South australian recreational boating safety handbook 2010

Contents 3. Licensing and registration Planning and preparation Choosing the right boat Before you take your boat on the water Towing and launching.

Safety on the water Let someone know Your duty of care Boating with children Speed limits Loading for stability Fuelling and fire prevention Alcohol and drugs. Safety equipment 1. What you need and where Required safety equipment checklists Variation from standard requirements Standards and features. Weather and other potential hazards Navigation The international rules Anchoring restrictions Interacting with big ships Navigating in restricted visibility.

Buoys, marks, beacons, signals and signs 2. Buoyage and navigation marks Signals on vessels Navigation lights. Anchoring, mooring and berthing Emergency action Remove all rags and materials containing flammable products and place them in a sealed metal container. When refuelling make sure all sources of ignition are removed, the engine is cool and all power is off.

Thoroughly ventilate the boat after fuelling, before switching on the power or starting an engine. With vessels powered by inboard petrol engines, ensure that the bilge blowers are activated before starting the engine. Install proper ventilation in fuel compartments. Refuel approved portable tanks on shore, NOT in the boat. Secure spare fuel in a safe place on board. Safety equipment Carry a fire extinguisher on board at all times and keep it in a readily accessible location — see below.

Make sure personal flotation devices PFDs are readily accessible at all times. Any vessel on which people sleep should have a smoke alarm installed and checked regularly to ensure correct operation. Keep your first aid kit fully stocked and stored in a dry, readily accessible location. General Use only approved marine stoves on board. Turn off gas at the cylinder after use.

When using launching ramps, parking areas, or sailing on rivers, make sure that the mast and all parts of the rigging remain clear of overhead power lines Fire Extinguishers A general-purpose dry powder extinguisher marked A:B:E and compliant with Australian Standard will extinguish most small fires on boats.