Safety equipment items

Understanding the purpose and proper use of each item of boating safety equipment is an important part of staying safe on the water.

Knowing when and how to use your safety gear can help you respond quickly and effectively in an emergency and give you greater confidence every time you head out. Also, regularly taking a few moments to familiarise yourself and your crew with the equipment on board can make a significant difference when it matters most.

Safety equipment checklist

Before heading out on the water, ensure your vessel carries all required safety equipment and is in good working condition.

Life jackets

A life jacket can only save your life. Understand the different types of life jackets and select the right one for your boating activity.

Oars and auxiliary propulsion

Oars/paddles or an auxiliary motor must be carried on vessels less than 6 metres in length to provide a second means of propulsion.

EPIRBS and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

All boats operating beyond sheltered waters are required to carry an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).

Life buoy

A lifebuoy is any kind of buoyant device for keeping people afloat in an emergency.

Heaving line

The line should have sufficient breaking strain to haul a person back to the boat.

Tasmanian operational areas

The safety equipment required in Tasmania depends on your vessel's length and where you operate, with the Operation Area Map

Radar reflector

Radar reflectors mounted aloft from masts or above superstructures can help small craft to become more “visible” on radar.

Electronic Visual Distress Signals (EVDS)

EVDS are now an option to replace 2 x orange and 2 x red handheld pyrotechnic flares.

Anchor, rope and chain

A suitable anchor is an essential safety item that helps keep your vessel secure in a range of boating conditions.

Bailer or bilge pump

Depending on the size of the vessel, at least one solidly constructed metal or plastic bucket with two metres of rope attached should be carried on any vessel.

Marine radio

A VHF radio is an essential safety tool for boating on inland and coastal waters.

Fire extinguishers

All vessels with an engine must carry a fire extinguisher.

First aid kit

The first aid kit contents should reflect likely conditions, duration of the voyage and the number of passengers.

Flares

Flares help raise the alarm and make it easier for search and rescue services to locate a vessel in an emergency.