Marine Safety Equipment

All boats operating in South Australian waters are required to carry certain items of safety equipment.

Details vary according to the size of the boat and where it is being used. 3 separate levels of equipment are detailed, depending on whether the boat is being used in

• protected waters
• semi-protected waters
• unprotected waters.

Protected waters are all inland waters, excluding Lake Alexandrina, Lake Albert and any other waters subject to tidal influence.

Semi-protected waters are waters up to 2 nautical miles from the low-water mark of the coast and from the banks of Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.

Unprotected waters are waters beyond 2 nautical miles from the low mark of the coast and from the banks of Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.

All personal flotation devices (PFDs) required to be carried on a vessel must comply with AS1499, 1512 or 2260.

All distress flares and smoke signals required to be carried on a vessel must comply with AS2092 and be stamped indelibly by the manufacturer with its date of expiry and that date must not have passed.

A fire extinguisher is required to be carried on a vessel must comply with the applicable part of AS1841.

Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)

Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are an essential part of Marine safety equipment.

PFD 1 Lifejacket

Has sufficient flotation to support body and head. The flotation collar keeps your head above water. Do not use as a cushion. Not permitted for waterskiing, aqua-planing and like activity. Must comply with AS1512.

PFD 2 Buoyancy vest

Has less flotation than a PFD 1 with flotation panels front and back only. Is less restrictive to wear than PFD 1, but will not maintain your head above water. A PFD 2 should be used for sports such as water skiing, sailboards and sailing dinghies. Must comply with AS1499.

PFD 3 Buoyancy vest

Similar to PFD2, but doesn’t meet the Australian Standards Association colour standards. These are designed for high-speed water sports such as waterskiing, aqua-planing, operating PWCs and sail boarding. Must comply with AS2260.

SOLAS lifejacket (Safety of Life at Sea)

A very bulky lifejacket, designed to keep the body afloat for long periods. Has a light and whistle attached to attract attention. Carried by commercial vessels and recommended for use on larger vessels operating long distances offshore.

Coastal lifejacket

Multi Fit

Has more flotation than a PFD 1. Has a whistle attached for attracting attention. Recommended for use on larger vessels operating long distances offshore.

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

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

• 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

A vessel more than 15 metres in length must also have

• an additional lifebuoy with line
• a life-raft

Exemptions

The safety equipment requirements apply to the majority of boats. However, certain types of boat are either partially or totally exempt from these requirements. Some of the more common exemptions are summarised below.

Canoes, kayaks, sailboards and similar small, unpowered boats must have for each occupant

• PFD that complies with Australian Standards and worn at all times
• suitable bailer (unless the hull is permanently enclosed)
• waterproof torch or lantern while being operated during the hours of darkness.

Personal watercraft or PWCs (jet skis®, waverunners®, et.)

• All operators and passengers on PWC’s must wear a life jacket or a PFD that complies with AS1499, 1512 or 2260 at all times.
• A PFD (AS1512) must be worn in unprotected waters, i.e. beyond two nautical miles offshore.

All safety equipment must be readily accessible at all times and kept in good working order.