Sun, fun, fishing, and of course, the boat engine starting on time, every time - these are the first essentials that come to mind when heading out on the water during the holidays.
But sometimes things don’t go to plan - and by neglecting the true holiday boating essentials, things could go from bad to worse in the blink of an eye.
So before your next day in the boat, consider the below boat safety equipment checklist for registered vessels to keep you, your friends, and family safe this holiday season.
Why Should I Care About Boat Safety?
Boat safety gear is essential for not only legal reasons, personal safety, and emergency preparedness, but also for your peace of mind. Knowing you have the right equipment should something go wrong, and knowing how to use it, can bring a sense of security to your boat trip during the busy Queensland holiday period. Not only that, but it means that if something does go wrong, you will be able to adapt to the circumstance, and marine rescue resources will be able to be deployed to where they are most critically needed.
Your Must-Carry Checklist
The below four items are legally-required safety equipment that must be aboard your vessel while on the water in Queensland. More information can be found on the Maritime Safety Queensland website.
Item 1: Fire Fighting Equipment
Chances are you’ve heard stories about boats going up in flames. And although this often makes news, it’s actually one of the most common emergencies onboard a vessel. Having an extinguisher, and knowing how to use it, is essential when aboard a boat. If you have a bigger boat, your fire safety equipment should include other items such as fire hoses, fixed fire fighting systems, fire blankets, and even buckets.
Item 2: Signaling Device
When on the water, there aren’t many ways to communicate with other boats in the area. This is why a sound signaling device is a safety requirement aboard vessels. These devices are used to communicate information to other boats on the water such as navigational information, calls for help, or danger warnings. All vessels are required to have at least one signaling device such as an air horn or whistle, with larger boats required to also have a bell. Visual signaling devices, such as lights, can also be incorporated.
Item 3: Lifejacket
Lifejackets for each person aboard your boat is a basic and essential piece of safety equipment. In the event of an emergency, lifejackets greatly improve the survival rate of those involved. If you are boating in Queensland these holidays, it is important to note that from June 1, 2024, all registered boats operating in designated smooth waters will have to carry enough life jackets for everyone aboard. This was previously an exception to the rules, but it is now a requirement.
Item 4: EPIRB or PLB
An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, EPIRB, is a small electronic device that assists marine search and rescue services to locate people in distress. Only the size of a milk carton, this is an important piece of emergency equipment that kick-starts the process for a rescue response. Under the legal requirements in Queensland, this piece of equipment is typically only required beyond partially smooth waters. If you are operating a lightweight watercraft, you may be permitted to use a Personal Locator Beacon, PLB, instead. Read the conditions of carriage to see if you are eligible.
Your Should-Carry Checklist
The below five items are recommended safety equipment that must be aboard your vessel while on the water. More information can be found on the Maritime Safety Queensland website.
Item 1: Anchor
While it is only a recommended item under state government maritime legislation, an anchor is actually one of the most important pieces of equipment to ensure safety. Use of an anchor to secure your vessel, while on the water, can help to maintain your desired location, help control the boat in bad weather, and keep you a safe distance from hazards. However, having an anchor is not sufficient. The anchor must also be dependable, solid, and the right size for your vessel.
Item 2: Drinking Water
The heat of the sun and the salt of the sea are the perfect ingredients for dehydration. And in an emergency situation, or simply just an unexpected delay, having drinking water aboard your vessel is a critical resource. Making sure there is enough water for not only yourself, but also your passengers, is an important consideration. Although it is not a legal requirement, going a whole day in the sun, or even longer, without anything to drink, is a recipe for disaster.
Item 3: Oars or Paddles
Although it is bulky, and not the most aesthetically pleasing addition to your boat, including oars or paddles to your safety equipment stash could save you in a sticky situation. If your engine runs out of fuel, or your vessel loses power, It is important to have a second means of propulsion to ensure you can maneuver your boat and navigate to safety.
Item 4: Pumping or Bailing Equipment
If your boat is filling with water, and all you’ve got are fishing rods and snacks - you’re going to wish you had thought more about your safety plan. Keeping a bucket in your boat is a very good idea for emergency situations where you need to scoop water out of the inside of the vessel to stay afloat.
Item 5: Handheld Electronic Navigation Device
The final piece of essential safety gear we recommend storing in your boat while on the water is a marine GPS. As fun and freeing being on a boat is, a marine GPS is crucial if you are heading to rougher areas, or out at night. By having a Handheld Electronic Navigation Device, you will be able to navigate home in times of reduced visibility, and even be informed about what lies beneath the water like rocks and reefs.
Safe Harbour: Summing Up
During the holidays, everyone wants to relax and enjoy a bit of fun. But there’s nothing less fun than being the person, or people, brought to shore by the marine search and rescue services. With so many people on the water during the holiday season, the odds of accidents or incidents occurring is much higher. Be prepared with this checklist and check the Maritime Safety Queensland website to receive further information.
Please note this checklist serves as a guide for boat safety during the holiday season. Please conduct proper research to ensure you comply with all legal requirements before hitting the water.
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