For many of us, boating fits into the pleasurable category of our favourite activities or pastimes. But that can all change on the turn of a coin, especially if your boat’s safety equipment is not ship-shape and up to scratch.

Marine rescue organisations across Australia conduct thousands of operations annually, saving countless lives. All emphasise the importance of carrying on board the correct safety equipment for boating.

Queensland has legal requirements for safety equipment on boats. Read on for a guide to the essential safety equipment you should always have with you.

Life Jackets: Your Most Important Piece of Safety Equipment

Lifejackets save lives. You should get into the habit of wearing one by putting it on as part of your pre-trip preparations. Bear in mind that it’s far harder to put on a lifejacket once in the water during an emergency.

You must always wear a lifejacket if you cross a designated coastal bar in an open boat less than 4.8m in length, when on a jet ski, or if you are between one and twelve years old and in a moving open boat under 4.8m in length.

The law states that skippers or boat owners must inform all on board (and clearly signpost) where to find safety equipment. Labels must contain the actual word “lifejacket” in red on a white background or white on a red background.

Lifejackets must also comply with and display their Australian Standard (AS). There are strict rules around having up-to-date AS lifejackets. You should check if you believe yours could be out of date.

Types of Lifejackets

Manufacturers mark all lifejackets with a label indicating their level. Here’s the lowdown on each:

For use in open waters: ‘Level 100’, ‘Level 150’ or ‘Level 275’ on smooth and partially smooth waters, too.

For use in partially smooth waters: “Level 50” keeps you afloat but has no collar to keep the head above water

For use in smooth waters: “Level 50 special purpose” or “Level 50S” designed for when the user will be in the water for a short time

Coastal and SOLAS Lifejackets: These bulkier lifejackets keep the body afloat for long periods. They have whistles and reflective tape to attract attention. They’re mainly for commercial boats or those operating far from the shore.

Inflatable Lifejackets: Must comply with similar standards to foam lifejackets. Gas-inflated, they must display their buoyancy level and expiry date and undergo regular servicing in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

As the most important safety equipment for boating, lifejackets must fit correctly and be appropriate for the person’s weight and size. This is because they will only save lives in an emergency if they are:

  • The right fit
  • Adhere to the relevant Australian standards
  • Up-to-date and serviced appropriately

Fire Extinguishers: Keeping Your Boat Safe from Fire Hazards

All Queensland-regulated ships and boats over 5m in length must have equipment on board that can put a fire out quickly. You should only buy extinguishers and blankets from authorised dealers or manufacturers who must also service them.

Any portable fire extinguisher (PFE) over five years old needs to undergo a hydrostatic pressure test. Simply replacing the device is typically more cost-effective.

Depending on the class and type of your boat, you may need other firefighting equipment, such as fire pumps, hoses, communication systems, alarms and hydrants.

There are six main PFE types found aboard boats. Each contains chemicals, gases or powders suitable for different kinds of fire.

The size, accessories (e.g. cooking and electrical equipment) and materials used for the structure of your boat are critical dependencies related to which kinds of extinguishers you will need. Fires can spread rapidly on board a boat, so you must ensure you have the right fire safety gear and that it’s easily accessible.

Flares and Emergency Signalling Devices

If you experience an emergency, you have the option to use the following in order to attract attention:

  • Internationally recognised distress signals
  • Flares
  • Personal locator beacons
  • Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (see below)

Personal watercraft (PWC) that operate beyond smooth water limits, other than those that don’t need registration, must carry two orange smoke (only for use during the day) and two red hand flares. Flares have a life span of three years and will need replacing before they expire. Make sure you understand all instructions, including storage advice.

First Aid Kit: Be Prepared for Medical Emergencies

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential safety equipment for boating in Brisbane’s waterways. It’s invaluable for extended trips or more isolated areas like Moreton Bay.

You should check your first aid kit regularly and ensure it contains the following:

  • Plasters and bandages
  • Antiseptic and burn creams
  • Sea-sickness, anti-inflammatory and painkilling tablets

For longer trips, you should consider carrying water purification tablets, CPR masks and prescription medicine for crew members or guests. A first aid kit can prevent minor injuries from turning into something far more serious.

Navigation Lights and Reflective Tape: Staying Visible, Day or Night

Navigation lights are essential for Brisbane’s busy waterways or when operating at night. You must use navigation lights between sunset and sunrise or when there’s restricted visibility. The lights help identify a boat’s size, direction of travel and whether it is at anchor.

You should consider adding reflective tape to small boats, kayaks or vessels operating in areas with poor light conditions. Good visibility on the water is essential to reducing the risk of a collision.

Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

These lifesavers are small electronic devices that help search teams find you when activated. They send out a continuous signal for at least 48 hours. Rescue services will always respond to an activated EPIRB, so you must inform them if you no longer need help.

All boats operating beyond smooth and partially smooth waters or that are more than two nautical miles from land and in open waters must carry a 406MHz digital EPIRB.

EPIRBs are your link to the rest of the world, especially if you are in remote offshore waters. They will significantly boost your chances of survival, but you should only activate one in an emergency.

Contact Mike’s Marine For Safety Equipment For Boating

We take safety on the water very seriously. If you have any questions about safety equipment for boating and specifically safety equipment for boats in Queensland, contact one of the friendly team today.