of St Vincent or Spencer Gulf