2010

www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine
The information presented in this handbook is based on
the provisions of the Harbors and Navigation Act 1993
and Regulations 2009, which include reference to
Collision Regulations and River Murray Traffic Regulations.
It is to be used only as a guide.
Copies of the Harbors and Navigation Act and Regulations
can be obtained from:
Service SA
101 Grenfell Street
Adelaide
Tel: 13 23 24.
The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI)
does not sponsor, endorse or necessarily approve any products
or services advertised in the South Australian Recreational
Boating Safety Handbook.
DTEI acknowledges the cooperation and assistance provided
by Marine Safety Victoria for granting permission to use the MR160
Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook as the base
for the South Australian Recreation Boating Safety Handbook. FEBRUARY 2010
 1

Minister’s Message

I am delighted to present the updated

South Australian Recreational Boating Safety
Handbook, which incorporates changes to
boating safety requirements introduced by
the Harbors and Navigation Regulations
2009. The handbook is an essential
reference for all recreational boaters and
will help to enhance the safety of everyone
using South Australia’s waterways.
As leisure and water sports become
This handbook includes national Standards
increasingly popular so do the risks
(or core competencies) that are designed to
associated with participating. To counter
ensure operators are able to demonstrate –
those risks the South Australia Government
by passing a theory examination – basic
has introduced a range of safety-related
knowledge of waterway rules and safe
measures to increase the knowledge and
boating operation.
understanding of those participating in
recreational boating. Keeping all recreational boaters
knowledge of rules and safe boating
The State Government is investing nearly
operation up-to-date will help to make
$11 million between 2008 and 2014 to
South Australia’s waterways a safe and
improve safety for South Australia’s
enjoyable experience for everyone who
recreational and commercial mariners
utilises the State’s varied aquatic resources.
through vital upgrades of infrastructure
and services. These upgrades include the I encourage all boaters to update their
VHF Marine Radio Distress and Safety knowledge of safe boating operation and
System network to ensure 24/7 coverage, I look forward to working with you to
navigational aids and compliance patrol improve the safety of South Australia’s
vessels. waterways.

Patrick Conlon
Minister for Transport
2
Contents Page
Minister’s Message ....................1
CHAPTER 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 BoatCode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Recreational boating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Recreational Vessel Operator
Licensing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
When Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Exemptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Application for a Boat Operator’s Licence . . . . . . . 7
Evidence of Identity (EOI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Boat Operator Licensing Examinations . . . . . . . . . . 8
Special Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Application for a Special Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Special Permit Examinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Practical Test for Special Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Production of Licence or Special Permit . . . . . . . . 10
Interstate Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Operating without a Licence or Special Permit . . . 10
Obligations of a Licence or
Special Permit holder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Alcohol and Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Hire and Drive Requirements . . . . . . . . . 11
Motor Vessel Registration
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
When Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Display of Registration Label and Numbers . . . . . 12
Renewal of Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Buying or Selling a Motor Vessel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Proof of Vessel Ownership (PVO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Australian Builders Plate (ABP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Deceased Joint Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Interstate Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Contents Page
Unseaworthy Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
What is BoatCode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
HIN Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Applying for BoatCode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
BoatCode Agents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Chapter 1
Sample Test Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
CHAPTER 2
Trip Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Before You Go Boating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Pre-Season Vessel Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Pre-start Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Launching Your Vessel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Boat Etiquette. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Reduce the Risk of Injury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Let Someone Know
Before You Leave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Tides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Too Many Is Too Dangerous . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Interpreting the Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Contents Page
Minimum Safety Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Exemptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Vessels under 8 metres in length . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Vessels 8 -15 metres in length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Vessels more than 15 metres in length . . . . . . . . . 34
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) . . . . . . 34
Safety Equipment Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Other Safety Equipment Standards . . . . 37 Potential Hazards and Conditions
Emergency Position Indicating
Radio Beacon (EPIRB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Vessels Required to Carry an EPIRB. . . . . . . . . . . 38
Legal Requirements for EPIRBs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Activating an EPIRB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
If an EPIRB is Accidentally Activated. . . . . . . . . . . 40
Disposing of 121.5 MHz Beacons. . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Distress Flares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Expired Flares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Using Flares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Three Types of Flares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Marine Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Licensing and Operator Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Operating Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Silence Periods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
The Distress Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Mayday Relay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
The Distress Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
The Distress Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
The Urgency Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
The Safety Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Mobile Telephones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Anchors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Types of Anchors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
3
Contents Page
Charts and Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Local Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Weather and Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
HF Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
VHF Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
. . . . 52
Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Wind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Thunderstorms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Safety Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Crossing Ocean Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Protecting the Environment . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Whales, Dolphins and Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Stranded Live or Injured Marine Mammal . . . . . . . 57
Dead Marine Mammal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Whale, Dolphin or Seal Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Sightings of Rare Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Shark Sightings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Aquatic Reserves and Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
River Boat Waste Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Illegal Dumping of Waste. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Historic Shipwrecks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Recommended Anchoring Procedures . . . . . . . . . 60
Protected Zones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Chapter 2
Sample Test Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
4
Contents Page
CHAPTER 3
Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Boat Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Responsibilities Between Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Big Ships Little Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
What Recreational Boaters Should Know . . . . . . . 63
Port Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Moorings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Safe Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
It Pays to Take Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Getting There and Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Night on the Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Notice to Mariners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Yawing Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Confined Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Operating Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Speed Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Visibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Surf Lifesaving Patrol Flags . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Alcohol and Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Buoyage System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Buoyage Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Lateral Marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Cardinal Marks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Special Marks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Isolated Danger Marks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Safe Water Marks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Lead Marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Other Signs and Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Contents Page
Zone Signage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Inland Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Vessel Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Recognition of Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Navigation Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Sailboats and Rowing Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Power-driven Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Larger Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Daymarks for Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Sound and Light Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Definitions and Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility . . . . . 80
Ferries on the River Murray . . . . . . . . . . 81
Locks on the River Murray . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Waterskiing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Chapter 3
Sample Test Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
CHAPTER 4
What To Do In An Emergency . . . . . . . . . 84
Reporting Incidents and Accidents . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Coping with Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Sinking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Capsize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Abandoning the Vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Engine Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Contents Page
Person Overboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
First Aid Afloat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
First Aid Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Hypothermia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Bleeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Seasickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Exposure to the Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Bites and Stings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Distress Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Rescue by Helicopter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Australian Search and Rescue Chapter 5
(AusSAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Sample Test Questions
Rescue Coordination Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Search and Rescue Coordination . . . . . . 93
Customs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 CHAPTER 6
Chapter 4
Sample Test Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
5
Contents Page
CHAPTER 5
Personal Watercraft (PWC) . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Operator Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
General Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
PWC Specific Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Waterskiing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Safe Speed and Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Avoiding Accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Hire and Drive Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Customer Service Centres . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Feedback Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
6
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
The Department for Transport, Energy and
Infrastructure (DTEI) is South Australia’s
marine authority responsible for many
functions associated with the use of the
State’s navigable waters.
These functions include:
• Recreational boating safety, education
and compliance
• Recreational vessel registration and
qualifications
• Maintenance of some recreational jetties
• Maintenance of navigational aids
• Maintenance of fishing industry facilities
• Maintenance and dredging of some
marinas and boat ramps
• Commercial compliance
• Commercial vessel survey
• Commercial vessel qualifications
• Coordination of oil spill control and
cleanup operations
• Participating in national initiatives to
facilitate implementation in South Australia
• Identification of legislative requirements
and amendments
• Issue of Notices to Mariners
• Issue of aquatic licences
• Introduction of restricted areas and speed
restrictions.
Recreational boating
Vessel registration and vessel operator
licensing fees are used to fund the
Government’s recreational boating safety
program.
There are more than 54,000 recreational
vessels with an engine fitted currently
registered in South Australia and more than
130,000 licensed vessel operators, so the
promotion of recreational boating safety
is a high priority.
Vessel registration provides a means of
identifying boats and also facilitates the
collection of statistical information that is
used in the planning and design of new
boating facilities.
Boating safety, however, is not restricted to
recreational vessels fitted with an engine.
All vessels, which include wind surfers,
canoes, sailboards, surfboards, surf kites,
waterskis and other similar devices on
which a person rides through the water,
must also comply with boating safety laws.
DTEI conducts an extensive boating
safety education program. The Transport
Safety Compliance Officers - Marine provide
marine safety advice, information and
compliance of the boating safety laws
throughout the State’s waters.
Local Government Officers, Fisheries
Compliance Officers and South Australia
Police are also part of the compliance team.
Recreational Vessel Operator
Licensing Requirements
When required
A person wishing to operate any type of
recreational vessel fitted with an engine
must have a Boat Operator’s Licence.
This applies regardless of the size of the
vessel or its engine, or whether the engine
is being used at the time.
A person who is not yet 16 years of age
(minimum age 12) can obtain a Special
Permit to operate a recreational vessel.
Restrictions on operation, vessel size and
engine speed capability apply. See section
‘Special Permit’.
Exemptions
An unlicensed person who is at least
12 years of age may operate a recreational
vessel at a speed of 10 knots or less
under the direct supervision of a person
who holds a Boat Operator’s Licence.

Application for a Boat Operator’s
Licence
The Boat Operator’s Licence may be
obtained by application at any Service SA
Customer Service Centre. Refer to page 100
for details.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age
and must disclose any disabilities, including
the need to wear spectacles or contact
lenses other than to read.
The holder of a current motor vehicle driver’s
licence is deemed to meet the eyesight and
medical standards for a Boat Operator’s
Licence. Where a driver’s licence is not
available, a certificate from a registered
optometrist or doctor will be required.
Evidence of Identity (EOI)
Full Evidence of Identity (EOI) is required
whenever a person is to be recorded on the
Recreational Boating System (RBS)
database for the first time. This generally
occurs when a person either applies for
registration of a recreational motor boat in
their name for the first time, or applies for a
Boat Operator’s Licence or Special Permit.
As no photographic or signature records are
maintained for Recreational Boating, full
Evidence of Identity is also required for a
duplicate copy of a Motor Boat Operator’s
Licence or Special Permit to Operate a
Recreational Vessel, or a Motor Vessel
Registration Certificate.
While original documents are required for all
other transactions, an applicant for a
duplicate copy of a Motor Boat Operator’s
Licence or Special Permit who is interstate
or in a remote location may be permitted to
provide photocopies of Evidence of Identity
(EOI) documents, but only if the copies are
certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP).
Three items of EOI will be required to be
presented, one each from Category A and B
(detailed below), while the third item can be
from either Category A or B.
7
Category A
Evidence of existence
At least one of the following documents
must be presented:
• Full Australian birth certificate bearing
both a registration and certificate number
• Australian citizenship certificate or
naturalisation certificate
• Australian passport (current, or expired
up to two years)
• Foreign passport (expired up to two
years) and accompanied by a current
Australian Visa
• Department of Immigration and Multi-
cultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA)
travel document, for example Resident
Visa (valid up to five years after issue)
• DIMIA certificate of evidence of resident
status
• Australian photo driver’s licence
(expired up to two years)
• Australian Defence Force photo identity
card (not civilians)
• South Australian or Federal police officer
photo identity card
• New South Wales photo card (issued after
14 December 2005)
• South Australian proof of age card
(issued after 9 October 2006).
• An interstate photo Motor Boat Operator’s
Licence is acceptable as a category A
document; if an interstate Motor Boat
Operator’s Licence does not have a
photo, it may still be accepted as a
category B document.
Category B
Evidence of use of Identity
At least one of the following documents
must be presented:
• Medicare card
• Financial institution account card or credit
card with signature and embossed name
• A letter from a financial institution verifying
person’s name and signature
8
• Student identity document from an
educational institution showing
photograph and signature
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs,
Commonwealth pensioner concession
or health care concession card
• Australian issued security guard or crowd
controller licence showing photograph
• Australian issued firearm licence showing
photograph.
Evidence of residential address
At least one of the following documents
must also be produced if your current
residential address is not shown on any
of your category A or B documents:
• Contract of purchase, lease or rental,
mortgage or land ownership certificate
• A telephone, gas or electricity account (up
to one year old)
• A water rates, local government council
rates or land valuation notice (up to two
years old)
• Current South Australian vehicle or vessel
registration certificate
• South Australian driver’s licence, or
vehicle or vessel registration renewal for
the coming period
• last or current financial year Australian
Taxation Office tax assessment
• Certificate or statement of enrolment from an
educational institution (up to one year old)
• A passbook or statement from a bank,
building society or credit union (up to one
year old)
• A letter from the principal of a recognised
educational institution (up to one year old).
Proof of age
Applicants for a Boat Operator’s Licence
must be at least 16 years of age and verify
their date of birth by producing a motor
vehicle driver’s licence, a motor vehicle
provisional driver’s licence or learner’s permit,
a birth certificate, extract from a registrar of
births, a passport or a citizenship certificate.
For more information about EOI and proof of
age, contact any Service SA Customer
Service Centre or visit the South Australian
Government website at
www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine
Boat Operator’s Licensing
Examinations
The examination questions that licence
applicants will be required to answer are
based on information provided in this
handbook. Sample questions similar to
those that may be asked are provided
throughout this handbook.
Examinations may be undertaken at any
Service SA Customer Service Centre. Refer
to the section ‘Customer Service Centres’
on page 100 for details.
The examination is multiple-choice format,
comprised of compulsory and general
questions. All compulsory questions must
be answered correctly to proceed to the
general questions section of the examination.
Applicants who fail the examination can
apply to be re-examined. An examination
fee is required each time an applicant
applies to be re-examined.
Exemption from Examinations
Applicants who have obtained certain
qualifications may be granted an exemption
from the examination. Contact any
Service SA Customer Service Centre for
further information. Refer to page 100
for details.
Special Permit
A Special Permit is a form of authorisation
available to persons who are not yet 16
years of age (minimum age 12) to:
• Operate without supervision a recreational
vessel fitted with an engine that is less
than four metres in length and has a
potential speed of 10 knots or less; and
• Operate any other recreational vessel
fitted with an engine under the direct
supervision of a person who holds a

Boat Operator’s Licence or a Temporary
Boat Operator’s Licence; and
• Act as an observer where a person is
being towed by a vessel, provided that
the operator of the vessel holds a Boat
Operator’s Licence or a Temporary
Boat Operator’s Licence and is at least
18 years of age.
A Special Permit does not authorise the
holder under any circumstances to operate:
• A personal watercraft (PWC); or
• A vessel towing a person(s).
Application for a Special Permit
Application requirements for a Special
Permit are similar to the Boat Operator’s
Licence in respect to making the application
and the medical and eyesight requirements.
However, a practical test must also be
completed after satisfactorily passing the
written examination, prior to the issue of
the Special Permit.
Proof of age
Applicants for a Special Permit must be at
least 12 years and not yet 16 years of age
and verify their date of birth by producing
a birth certificate, extract from a registrar of
births, a passport or a citizenship certificate.
Special Permit examinations
Examination requirements for a Special
Permit are similar to the Boat Operator’s
Licence. However, the total number of
questions contained in the written examination
is reduced to suit the age of the applicant.
A practical test must also be completed prior
to the issue of the Special Permit.
Practical Test for Special Permit
Once the written examination has been
passed, applicants for a Special Permit will
be required to undertake a brief practical
test conducted by a Transport Safety
Compliance Officer – Marine, or other
authorised person.
The practical test must be taken within
six months of passing the written
9
examination or the applicant will be
required to re-sit the written examination.
The practical test must be taken in a suitable
vessel provided by the applicant and can
usually be conducted at a mutually convenient
location and time, including weekends.
You must take the Application for Practical
Test form with you to the practical test and
give it to the testing officer.
If you are required to submit a Medical
Certificate or Eyesight Certificate, this must
also be given to the testing officer prior to
commencing the practical test.
Before the practical test
It is suggested that you familiarise yourself
with the vessel that you intend using and
practice the various manoeuvres that you
will be required to perform during the
practical test.
During practice sessions you must be under
the direct supervision of a licensed person
and you must not exceed 10 knots.
Practical test competencies
During the practical test you will be required to
demonstrate that you have safe and effective
control of the vessel and that you have sufficient
knowledge of the relevant boating rules.
The skills you must demonstrate are
provided in the brochure, Special Permit to
operate a Recreational Vessel.
Conversion to a Boat Operator’s Licence
The Special Permit is not a Certificate
of Competency and is therefore not
converted to a Boat Operator’s Licence
when the Special Permit holder is
16 years of age.
A Special Permit expires when the holder
is 16 years of age. Contact any Service SA
Customer Service Centre for further
information. Refer to page 100
for details.
10
Production of Licence
or Special Permit
If requested, a licence or Special Permit
must be produced to a Police Officer,
Transport Safety Compliance Officer -
Marine or any other authorised person
within 48 hours.
Interstate Visitors
'The holder of a current Boat Operator's
Licence issued in another State may operate concentration of alcohol in the blood.
a registered recreational vessel in this State Recent research conducted nationally found
for up to 90 days from the date of first use
of a recreational vessel in South Australia.
Note: To operate a Personal Watercraft
(PWC) in South Australia you must hold
a licence to operate a motor boat and
be a minimum of 16 years of age.
Operating without a Licence
or Special Permit
It is an offence for a person to operate any
recreational vessel fitted with an engine
without a licence or Special Permit unless:
• The unlicensed person is under the direct
supervision of a person with a Boat
Operator’s Licence or current interstate
boat operator’s licence, is at least 12 years
of age and does not exceed 10 knots.
• The unlicensed person is operating in
waters defined within a Boat Hire
Business Licence issued by DTEI.
The minimum age for operating a PWC
is 16 years.
Obligations of a Licence or
Special Permit Holder
The holder of a Boat Operator’s Licence or
Special Permit must notify Service SA
Customer Service Centre within 14 days of
any change of name, address or any
physical or mental impairment that may
affect the licensed holder’s capacity to
operate a vessel.
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and boating accidents
People who operate vessels after drinking
alcohol have a greatly increased likelihood
of being involved in a boating accident.
For example, a vessel operator with a
concentration of alcohol in the blood of .05
(.05 grams of alcohol in each 100 millilitres
of blood) has doubled his/her risk of
collision, compared to having zero
that alcohol was involved in at least 35% of
boating fatalities, with other drugs involved
in 9% of fatalities.
It is an offence for vessel operators, crew
(including ski observers), and water skiers to
have a concentration of alcohol in the blood
of 0.05 or more on South Australian waters.
Transport Safety Compliance Officers -
Marine and South Australia Police carry out
random breath testing for alcohol on the
State’s waterways and launching facilities.
If operating a vessel, water skiing or
observing, while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, you may face severe
penalties.
A person does not have to exceed the
prescribed concentration of alcohol (.05)
to be charged with an offence.
Injured persons including waterskiers
If a person (over the age of 14 years) is
involved in a boating accident and is admitted
into a hospital for the treatment of an injury
resulting from that accident, it is compulsory
for the medical practitioner to take a sample
of the patient’s blood for testing.
Concentration of alcohol in the blood
The level of alcohol in your blood can be
measured.
How is it determined?
The concentration of alcohol in the blood
can be determined by analysing a sample
of blood or by using a Breath Analysing

Instrument (Breathalyzer) to measure the
level of alcohol in the breath.
The results are expressed as a ratio of
the mass of alcohol (in grams) per volume
(100 millilitres) of blood. In other words,
.05 means there is .05 of a gram of alcohol
in each 100 millilitres of your blood.
How quickly does it fall?
Approximately 10% of the alcohol passes
out of the body unchanged by way of
breath, urine and sweat.
Most of the alcohol in the bloodstream (more
than 90%) is broken down by the liver. As a
general rule, it takes the liver about one hour
to dispose of the alcohol in one standard
drink. This means that the concentration of
alcohol in the blood drops by about 015 .
(grams) per hour. While this amount differs
from person to person, a concentration of
alcohol in the blood of .05 will take
approximately 3-4 hours to reach zero.
There is nothing you can do to make the
liver work any faster.
Only TIME will help you to sober up. It is
a myth that black coffee, cold showers,
exercise, fresh air, vomiting, tablets or home If the person is operating in the waters
remedies will make a person more sober.
They may produce a more wide-awake
feeling, but do not sober you up.
Refer to the DTEI brochure H2.05 What you
need to know about alcohol on the water for houseboats are exempt from the requirement
further details.
Hire and Drive Requirements
An operator of a hire and drive motor
powered vessel will require a Boat Operator’s of tuition on the operation of the vessel.
Licence to hire that vessel in South Australia
unless operating a vessel hired from a Boat
Hire Business authorised to hire vessels to
unlicensed operators. This business will
have a licence issued by DTEI and in the
case of unlicensed operators, will have a
defined body of water in which
a vessel can operate.
11
Conditions placed on a Small Motor Boat
Hire Business include:
• All vessels for hire must also be clearly
marked with the word “HIRE” on each
side of the vessel.
• All hirers are to be given practical
instruction in the safe operation of
the vessel.
• All hirers must sign a statement to the
effect that they have received adequate
instruction.
• All hirers must be advised that to operate
a vessel with a concentration of alcohol
in the blood of .05 or above is an
offence.
• The hirer must be a minimum of
16 years of age.
• Hirers are to operate only between
the official hours of sunrise and sunset,
during fine weather and safe navigable
conditions.
The operation of a hire vessel by an
unlicensed operator outside the defined
area of operation is not permitted.
Penalties apply.
defined within a Boat Hire Business Licence
issued by DTEI, a current driver’s licence is
required.
Operators of hire and drive (commercial)
to hold a Boat Operator’s Licence but the
operator is required to be at least 18 years
or age and hold a current motor vehicle
driver’s licence, and given at least one hour
The holder of the Houseboat Hire Business
Licence or agent will advise clients on the
individual capability of each specific
houseboat.
12

Motor Vessel Registration

Requirements
When Required
All recreational vessels fitted with an engine
are required to be registered while underway
in South Australian waters.

Application
Application forms to register a vessel are
available from any Service SA Customer
Service Centre. Refer to page 100 for details.
The vessel must be registered in the name
of a person 16 years of age or above.
To complete the initial registration or
change of ownership process the vessel
must be BoatCoded.
Refer to page 14 for details.
Display of Registration Label
and Numbers
Once the registration process has been
completed a registration label is issued,
which must be securely affixed to the vessel,
adjacent to the steering position and clearly
visible in daylight. The registration number
issued must also be painted or displayed
on both sides of the vessel towards the bow,
in figures at least 150mm high so as to be
clearly legible at a distance of 50 metres
while the vessel is under way in clear
weather.
For vessels less than 3 metres in length,
numbers must be at least 100 mm high
and clearly legible from 50 metres.
In cases where the bow is excessively flared,
making display of registration numbers
difficult, approval may be granted to display
the numbers closer to the centre of the hull
or on each side of the cabin.
Registration numbers must be of a
contrasting colour to the surface on which
they are put. All registration numbers should
be displayed on a vertical surface.
Renewal of Registration
Each year before the registration is due to
expire, an Invitation to Renew Motor Boat
Registration is posted to the registered
vessel owner for payment of the annual
registration fee.
Registration may be paid by credit card
via the Internet at www.ezyreg.sa.gov.au
or by telephoning or visiting any Service SA
Customer Service Centre. Refer to
page 100 for details.
For all motor boat registration transactions,
your registration label will be posted to you,
usually within 10 working days. You can use
your vessel for up to 21 days without a
registration label, provided:
• you have paid the required fee for the
registration
• you have not yet received the label; and
• no more than 21 days have passed since
the fee was paid.
Note: While it is normal procedure for DTEI
to forward an invitation to renew notice prior
to expiry date of the vessels registration, it is
the obligation of the owner to ensure the
vessel is currently registered prior to its use.
 13

Buying or Selling a Motor Vessel • A signed and dated statement from the
previous owner, showing new owner’s
Where a registered recreational vessel is
details and a brief description of the
sold, the new owner must apply for transfer
vessel including the vessel’s registration
or new owner registration within 14 days.
number if the vessel has one;
Transfer of registration only applies where
• Recreational Registration Certificate in
the registration is current, the previous
your name issued in another State (for
owner has signed the transfer section on the
Initial Registration only);
back of the current registration certificate
• Commercial Vessel Registration Certificate
and the vessel has been BoatCoded.
in your name (for Initial Registration only); or
New owner registration applies when any
• Statutory Declaration signed by a Justice
of the transfer conditions cannot be met.
of the Peace, including the new registered
The new owner registration form is available
owner’s details and a description of the
from any Service SA Customer Service
vessel including registration number, if the
Centre. Refer to page 100 for details.
vessel has one.
Note: Where a vessel registration ownership
For more information on Proof of Ownership
details change, but an owner appearing on
requirements, contact any Service SA
the registration certificate immediately
Customer Service Centre on 13 10 84, or
preceding the application for change of
visit the South Australian Government
ownership remains the same, application for
website: www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine
new owner registration or transfer must be
made. However the vessel is not required to Australian Builders Plate (ABP)
be BoatCoded. The Australian Builders Plate (ABP) is being
Refer to page 15 for details. adopted nationally to reduce the number of
incidents caused by overloading vessels.
Proof of Vessel Ownership (PVO)
Recreational Vessels constructed after
When you apply to have a vessel newly
4 February 2008 – unless exempted from
registered in your name (Initial Registration,
the requirements – will be required to have
Registration Transfer or New Owner
an ABP affixed at the time of original sale.
Re-Registration), you will be required to
The ABP has been introduced to inform
provide Proof of Vessel Ownership (PVO).
purchasers of new recreational vessels as to
PVO will work with the BoatCode System
the loading capacities for the vessel, in
to improve the security of your vessel, by
terms of people, luggage and maximum
making it harder to ‘re-birth’ and re-register
engine capacity, enabling buyers to choose
boats without appropriate documentation.
a boat which meets their needs.
The following are acceptable as PVO The plate will be fitted so that it can be seen
documents: by the operator as they set off, enabling them
• Current Vessel Registration Certificate, to see at a glance: the maximum number of
with Hull ID Number (HIN) and BoatCode people allowed; the maximum capacity of the
Certificate Number information, with the boat; and the maximum weight and power
“Application for Transfer of Registration” rating of the engine. For boats under six
on the back of the Certificate completed metres in length, the plate will also provide
and signed by both the current and new information on buoyancy performance.
vessel owners;
• A Bill of Sale or Receipt for Purchase from
the previous registered owner or a boat
dealership;
14
For more information on the Australian
Builders Plate refer to the South Australian
Government website:
www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine
Alternatively visit the National Marine Safety
Committee www.nmsc.gov.au
Deceased Joint Owner
Where one of the registered owners of a
vessel is deceased the surviving owner may
apply for transfer of registration into their
name only.
Change of ownership fee and BoatCode
requirements are not applied but formal
proof of the deceased owner is required.
Interstate Registration
Where a recreational vessel fitted with an
engine is registered interstate, the vessel
may be used for up to 90 days from the
first use in South Australia.
If the duration of the visit exceeds
90 days, the vessel must be registered in
South Australia (and must meet BoatCode
requirements).
Some states do not register all recreational
vessels fitted with an engine. However,
such interstate vessels must be registered
to operate on South Australia waters.
Unseaworthy Vessels
The owner or person in charge of a vessel
must ensure that it is in a seaworthy
condition while being operated, with
adequate measures to ensure the safety of
its occupants.
In this context, seaworthiness extends not
only to the physical condition of the vessel
itself, but also to such matters as proper
loading with adequate freeboard, carriage
of the required and other necessary
safety equipment and fitting of the correct
navigation lights, if the vessel is to be
operated at night.
If an operating vessel is deficient in any of
these areas the operator is not only
committing an offence and liable to
prosecution, but may be directed by an
authorised person to take the vessel from
the water, or return to point of departure and
rectify any deficiencies before using it again.
Safety equipment deficiencies are common
and it goes without saying that any equipment
left at home or back at the boat ramp is of
absolutely no use to anyone.
The equipment will not meet the requirements
if the battery has expired (i.e. EPIRB or
waterproof torch) or the expiry date has
passed (i.e. flares). Penalties apply for failure
to carry the required equipment in good
working order, for the area of operation.
Failure to carry an EPIRB (if required to)
could result in a maximum $10,000 fine.
A check card or one of the safety stickers
issued by DTEI can be helpful in ensuring
that all the required safety items are on
board before setting out.
Insurance
Although vessel insurance is completely
voluntary, vessel owners are strongly
advised to take out some form of cover,
particularly against liability that may occur
if loss of life or serious injury results from
an accident involving a recreational vessel.
Even accidents that result in little or no
damage may cause serious injuries to those
involved. Damage claims for personal
injuries sustained in an accident often
amount to many thousands of dollars.
Without adequate third party insurance,
the consequences of a claim for personal
injuries or damage caused to property
could be significant.
Marine insurance cover is reasonably
inexpensive and can be arranged through
any insurance company offering this type
of policy.

BoatCode
What is BoatCode
BoatCode is an identification system for
registered recreational vessels to deter theft
and aid the recovery of stolen vessels.
From 1 September 2001 BoatCode became
compulsory for all recreational vessels being
registered in South Australia for the first time
or when vessels change ownership.
BoatCode involves having two small plates
bearing a Hull Identification Number (HIN)
affixed to the hull of a vessel, one on the
starboard side of the transom, the other in
a hidden location. Only a BoatCode Agent
or BoatCode Examiner can affix a plate.
The HIN is similar to Vehicle Identification
Numbers on motor vehicle compliance plates.
Each HIN is a unique set of characters
permanently linked to a vessel hull.
The HIN is recorded on a central register
that is cross-referenced with vessel
registrations. Once affixed, a HIN must
not be removed.
Although compulsory for new vessels and
vessels changing ownership any registered
recreational vessel owner can voluntarily
apply for a HIN and take advantage of the
security benefits BoatCode provides.
15
HIN Format
A manufacturer’s HIN describes the hull’s
country of origin, manufacturer’s identity
code, a serial number, month and year of
production and the model year.
A HIN issued by a DTEI BoatCode Agent
will include the country of origin, a serial
number, agent code and the year it is affixed.
Applying for BoatCode
If you are registering your vessel in
South Australia or applying for a change
of ownership and the vessel does not have
a HIN fixed you must:
1. Visit any Service SA Customer Service
Centre and apply for registration or new
owner re-registration. Interstate
registrations are not transferable so the
vessel must be registered as a South
Australian vessel. If the vessel has a
HIN affixed a BoatCode Certificate must
be provided as proof.
2. Provide Evidence of Identity (EOI) for
the person(s) in whose name(s) the
vessel is to be registered.
3. Pay the registration fee or new owner
re-registration fee. You will receive a
Certificate of Temporary Motor Boat
Registration that is valid for 21 days
enabling you to use your vessel while
you arrange to have the HIN plates
affixed by a BoatCode Agent or
BoatCode Examiner.
16
4. Take your vessel to a BoatCode Agent
to affix the HIN plates. A fee will be
charged for this service. You will also
need to present your Certificate of
Temporary Motor Boat Registration.
The BoatCode Agent will forward
an Interim BoatCode Certificate to a
Service SA Customer Service Centre
and provide you with a copy.
The Service SA Customer Service Centre
will post your permanent BoatCode
Certificate to you.
Keep the registration certificate and
BoatCode Certificate in a safe place.
Note: BoatCode is not required when:
• One of the registered owners is
deceased and application is made to
change ownership details into the sole
surviving joint owner – providing proof of
deceased owner details is provided; or
• An owner recorded on the immediately
proceeding registration certificate
remains as a registered owner.
BoatCode Agents
A list of South Australian BoatCode Agents
is available from any Service SA Customer
Service Centre, most boat dealers and the
South Australian Government website
www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine
For further information call DTEI on 13 10 84.
Chapter 1
Sample Test Questions
Question
When can a Hull Identification Number (HIN)
be removed from a vessel?
A. Once a HIN has been affixed to a vessel
it must not be removed.
B. When the owner sells the vessel and wishes
to retain the same HIN on their new vessel.
C. Only when a hull has been damaged
and the HIN is to be used on the
replacement hull.
Question
What types of recreational vessels must be
registered?
A. All recreational vessels.
B. All recreational vessels over 3.1 metres
in length.
C All recreational vessels fitted with an engine.
Question
What is the minimum age for an applicant
for a Boat Operator’s Licence.
A. 21 years of age.
B. 16 years of age.
C. 18 years of age.
Question
If a person operates a vessel or is a
member of the crew (including waterskiers)
engaged in duties affecting the safe
navigation, operation or use of the vessel,
is he/she guilty of an offence where the
prescribed concentration of alcohol is:
A. 0.05 or more
B. 0.08 or more
C. There is no legal limit provided you can
operate the vessel safely.
Question
Under what circumstances can a Special
Permit holder operate a vessel towing a
waterskier?
A. When the observer is a minimum of
18 years of age.
B. When the Special Permit holder is under
the direct supervision of a person with a
Boat Operator’s Licence.
C. A Special Permit holder is not permitted
to operate a vessel towing a water skier
under any circumstances.

CHAPTER 2
Trip Preparation
Definitions
Boating, like many other activities, has its
own language with many terms that you
may not be familiar with. It is important that
you understand the meaning of some of the
more important and common terms.
Abaft Area aft of the beam (to the rear
of the centre of the vessel).
Abeam Abreast of or at right angles to the
fore and aft line of the vessel.
Aft Towards the stern or rear of the
vessel.
Astern, to go astern
Go backwards, put the engine
in reverse.
Authorised person
A person appointed by the
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Department for Transport, Energy
and Infrastructure to enforce the
Harbors and Navigation Act, or a
member of the Police Force.
Bar A shallow area formed by sand,
Device
mud, gravel or shingle, near the
mouth of a river or at the approach to
a harbour which is often dangerous.
Boat Any type of craft or vessel which,
irrespective of size or type, is
being used for recreational or
non-commercial purposes.
17
Boat Operator’s Licence
The class of Certificate of
Competency appropriate to
operate a recreational vessel
fitted with an engine.
Bombora
A shallow area where waves
may break.
Bow The front end of the vessel.
Certificate of Competency
A qualification to operate a
vessel issued to a person who
has met all of the conditions and
requirements for the particular
class of certificate applied for.
The Boat Operator’s Licence
is the Certificate of Competency
appropriate to operate a
recreational vessel fitted with
an engine.
Chart Datum
As the level of the sea is constantly
rising and falling, the depths
shown on charts must have a
common level from which they are
measured. This level is the lowest
predictable level to which the tide
is likely to fall and is known as
Chart Datum.
Coast / Shore
Where the terms ‘coast’ or ‘shore’
are used it means the coast or
shore of the mainland or of
Kangaroo Island only; no other
island’s shore is to be used in
measuring distance out to sea for
safety equipment or vessel
operation purposes.
For waterskiing purposes, a device
is an object that is towed by a rope
or by other means directly behind
a motor boat. Examples of devices
include ‘ski biscuits’ and tyre
tubes. Devices generally have little
or no means of controlling the
direction in which they travel.
18
Distance
Where ‘miles’ are referred to in this
booklet ‘nautical’ miles are meant.
One nautical mile = 1.852 km.
Draft The minimum depth of water a
vessel needs to float in.
Ebb Tide
The falling or run out of tide.
EPIRB Emergency Position Indicating
Radio Beacon.
Flood Tide
The rising or run in of tide.
Fore Situated at or toward the bow
(front) of a vessel.
Freeboard
The distance between the surface
of the water and the gunwale.
Give Way
Slow, stop, go astern or change
course to keep clear of another
vessel.
Go astern
To move stern-first (backward)
through the water.
Gunwales (pronounced gunnels)
The top edge of a vessel’s side.
Heave To
To steer into the wind and sea
making minimum headway.
Knot(1) One nautical mile an hour
or 1.852 km/h.
Leads (Transits) marks used in channels
and entrances which when in line
indicate the centre of the channel.
Lee Shore
The shore onto which the wind blows.
Leeward
The side of the vessel opposite to
that from which the wind blows.
Licence A certificate of competency
known as a Boat Operator’s
Licence enabling the holder to
operate a recreational vessel
fitted with an engine.
Making Way
Vessel underway and moving
through the water, using sail
or power.
Masthead Light
A white light placed over the
fore and aft centreline of the
vessel showing an unbroken
light over an arc of the horizon
of 225 degrees and so fixed as
to show the light from directly
ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the
beam on either side of the vessel.
Motor Boat
Any boat or vessel that is
being propelled by an engine
(irrespective of size), whether or
not the engine is the main means
of propulsion. A sailing boat fitted
with an auxiliary engine is regarded
as a motor boat or motor vessel.
Nautical mile
The International unit of distance
over water. A nautical mile is
equivalent to 1,852 metres, or
about 1.8km.
Operator
The person in charge (control) of
a recreational motor vessel whilst
the vessel is underway.
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
A device that is propelled by a
motor, has a fully enclosed hull,
is designed not to retain water
if capsized and is operated by
a person who sits astride, stands
or kneels on it.
PFD Personal flotation device.
Often called a Buoyancy Vest or
Life Jacket.
Port Side
Looking forward from the stern,
the left hand side on which a red
sidelight is displayed.

Power-Driven Vessel
A vessel propelled by an engine
and includes a sailing vessel
under auxiliary power.
Recreational Vessel
Any vessel (fitted with an engine)
used for purposes that are not
solely industrial, commercial or
scientific. Also commonly referred
to as a motor boat, motor vessel,
motorised vessel, power–driven
vessel or power boat. These
vessels are subject to registration
requirements and must only be
operated by a person holding
the appropriate Certificate of
Competency.
Sailing Vessel
Means a vessel that is operating
under the power of sail only.
Side Light
Lights to be shown at night
when underway, showing an
unbroken light over an arc of
112.5 degrees from directly ahead
to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam.
Skier Any person who is being towed
in any manner behind a powered
vessel other than a person on a
device.
Special Permit
Authorisation for a person aged
between 12 years but not yet 16
years, to operate a recreational
vessel fitted with an engine under
certain conditions (see chapter 1).
Speed All speeds are measured in ‘knots’
One knot = 1 nautical mile per hour.
Standards
All equipment listed in the
Handbook must meet standards
detailed or listed in the Harbors
and Navigation Act 1993 and its
associated Regulations 2009.
19
Stand On
That vessel which has right-of-way
during a meeting, crossing, or
overtaking situation.
Starboard Side
Looking forward from the stern,
the right hand side on which a
green sidelight is displayed.
Stem the Tide
Go forward against the current.
Stern The back end or rear of a vessel.
Sternlight
A white light placed as nearly as
practicable at the stern showing an
unbroken light over an arc of the
horizon of 135 degrees and so
fixed as to show the light 67.5
degrees from directly aft on each
side of the vessel.
Supervision
A licensed person directly
watching over and accompanying
an unlicenced person or
Special Permit holder while
that unlicenced person or
Special Permit holder operates
a recreational motor boat.
The licenced person must at all
times be in a position to take over
the control of the motor boat
should the need arise. This is not
possible when operating a PWC.
Tender A ship or boat used to attend a
larger one, especially to supply
goods and provisions, convey
orders, or carry passengers to
and from shore.
Underway
Not at anchor or tied to jetty or
shore, or aground. If you are
drifting you are underway.
20
Vessel Any type of craft that can be
used as a means of transportation
on water, from a small boat to a
large ship. Vessels can also
include sailboards, surfboards,
surf kites, waterskis or other similar
devices on which a person rides
through the water.
Wake The track left on the water’s
surface by a moving vessel.
Wash A swell caused by the passage
of a vessel through water.
Windward
The direction from which the
wind blows (upwind).
Before You Go Boating
With vessel ownership also comes the
responsibility for the safety of all your
passengers and your equipment.
Be sure you have the right vessel and the
right safety equipment for what you plan
to do, so that your boating will be safe and
enjoyable.
Once you have your ideal vessel and have
made sure it meets all the requirements of
the regulations, make yourself familiar with
its layout and equipment before you go out
on the water. Take short trips on calm waters
first. Ask an experienced friend along for
advice and learn how your vessel responds
at different speeds and in different weather
conditions.
Remember, obtaining a Boat Operator’s
Licence means that you know the rules but
the knowledge, skills and ability to operate
a vessel in all types of conditions comes
from experience.
Pre-season Vessel Maintenance
In the interests of safer boating we highly
recommend that you give your vessel and
equipment a thorough pre-season check
before heading out for a day on the water.
Outboard motor service
Manufacturers usually recommend a service
by a specialised workshop at least once a
year, even if you use the motor very little.
This ensures that vital internal parts like the
water pump get looked at. If you use the
motor often, then you should have the
gearbox oil changed every three months.
Inspect fuel system
Once a year the tank from your vessel
should be cleaned with a suitable cleaning
solvent.
Inspect the fuel tank for any cracks or corrosion.
Always replace old fuel with new fuel after
periods of inactivity.
Inspect fuel lines, manual priming bulb and
connections for cracks, leaks, etc.
Clean out or replace fuel filter.
Refer to engine manufacturer’s
specifications regarding allowable
percentage blends of ethanol in fuel.
Batteries
Top up battery cells with distilled water and
check each cell with a hydrometer.
If in an enclosed space, ensure properly
ventilated and ensure vented before starting
the engine.
The battery should be charged at a suitable
rate and should never be overcharged.
Batteries should always be secured in
brackets. Terminals, cables or casing should
be kept clean. Grease terminals regularly.
Only marine batteries should be used as
they are designed to withstand marine
conditions.
General check of vessel
Inspect vessel structures for corrosion,
cracks, wear and tear.
Test steering gear for stiffness. Treat cable
with correct lubricant.
Ensure bung is suitable and in good condition.
Self draining holes must be clear.

Check drain flaps and lubricate them
if necessary.
If Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanks
are fitted, ensure the system is regularly
serviced. For further information contact
the Office of the Technical Regulator on
telephone (08) 8226 5500 or visit the
website www.technicalregulator.sa.gov.au
Inspect propeller, nut and pin.
Ensure bilges are clean and dry.
Check for water and fuel leaks.
General check of engine
Make sure you check:
• for fuel leaks
• for petrol and/or LPG odours
• that the fuel is fresh - and if necessary
replace it
• battery and the connection
• the fuel line is not kinked and connected
• spark plugs and clean as necessary to
test start the engine.
21
Inspect safety equipment
Inspect all safety equipment for any
deterioration or damage.
Refresh your knowledge of the use of
the equipment.
Inspect anchor, shackles, chain and
line for any sign of wear and replace
if necessary.
Test bilge pump diaphragm for wear
and tear.
Test the marine radio. Call a volunteer
marine rescue group and make a test
transmission.
Check the expiry date on the flares and
EPIRB.
Test the EPIRB battery (see section on
EPIRBs).
Test your waterproof torch.
Extra checks
Inspect the tool kit for any tools, spare parts, etc.
Replenish water supply.
Ropes and lines should be in good
condition and stored ready for use.
Spare parts and tools
Make sure you include:
• engine manual
• new spark plugs, spare fuses and
a new spanner
• spare “O” rings for fuel connector
• spare bung
• sharp knife
• spare propeller nut, washer, split pins and
socket for propeller nut
• length of soft wire
• spare shackle
• screwdriver (Phillips/Flathead) and
shifting spanner and pliers
• de-watering spray, spare oil and a funnel
• spare key and stop harness (lanyard)
• roll of waterproof electrical tape
• starter cord
• spare fuel line
• wire brush.
22
Notes
Pre-start Checklist
Vessel
It is advisable to check your vessel’s
equipment and fittings before every journey.
Before setting out make sure your vessel is
seaworthy, all gear is well secured and the
vessel is capable of making the trip you
have planned. Check the engine; if it is
not working properly, don’t go out until
the problem is identified and fixed.
Ensure that you have enough fuel for the
return trip. A good safety tip to remember is
to use a third of your fuel to get out, a third
to get back, and have a third in reserve.
It may be calm when setting out, but the
return trip could be into a head wind or sea,
and fuel consumption can easily double
under such conditions.
Fuel should be fresh (not last year’s).
Check engine oil and coolant levels and
top up if required. Examine batteries,
terminals, etc.
Check that all your navigation lights are
working even if you only expect to be
out during daylight hours.
On entering the vessel and before operating
any switches or engines, check for petrol
and/or LPG odours; fix any faults before
you go out.
Ropes and lines should be in good
condition and ready for use.
Steering cables and connections must
be in good working order.
Test any electrics operating from the battery
such as radios, gauges and power tilt.
Equipment
Ensure you have the safety equipment
required for the area where you intend
to operate.
Make sure all safety equipment is easily
accessible and in good working order.
If you are not required to have a marine
radio on board, carry a pocket radio.
You can tune into weather forecasts.
Conduct a radio check to ensure that yours
works. Mobile phones are no substitute for
a Marine Radio but may be of assistance in
some situations, so make sure the battery is
fully charged.
Where cooking devices are installed,
a fire extinguisher must be carried and
stored in an accessible place, away
from the stove.
Always ensure that your fire extinguisher
is fully charged and is inspected every
12 months by an authorised inspection agent
(fire fighting authority or manufacturers agent).
Supplies
Ensure you have sufficient supplies of food
and water for the trip and some extra in
case of an emergency.
Check that your vessel is not overloaded;
take into account heavy equipment and
extra fuel cans.
Stow all gear securely and distribute load
evenly.
Remember that it is always colder on the
water and the sun is stronger; extra jumpers,
waterproofs and sun-block cream are never
a waste of space.
Ensure the first aid kit is on board.
Clothing
Make sure your skin is not overly exposed to
sunlight (direct or reflected), wind and water.
Carry adequate wet weather gear for the trip
you are planning.
Clothing should offer protection from the
elements and not restrict your movements.
Avoid clothing that will significantly reduce
buoyancy, or if you need to be rugged up,
wear a PFD.
It would be worthwhile to check your ability
to swim or float in your clothes. Try it out in
shallow water so that you are prepared in
case your vessel sinks or you fall overboard.

Navigation
You should know exactly where you are
going, how to get there and how long it will
take to get back.
Check the tides, weather, river flow as
appropriate.
Find out about any local dangers and special
rules or regulations for the boating area you are
operating in. Information can be obtained from
local or official charts, signage at boat ramps or
the South Australian Government website
www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine
Coastal navigation courses, run by volunteer
groups are highly recommended.
23
Crew
Ensure all persons onboard are correctly
fitted with a PFD.
Ensure that the people onboard who require
medication have it with them and that others
know how to administer it if necessary.
Ensure everyone onboard knows what safety
equipment is carried, where it is stored, how
it works and what to do in an emergency.
24
Children
If you take your children boating teach them
emergency procedures. It can be great fun
and will improve their confidence and your
peace of mind.
Learn to swim and practice emergency
positions like treading water and H.E.L.P.
(Heat Escape Lessening Posture) and
Huddle. (See section on Hypothermia for
more details.)
Make sure children have a well fitting PFD,
ensure they can’t slip out of it, or that it
doesn’t feel too tight to move. Check the
type (PFD 1,2 or 3) depending on the nature
of activity. See if they can put the PFD on
with a blindfold and while in the water. It is
recommended a child wears a PFD at all
times while on the vessel.
Show children around the vessel - where
PFDs, first aid kit and other equipment
are kept. If they are old enough to
understand, show them how to use
equipment like radios, EPIRB and flares.
Teach them about stability, getting on and
off the boat and distributing the load. If the
boat capsizes everyone should stay with
the boat or an easily seen floating object.
It is easier for a rescue team to see the hull
(bottom) of a vessel than a person floating
in the water.
Taking off
Many injuries occur because people fall
overboard while the vessel is in motion.
No one should ever stand or sit on the bow
of a vessel that is not specifically designed
to have persons in the bow, or dangle their
legs in the water, while the boat is moving.
Insist that everyone aboard is within the
boat itself, not on the side decking, and
especially not on the bow or where they
will obstruct your view.
Keep to the centre of the boat for stability.
Move off slowly. The same goes for
returning to jetty, mooring or ramp.
Always check for trailing ropes that may
be caught in your propeller.
Launching Your Vessel
Boat Etiquette
Have a good look at the ramp and note the
condition, gradient, depth, mooring cleats
and other features and consider the weather
and tidal conditions.
Standby to give other boaties a hand
if required.
Take your time, relax and be careful.
Do not pull straight into the ramp.
Prepare your boat well away from the ramp
and ensure:
• the boat was not damaged during
the trip to the ramp
• straps and ties are undone
• everything you need is on board
• the bung is in
• the trailer winch is secure.
Boats coming out have priority over boats
going in.
When it’s your turn, move towards and back
down the ramp
Launch immediately.
Take the trailer out of the way.
Until you and your boat are completely out
of the way, away from the ramp, don’t fiddle
around.
Check the ramp
• How steep is it?
• Is the surface firm?
• Is it slippery?
• Is it wide enough?
• How deep is the water at the end
of the ramp?
• What can you tie the boat to once it is
launched?
Now is the time to
• remove any tie downs
• put your gear in the boat
• attach a bow line to the boat
• if the boat is stern drive or outboard,
tilt the unit up
 25

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26

• ensure that the drain plugs are in place Final step

and tight To reload/retrieve the boat simply reverse
• turn the battery switch and (if fitted) these procedures.
the blower on
Before loading, clean any dirt or sand off
• generally get ready and then disconnect the rollers and buffers.
the trailer wiring.
Sand on the rollers and buffers can
When you are ready, move towards the damage your boat whilst being towed.
ramp at a gentle pace.
Be sure that all tie-downs are properly
If you try to move quickly, mistakes are more fastened before departing the ramp area.
likely to happen.
Back the trailer onto the ramp Warning
Have someone stand to one side of the Reduce the Risk of Injury
ramp to direct you. Do not step inside or on the trailer frame
Backing up with the trailer can be tricky. during launching and retrieval procedures.
A good way to simplify this procedure is to A winch line can break so stand to the side
grasp the steering wheel with one hand at when winching your boat onto the trailer
its lowest point (the six o’clock position). (use a line attached to the winch switch).
When you want the trailer to turn right, move
your hand slowly to the right, when you want For additional information on selecting
the trailer to turn left, move your hand slowly your boat trailer, matching your boat
to the left. to your trailer, trailer equipment, traveling
with your boat trailer, and the legal
Launching requirements in respect to the vehicle
Back the trailer into the water. Set the dimensions, lighting and rear vision
handbrake and lock the transmission. requirements, boat trailer brakes, vehicle
Slacken the trailer winch and with the winch mass and registration requirements refer
line still connected push the boat slowly but to the brochure You and Your Boat Trailer
firmly into the water. which can be downloaded from the South
Australian Government website
Be sure to have a firm hold on the bow line.
www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine
Don’t wrap the bow line around your hand
as it is dangerous and injuries can occur.
Detach trailer winch hook and line from the
boat and wind the line back onto the winch.
Using the bow line move the boat to the
side, away from the launch position.
Secure the boat to this holding position
with a bow line.
If a jetty is near a ramp, tie off to the jetty
with both the bow line and stern line.
Move your car and trailer to the parking
area where they will not obstruct access
to the ramp.
Lock your car.
27
28
Let Someone Know
Before You Leave
Always let someone know where you are going,
your point of departure and when you plan to
return. If your plans change, let them know.
Also give them a description or photo of your
vessel, vessel registration number and details
of the number of passengers on board.
A fridge magnet, I”VE GONE BOATING is
available from any Service SA Customer
Service Centre. Refer to page 100 for details.
This is a record of your planned voyage.
Liaise with your local volunteer marine
rescue groups which can be contacted
by marine radio on 27 MHz channel 27.88,
VHF channel 16 and HF channels 2182,
4125, 6215 and 8291 kHz.
As these are distress channels, you must
change to a ‘working’ channel once contact
has been made.
Tides
It is important that you check the time of
high and low tide before you depart.
Tides are the rising and falling of sea levels
that result from the gravitational interaction
between the earth and the moon and to a
lesser extent, between the earth and the sun.
Tides can be predicted with a high degree
of accuracy from analysis of long-term tide
records variations. However, variations in
tidal heights can be caused by strong, or
prolonged winds and by unusually high
or low barometric pressure.
While tide books are not part of your
required equipment, vessel operators
should always have a copy onboard.
The tide book will provide the information
necessary for you to calculate high and low
tide and while this may also be helpful to
determine the best times for fishing, it also
provides essential information to ensure
you do not run aground.
Access to boat ramps may be restricted
at low tide. It is important that you calculate
the time that you must return to the ramp for
retrieval – leave yourself extra time in case the
ramp is busy.
Chart datum
As the level of the sea is constantly rising
and falling, the depths shown on charts
must have a common level from which
they are measured. This level is the lowest
predictable level to which tide is likely to
fall and is known as Chart Datum.
All soundings on a navigation chart are
referenced to Chart Datum. To be able to
calculate the total depth of water, you must
add the depth obtained from the chart to
the tide height at that time and place.
Tides for the major South Australian
ports are provided in the Tide Tables for
South Australian Ports. At locations not
referred to in the tide tables book it is
essential that you are able to use the tide
data and levels provided to determine the
approximate time of high and low water.
Tide table booklets can be purchased from
most marine dealers, tackle shops or
newsagents.
Too Many is Too Dangerous
Overloaded vessels are unstable and
dangerous. Legal limits on passenger
numbers are detailed below. There are other
considerations such as an even distribution of
load in the vessel, adequate freeboard for the
prevailing weather conditions and unexpected
deterioration in weather conditions.
Except where a recreational vessel is fitted
with a manufacturer’s compliance plate or
Australian Builder’s Plate (ABP), the following
tables determine the maximum number of
persons that may legally be carried on board.
To use the appropriate table, you need to
know your vessel’s length and breadth in
metres. The maximum number of adults
the boat can carry safely in calm water
conditions, based on an average weight
of 90kg (includes 15kg of personal gear)
per adult, is indicated where the length
and breadth measurements intersect.
 29

TABLE 1
Maximum safe capacity (adults) for conventional vessels without flybridges.
Example: A Boat with a length of 5.5m and breadth of 2m has a capacity of 6 adults

TABLE 2
Maximum safe capacity (adults) for conventional vessels with flybridges.
Example: A flybridge vessel with a length of 8m and breadth of 2.5m has a capacity of 8 adults.

METRIC CONVERSION -
FEET TO METRES
30
Interpreting the Capacity
The figures given in the tables, a
compliance plate or ABP refer to the
maximum number of adults a vessel can
carry safely in calm waters under ideal
conditions, such as on the River Murray or
other protected waters. This number needs
to be reduced when boating on the open
sea. As a guide, reduce this number by
one-third when boating on the open sea
or in rougher conditions.
Also, children under 12 years old only weigh
half that of an average 75kg adult, so they
can be counted as half an adult when
adding up the number of people on board.
For example, a boat with a capacity of four
adults could safely carry three adults and
two children under the age of 12.
Vessels over 10 metres length
For vessels over 10 metres in length, use
the appropriate formula below to calculate
the number of adults it can safely carry in
calm water conditions.
For single-deck vessels (no flybridge) the
formula is:
Maximum capacity (adults) = 0.75L√B
(nearest whole number) where:
L = length of vessel in metres, and
B = breadth of vessel in metres
For vessels fitted with flybridge, the formula is:
Maximum capacity (adults) = 0.6L√B
(nearest whole number) where:
L = length of vessel in metres, and
B = breadth of vessel in metres
For flybridge vessels, no more than
one-quarter of the maximum number of
passengers allowed on board should be
on the flybridge at any one time.
Underway
Maintain a good lookout and continually
assess the relative position, speed and
direction of other vessels in the vicinity.
Make sure you know all the navigation rules
and take action in plenty of time to avoid a
collision. Keep clear of larger vessels that
cannot manoeuvre as quickly as you.
Travel at a safe speed, particularly when
visibility is reduced by sun glare, fog or
rain and during the hours of darkness.
Remember, your boat has no brakes.
Keep a constant watch on the weather, and
if conditions start to deteriorate make sure
that everyone on board is wearing a PFD.
It is extremely difficult to put one on in
rougher conditions or whilst treading water.
Don’t throw rubbish over the side, stow it
and take it home.
Minimum Safety Equipment
All vessels operating in South Australian
waters are required by law to carry certain
items of safety equipment. Details vary
according to the size of the vessel and
where it is being used.
Minimum safety equipment requirements for
all types of vessel are shown in Schedule 9
of the Harbors and Navigation Regulations
2009. The latest version of the Regulations
may be viewed by visiting:
www.legislation.sa.gov.au and following the
links to ‘Regulations and Rules’ go to "H',
then from the Alphabetical List select
Harbors and Navigation Regulations 2009.
Minimum safety equipment requirements
vary according to the size and type of boat,
whether it has an engine and where it is
being used. Areas where a boat may be
used are defined as protected waters, semi-
protected waters and unprotected waters.
Protected Waters – all inland waters,
excluding Lakes Albert and Alexandrina
Semi-Protected Waters – waters up to two
nautical miles (3.704 kilometres) seaward of
the coast of the mainland and Kangaroo
Island, and up to two nautical miles from the
shore of Lakes Albert and Alexandrina.
Unprotected Waters – waters beyond two
nautical miles (3.704 kilometres) seaward of
the coast of the mainland and Kangaroo
Island; and beyond two nautical miles from
the shore of Lakes Albert and Alexandrina.

In addition to protected, semi-protected
and unprotected waters, two other areas
are referred to herein, Spencer Gulf and
Gulf St Vincent.
Spencer Gulf – the waters in that
gulf north of a line drawn from Cape
Catastrophe on Eyre Peninsula to
Waterhouse Point on Thistle Island and
then to Corny Point on Yorke Peninsula.
Gulf St Vincent – the waters in that gulf
north of a line drawn from Troubridge Point
on Yorke Peninsula to Rapid Head on
Fleurieu Peninsula.
All personal flotation devices (PFDs) carried
on a vessel must comply with one or more
of the standards listed on pages 36-37.
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 and must comply with the
applicable part of AS1841.
All safety equipment (including fire
extinguishers) must be in working order
and stowed in readily accessible positions,
protected from the sea and weather at
all times.
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.
A surfboard, surf ski or racing shell is exempt
from the safety equipment requirements listed, equipped with a pair of paddles or oars,
however, if using a surfboard, surf ski or similar or other means of auxiliary propulsion.
vessel in protected waters, each occupant
must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).
Waterskiers (or persons being towed in any
other manner) must wear a PFD Type 2 or 3 • all operators and passengers aboard the
at all times when engaged in waterskiing.
31
For canoes, kayaks and similar small,
unpowered boats the safety equipment
carriage requirements are:
• a PFD that complies with one or more of
the appropriate standards for the area
of use (that is: protected, semi-protected,
or unprotected waters) and is worn at all
times
• suitable bailer (unless the hull is
permanently enclosed)
• a waterproof torch or lantern (while the
vessel is being operated during the hours
of darkness).
A sailboard rider or kite surfer must at all
times wear an approved PFD that complies
with the area of use.
For tender vessels, while being used in
conjunction with another vessel, the
requirements are:
• a pair of paddles or oars, or other means
of auxiliary propulsion
• a bucket, bailer or bilge pump/s to drain
each compartment of the boat
• if the vessel is 1500 metres or more from
the shoreline:
– before 1 June 2010, a PFD Type 1, 2 or
3 for each person onboard
– on or after 1 June 2010, a PFD Type 1
for each person onboard.
For surf rescue boats propelled by paddles
or oars, the vessel must be equipped with a
suitable bailer that is attached to the vessel
by a lanyard.
For motorised inflatable surf rescue boats
involved in rescue work within 1500 metres
of the shoreline or patrol work within
1000 metres of the shoreline, the
requirement is that the vessel must be
For Personal Watercraft (PWC) such as jet
skis®, waverunners® and jetboards®, the
requirements are:
PWC must at all times wear a PFD Type 2
32
or 3 that complies with one or more of the
approved standards – a PFD Type 1 is not
suitable for use when onboard a PWC.
Note: From 1 September 2009, the following
vessels may not be operated in unprotected
waters, i.e. beyond two nautical miles
offshore, without the approval of the CEO:
• Personal Watercraft (PWC)
• Canoes, kayaks or other similar small
human powered vessels (other than
rowboats).
Vessels under 8 metres in length
Protected Waters
• one approved PFD Type 1, 2 or 3 for
each person on board
• bucket/s with line attached, or bilge
pump/s sufficient to drain each
compartment of the boat
• an anchor with cable
• if the boat has an engine or cooking
facilities, one fire extinguisher
• one fire bucket (can be the same bucket
as for bailing water if that bucket is
suitable for collecting water for use in
case of a fire of solid combustibles, i.e. it
won’t distort or break)
• if the vessel is being operated between
the hours of sunset and sunrise one
waterproof torch or lantern.
While operating in protected waters a vessel
that is less than six metres in length must be
equipped with all of the above plus one pair
of paddles or oars.
Semi-Protected Waters
• before 1 June 2010, one approved PFD
Type 1 for each person aboard
• on or after 1 June 2010, one approved
PFD Type 1 for each person aboard
• a suitable anchor with cable
• bucket/s with line attached, or bilge
pump/s sufficient to drain each
compartment of the boat
• if the boat has an engine or cooking
facilities, one fire extinguisher
• one fire bucket (can be the same bucket
as for bailing water if that bucket is
suitable for collecting water for use in
case of a fire of solid combustibles,
i.e. it won’t distort or break)
• a waterproof torch or lantern
• on or after 1 June 2010, two handheld
red flares and two hand held orange
smoke signals.
While operating in semi-protected waters a
vessel that is less than 6 metres in length
must be equipped with all of the above plus
one pair of paddles or oars or other means
of auxiliary propulsion.
Unprotected Waters
• one approved PFD Type 1 for each
person onboard
• a suitable anchor with cable
• bucket/s with line attached, or bilge
pump/s sufficient to drain each
compartment of the boat
• if the boat has an engine or cooking
facilities, one fire extinguisher
• one fire bucket (can be the same bucket
as for bailing water if that bucket is
suitable for collecting water for use in
case of a fire of solid combustibles,
i.e. it won’t distort or break)
• a waterproof torch or lantern
• a two-way marine radio – must be capable
of communicating with onshore stations
• two hand held red flares and two hand
held orange smoke signals
• four litres of fresh water
• the boat must be fitted with a liquid
damped magnetic or a gyroscopically
controlled compass.
Note: This requirement is not satisfied by GPS,
satellite navigation systems or similar electronic
devices, nor by a handheld compass.
While operating in unprotected waters a
vessel that is less than six metres in length
must also be equipped with one pair of
paddles or oars or other means of auxiliary
propulsion.

If operating more than five nautical miles
from shore in Gulf of St Vincent or Spencer
Gulf, or more than three nautical miles from
shore in other waters except Lakes
Alexandrina and Albert:
• as above, plus
• one 406 MHz EPIRB (Emergency Position
Indicating Radio 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 vessel will operate.
Note: While auxiliary power is no longer a
legal requirement for boats longer than six
metres, all boat operators are strongly
advised to carry an auxiliary means of
propulsion that is suitable for their boat,
whether paddles or oars or a spare motor.
Vessels 8-15 metres in length
Protected Waters
• one approved PFD Type 1, 2 or 3 for
each person on board
• a suitable anchor with cable
• bucket/s with line attached
• bilge pump/s sufficient to drain each
compartment of the boat
• if the boat has an engine or cooking
facilities, two fire extinguishers
• one fire bucket (can be the same bucket
as for bailing water if that bucket is
suitable for collecting water for use in
case of a fire of solid combustibles,
i.e. it won’t distort or break)
• one life-buoy with line
• if the vessel is being operated between
the hours of sunset and sunrise one torch
or lantern.
Semi-Protected Waters
• before 1 June 2010, one approved PFD
Type 1, 2 or 3 for each person on board
33
• on or after 1 June 2010, one approved
PFD Type 1 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
• bilge pump/s sufficient to drain each
compartment of the boat
• if the boat has an engine or cooking
facilities, two fire extinguishers
• one fire bucket (can be the same bucket
as for bailing water if that bucket is
suitable for collecting water for use in
case of a fire of solid combustibles, i.e. it
won’t distort or break)
• one life-buoy with line
• a waterproof torch or lantern
• on or after 1 June 2010, two hand held
red flares and two hand held orange
smoke signals.
Unprotected Waters
• one PFD Type 1 for each person on board
• two suitable anchors with cables
• two buckets with lines attached
• bilge pump/s sufficient to drain each
compartment of the boat
• if the boat has an engine or cooking
facilities, two fire extinguishers
• one fire bucket (can be the same bucket
as for bailing water if that bucket is
suitable for collecting water for use in
case of a fire of solid combustibles,
i.e. it won’t distort or break)
• one lifebuoy with line
• a waterproof torch or lantern
• a two-way marine radio capable of
communication with onshore stations
• two hand held red flares and two hand
held orange smoke signals
• four litres of fresh water
• the boat must be fitted with a liquid
damped magnetic or a gyroscopically
controlled compass.
34
Note: This requirement is not satisfied by
GPS, satellite navigation systems or similar
electronic devices, nor by a handheld
compass.
If operating more than five nautical miles
from shore in Gulf of St Vincent or Spencer
Gulf, or more than three nautical miles from
shore in other waters except Lakes
Alexandrina and Albert
• as above, plus
– one 406 MHz EPIRB (Emergency
Position Indicating Radio 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.
Full detail of safety equipment requirements
and the standards that apply are in the
Harbors and Navigation Regulations 2009.
Vessels more than 15 metres
in length
All of the safety equipment required for a
vessel 8-15 metres in length in Unprotected
Waters, plus:
• One EPIRB.
• One V distress sheet.
• Two distress rockets with parachutes.
• A map or chart of the waters in which the
boat will operate.
• An additional lifebuoy with line attached.
• A liferaft.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A Personal Flotation Device (PFD), suitable
for the type and area of operation must be
carried on the vessel for every person on
board. In addition, any person water skiing
must be wearing a PFD. A PFD must also
be worn at all times by occupants of
canoes, kayaks, sailboards and similar
small unpowered vessels, when kite surfing
or operating a personal watercraft (PWC).
While it is not a requirement that a
PFD be worn at all times on vessels
(with exception of the type previously
listed) it is recommended that you wear
one when you are boating.
At the very least, you should wear a PFD
on the following occasions:
• when crossing a bar or rip
• at the first sign of bad weather
• in an emergency situation
• between sunset and sunrise or during
restricted visibility
• when operating in unfamiliar waters
• when operating with a following sea
• when boating alone
• when moving around the sides of a vessel
that is not fitted with rails
• if you are not a strong swimmer
• if you are taking medication that may
affect your balance.
It is extremely difficult (and in some
circumstances impossible) to put a PFD on
if you are in the water, so prevent yourself
and your crew from being in this situation
by wearing your PFD.
Safety Equipment Standards
All items of safety equipment must comply
with certain standards to ensure they will do
the jobs required of them. These standards
are outlined below.
All personal flotation devices (PFD) required
to be carried on a vessel must comply with
one or more of the following approved
standards.
35
SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR RECREATIONAL VESSELS
PROTECTED SEMI-PROTECTED UNPROTECTED PROTECTED SEMI-PROTECTED UNPROTECTED
AREA OF OPERATION
Approved PFD PER PERSON
BUCKET & LANYARD OR
BILGE PUMP(S)
FIRE BUCKET
Approved FIRE EXTINGUISHER
(IF MOTOR FITTED OR COOKING
FACILITIES ON BOARD)
PADDLES / OARS (UP TO 6m ONLY)
ANCHOR & CABLE
BUCKET & LANYARD
WATERPROOF AND BUOYANT
at night (sunset
TORCH OR LANTERN
Approved COMPASS
4 LITRES FRESH WATER
Approved FLARES & SMOKE SIGNALS
Approved
ROCKET PARACHUTE FLARES
CHART OF THE AREA OF WATER
EPIRB (Radio Distress Beacon)
“V” SHEET
MARINE RADIO (Capable of
communicating with stations ashore)
LIFEBUOY WITH LINE ^
Where 'Low Water Mark' is mentioned
VESSEL UNDER 8 METRES VESSEL 8 METRES AND OVER in reference to a coast it refers to the
coast of the mainland or Kangaroo
Island only.
WATERS WATERS WATERS WATERS WATERS WATERS √ Compulsory Item.
√ √ • When the vessel is more than 10
√ (PFD Type 1, 2 or 3) √ (PFD Type 1) √ (PFD Type 1, 2 or 3) √ (PFD Type 1) nautical miles seaward of the low
•• •• water mark.
AT LEAST AT LEAST AT LEAST # When the vessel is more than
√ √ √ 1 OF EACH 1 BILGE PUMP 1 BILGE PUMP three nautical miles seaward of
the low water mark, or more than
√Ω √Ω √Ω √Ω √Ω √Ω five nautical miles seaward of the
low water mark in Spencer Gulf or
Gulf of St Vincent. Excludes Lakes
√ √ √ 2 2 2 Albert and Alexandrina.
Ω If a bucket with lanyard is carried
√ or auxiliary propul- √ or auxiliary propul- as a bailer and is suitable for use
√ sion sion as a fire bucket (i.e. it won't distort
or break when collecting water for
√ √ √ √ ++ 2 2 use in case of a fire of solid
combustibles), that bucket can
double as the bailer and fire bucket.
√ 2 2
•• From 1 June 2010, a PFD Type 1,
√ if operating √ if operating as well as two red hand-held flares
√ √ at night (sunset √ √ and two orange smoke signals,
and sunrise) and sunrise) must be carried in Semi-Protected
Waters.
§√ §√
Enough bailers or pumps
must be carried to drain each
√ √ compartment of the vessel.
++ if the vessel is less than 12 metres
•• 2 EACH 2 EACH •• 2 EACH 2 EACH in length one anchor may be
carried as a spare.
• 2 EACH • 2 EACH ^ Vessles that are more than
15 metres in length must carry
•√ •√ an additional lifebuoy with line
and a liferaft.
#√ #√ § A GPS does not meet compass
requirements. An approved
#√ #√ compass must be affixed to the
vessel near the steering position
and either liquid damped
√ √ magnetic or gyroscopically
controlled.
√ √ √ Vessels that are more than
15 metres in length must also
carry an additonal lifebuoy with
line and a liferaft.
36
Note: Australian Standard AS 4758.1
incorporates all of the former Standards
AS 1512, AS 1499, AS 2259 and AS 2260.
For this reason, only the specified section
of AS 4758.1 applies to each of PFD Type 1,
Type 2 and Type 3.
PFD Type 1
Lifejacket
Must comply with
one of the standards
listed below.
AS 1512-1996 (as in force on 1 January
2008)
AS 4758.1 as applied to PFD providing level
100 or level 150 buoyancy (or more)
Appendix R of the Uniform Shipping Laws
Code
European Standard EN399-1993
Lifejackets-275N
European Standard EN396-1993
Lifejackets-150N
European Standard EN395-1993
Lifejackets-100N
ISO 12402-2, 12402-3, or 12402-4
Canadian General Standards Board
CAN/CGSB-65.11-M88 (for adults)
Canadian General Standards Board
CAN/CGSB-65.15-M88 (for children)
Underwriters Laboratories Standards UL1180
New Zealand Standard NZ5823:2001
Type 401
Any other standard or specification that may
be approved by the Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of the Department for Transport,
Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI), once
such approval has been included in the
South Australian Government Gazette.
A personal flotation device that complies
with the requirements of Australian Maritime
Safety Authority Marine Orders Part 25
related to the type of life-jackets required
to be carried on Australian registered ships.
PFD Type 2
Buoyancy Vest
Must comply with
one of the standards
listed below,
AS 4758.1, as applied to PFD providing
level 50 buoyancy
AS1499.1996 (as in force at 1 January 2008)
European Standard EN393-1993
Lifejackets-50N
ISO 12402-5
Any other standard or specification that
may be approved by the CEO of DTEI,
once such approval has been included in
the South Australian Government Gazette.
PFD Type 3
Buoyancy Vest
Must comply with
one of the standards
listed below.
AS 4758.1: Personal flotation devices.
General requirements in relation to a PFD
classified as providing level 50 special
purpose (50S) buoyancy
AS 2260.1996
(as in force on 1 January 2008)

Any other standard or specification that
may be approved by the CEO of DTEI,
once such approval has been included in
the South Australian Government Gazette.
One PFD must be carried for each
person on board.
SOLAS
Lifejacket
(SOLAS – 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 PFD1. Has a
whistle attached for attracting attention.
Recommended for use on larger vessels
operating long distances offshore.
37
Other Safety Equipment Standards
Minimum standards for many items of safety
equipment (e.g. PFDs, Flares and Fire
Extinguishers) are listed under headings
related to those items.
Minimum requirements or standards have
now been applied to many other items of
required safety equipment, and these
requirements or standards are listed here:
• a torch or lantern must be waterproof and
buoyant
• an anchor must be:
– of a kind and size appropriate to the
vessel, regarding to both the size and
the area of operation of the vessel; and
– attached to a length of chain or rope or
both appropriate (in respect of both
length and breaking strain) to the
waters in which the vessel is being
operated
• a compass must be marked with the
cardinal points
• a bilge pump must be:
– of a kind, and with a pumping capacity,
appropriate to the vessel; and
– fitted with a strainer on the suction pipe
with mesh of a suitable size to prevent
choking of the pump
• a bailer must be:
– suitable for bailing water from the
vessel; and
– attached to a lanyard suitable to prevent
loss of the bailer from the boat
• a marine radio must be of a kind
approved by the Australian
Communications Authority
• paddles, oars or other means of auxiliary
propulsion must be of a kind and size
capable of propelling and manoeuvring
the vessel
38
Emergency Position Indicating
Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
An EPIRB is a compact, buoyant,
self-contained radio transmitter designed
for marine use which, when activated,
continuously emits an alert signal for a
minimum of 48 hours.
In a marine emergency, time is often
a critical factor. The quicker an alarm is
raised, the search area identified and a
rescue coordinated, the more likely it is
that those in distress will be safely rescued.
Your initial distress alert should be made
by radio where possible, but an EPIRB
can be activated if you fail to make radio
contact and human life is in imminent danger.
Once activated, a distress beacon transmits
an alert detected by both a series of
satellites that form part of an international
search and rescue system known as
COSPAS-SARSAT, and by overflying aircraft.
EPIRB alerts detected off the South
Australian coastline are received by the
Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s
Rescue Coordination Centre (AMSA’s RCC)
in Canberra and acted upon immediately.
The satellite system can locate a
distress beacon to within a radius of about
5 kilometres for a 406 MHz beacon without
GPS and to within 120 metres with GPS.
Each 406 MHz beacon transmits a unique
code that identifies which beacon has been
activated. This enables the RCC to access
the registration database and find contact
details, details of registered vessels and
details of up to three nominated emergency
contacts who may be contacted if a beacon
is activated and contact cannot be made
with the registered owner.
These emergency contacts may be able to
provide valuable information to the RCC that
can assist with a more expedient rescue.
Details of distress beacon activations in
South Australian waters are passed by the
RCC to South Australia Police to coordinate
a rescue. Specially equipped aircraft and/or
rescue boats are then used to home in on the
beacon’s signal and rescue those in distress.
Vessels Required to Carry an EPIRB
All recreational vessels venturing more
than five nautical miles from the shore in
Gulf St Vincent or Spencer Gulf, or more
than three nautical miles from the shore
in other State waters, except Lakes
Alexandrina and Albert, are required to
carry a 406 MHz EPIRB which complies
with legal requirements.
Legal Requirements for EPIRBs
Your EPIRB must meet AS/NZS 4280.1:2003
406 MHz satellite distress beacons - Marine
emergency position-indicating radio beacons
(EPIRBs).
Some Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)
which meet AS/NZS 4280.2 are being
marketed as EPIRBs, however these
beacons are not designed for marine use
and do not meet the legal requirements.
Your beacon must be capable of
transmitting on the 406 MHz frequency.
Previously, beacons could transmit on
a 121.5 MHz frequency, however from
1 February 2009, this frequency will
no longer be monitored by satellites and
will not automatically instigate a rescue.
All 406 MHz beacons must be registered
with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority
(AMSA) and have the registration sticker
displayed on the beacon.
Beacon registration is free and can be done
online or in writing via mail, fax or email
using AMSA’s registration form. For more
information, visit www.beacons.amsa.gov.au
or call 1800 406 406 during business hours.
Beacons must be maintained in good
working order (including having a battery
that is not past its expiry date) and be
suitably located and secured on the vessel
to protect it from accidental damage or loss,
but positioned so that it is accessible in an
emergency.
 39

How and when to use a distress beacon

Satelite compatible radio distress beacons (EPIRBs) have significantly improved SAR
operations but they are not a substitute for carrying appropriate marine communications:
– your initial distress alert should be made by radio if possible.
– switch on your beacon if radio contact cannot be made or is lost; or when told to do so
by a rescue authority.
– once switched on, leave the beacon on until rescued or until told to turn it off by rescue
authorities.
Activation - read the instructions on the beacon before you need to use it.
False Activation - to prevent unnecessary search and rescue action switch the beacon
off and call AusSAR immediately on 1800 641 792.
If offshore - advise AusSAR through coast station or by relay through another vessel

THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR REPORTING INADVERTENT ACTIVATIONS.

Response - Once you switch on your beacon, it’s signal will usually be detected within
hours. Resources needed to rescue you then have to be coordinated and this can take
time.
Be prepared - carry water and appropriate survival gear.
Servicing - Test your beacon regularly and check the battery. If close to or past the expiry
date - have batteries changed or dispose of the beacon responsibly and replace with a
new unit.
Never rely solely on any single safety or navigation system. Always carry
appropriate charts and safety equipment, be aware of changing weather and operate within
the limits of your own capability and that of your vessel.

Further Information

Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC)

24 Hour emergency contact:
1800 641 792

General inquiries:
Phone: (02) 6279 5743
Fax: (02) 6279 5757
email: aus_beacon_query@amsa.gov.au

www.amsa.gov.au
40
Activating an EPIRB
Most EPIRBs will have instructions printed
on them and you should be familiar with
those instructions in case you are
unfortunate enough to need it.
This device is designed to work best while
floating in the water. Should you need to
activate your EPIRB:
• take the device from its cradle
• raise the antenna
• activate the switch
• unravel the lanyard (cord) from the device
and attach to the vessel, liferaft or your
PFD and
• throw the device into the water.
It should be attached to the vessel, liferaft
or your PFD and allowed to drift away from
you to let it work as it is designed to do.
An EPIRB should only be activated in
situations where human life is in grave
and imminent danger, and only after all
other means of indicating distress, such
as flares and radio, have been attempted.
You should keep a flare(s) available to aid
searching boats/aircraft after an EPIRB is
activated.
EPIRBs should be tested regularly
in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. The expiry date should be
checked as part of your trip preparation
each time you take your vessel out for
the day.
If an EPIRB is Accidentally Activated
Switch off the beacon and notify
RCC-Australia as soon as possible by
calling 1800 641 792 to ensure a search
and rescue operation is not commenced.
There is no penalty for inadvertent
activations.
Disposing of 121.5MHz Beacons
Unwanted beacons can be disposed of at
no cost by placing them in collection bins in
any of the Battery World stores around
Australia. Check www.batteryworld.com.au
for locations.
Volunteer Marine Rescue Squadrons
around the state are also acting as
collection points for unwanted beacons.
SA Sea Rescue Squadron Radio Room,
Barcoo Road, West Beach. 7am to 6pm daily.
Australian Volunteer Coast Guard,
Southern Myth Drive, North Haven.
7am to 6pm weekends and public holidays.
Whyalla Sea Rescue, Foreshore, Whyalla.
8am to 4pm daily.
For details of other squadrons, please visit
the SA Volunteer Marine Rescue page at
www.ses.sa.gov.au. Please contact the
squadron prior to dropping off your beacon
to make sure that there will be someone
available to receive it.
Beacons must not be left at an unattended
squadron.
Distress Flares
Recreational vessels are required to carry
two handheld red flares, and two handheld
orange smoke flares, of an approved
type when operating in unprotected
waters (i.e. more than two nautical miles
from the shore).
If operating more than 10 nautical miles
from the shore two distress rockets with
parachutes (rocket flares) must also be
carried. These must be approved to the
Australian Standard AS2092. They are
essential for showing your location to a
search vessel.
Distress flares have a life of three years –
you must ensure the flares are current
and obtain new ones if their use-by
dates which are stamped on the flare
are reached.
Orange smoke flares, which can be seen
for up to 4km (10km by aircraft) should be
used in daylight to pinpoint your position.
 41

Red flares, which have a visibility range of Three Types of Flares

10km, are designed for use at night but can
also be seen during the day. 1 PARACHUTE (Rocket Flare - Red)
Always delay using flares until you can see Capable of reaching a height of 300 metres
an aircraft, or until people on shore or in and can be seen for up to 40 kilometres at
other boats are in visual range. night and 15 kilometres by day.
Keep flares away from fuel and combustibles.
As the contents of flares attract moisture,
make sure you store them in an accessible,
but dry place.
Be prepared – ensure everyone on board
your vessel knows where the flares are
stored and how to use them.
Ensure that you carefully follow the
Operation: A Operation: B
activation instructions of all flares.
Remove caps at each Firing lever will drop
In speed boats, endeavour to stow flares end and safety pin. down. Press firing lever
where they won’t receive too much pounding against cylinder to fire.
in rough conditions. You should be able to
ignite the correct flare in total darkness. 2 RED HAND FLARE
It is an offence to misuse flares and Can be seen up to 10 kilometres away.
penalties apply.

Expired Flares
Approved flares have expiry dates clearly
marked. Expired flares should be disposed
of at a police station.

Using Flares
Make yourself familiar with their operation.
While you can’t let one off just to see Operation: A Operation: B
how it works, some rescue organisations Remove cap both ends Once flare is ignited –
arrange authorised demonstrations of – bottom cap is a hold away from you
striker. Hold flare at and as high as
how to use flares. base and use striker to possible until finished.
How do you know which is the right flare to ignite flare at top end.
use in total darkness? The plastic end cap
(red) for the red flare has a raised “+”, to
enable easy identification in the dark, while
the end cap (orange) for the orange flare
has a raised “O”.
Misuse of distress signals (EPIRBs, flares
and the like) is an offence.
42
3 ORANGE SMOKE FLARE
Visible up to 4 kilometres away.
Daytime use only.
Operation: A Operation: B
Remove cap both ends Once flare is ignited –
– bottom cap is a hold away from you
striker. Hold flare at and as high as
base and use striker to possible until finished.
ignite flare at top end.
Note:
Flares can cause injury if misused.
Look after them and they will
serve you if needed.
Different brands have alternative
methods of firing, ensure you are
familiar with how your flare is fired.
Marine Radio
The ocean can be a frightening and lonely
place, especially if you are in trouble. Unlike
other forms of radio communication, a
marine radio transceiver is specially designed
for the marine environment. It enables you
to monitor distress frequencies and make
contact with other vessels in your vicinity
that may be able to offer assistance. It also
enables contact with shore-based stations
who can coordinate a rescue.
A marine radio can also keep you
up-to-date with radio weather information.
You must know how to use the radio and
maintain it in working order to meet legal
requirements.
Two-way radio equipment
If you are operating a vessel in unprotected
waters, a two-way marine radio capable of
communication with stations ashore is
required. There are three types that you
may install in your boat:
• 27 MHz marine (commonly called
27 “meg”) transceiver;
• VHF marine transceiver;
• MF/HF marine transceiver.
27 MHz and VHF marine transceivers
are relatively inexpensive and provide
short-range communications. If you take
your vessel 15 nautical miles or more from
shore, you may need to install an HF*
marine transceiver to have the
communication range you require.
*Note: An interim HF marine radio distress
and safety communications system was
established in July 2002. It is intended that
a long-term integrated, nationally uniform
coastal waters communications arrangement
be developed and the current interim
system upgraded when the specifications
have been approved.
It is recommended, however, that when
purchasing a new radio you select a radio
that has Digital Selective Calling (DSC) or is
International Marine Satelite Organization
(Inmarsat) compatable.
Information regarding the HF radio
communications system is available from
the National Marine Safety Committee
(NMSC) web site at www.nmsc.gov.au or
the Australian Maritime Safety Authority
(AMSA) website at amsa.gov.au
Licensing and Operator Certificates
If you have an MF/HF radio, the marine
radio transceiver must be covered by a
current apparatus licence. You should
contact the Australian Communications and
Media Authority (ACMA) on 1300 850 115
or the website at www.acma.gov.au
27 MHz and VHF marine radio transceivers
no longer require an apparatus licence,
however you must comply with the
Radio Communications Act.

If you are operating VHF, MF/HF or other
marine transceivers, a person on board
must hold a Certificate of Proficiency.
You may obtain more information about the
Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency from
the Office of Maritime Communications,
Australian Maritime College (telephone
1300 365 262 or visit the website at
www.amcom.amc.edu.au).
The Marine Radio Operators Handbook,
available from the Australian Maritime
College (AMC) or other service providers
listed on the AMC web site, provides
information on the correct operating
procedures, maintenance of equipment and
how to deal with minor faults while at sea.
Basic information on HF marine radio
Distress, Safety and Weather services,
including undertaking vessel radio checks
(test transmissions) is covered in the
HF marine radio brochure available from
any Service SA Customer Service Centre.
Refer to page 100 for details.
See also the South Australian Government
website www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine
Operating Procedures
In a boating emergency, unless correct
radio procedures are followed, things can
become chaotic. It is important that you
know how to effectively call for help and to
recognise when another boat is calling for
assistance. Standard radio procedures have
been established and are used by vessels
of all nationalities.
If your vessel is fitted with marine radio
equipment then you should carry a copy
of the Marine Radio Operators Handbook.
This handbook is available for a small
charge. To obtain a copy from the Australian
Maritime College telephone 1300 365 262
or other locations listed on the website
www.amcom.amc.edu.au
Use of standard procedures described
in the handbook avoids confusion and
shortens transmitting time. Unnecessary
43
use and chatter on marine radio
frequencies can mask an incoming call for
help, and one day that may be your call.
When reception is doubtful or conditions
difficult, spell out the words and figures
using the recommended phonetic alphabet
and figure code when transmitting a
message. Always end the exchange
of communications with the word “OUT”.
Your two-way radio is your communication
lifeline so it is important to remember:
• do not transmit unnecessarily
• listen before transmitting and avoid
interfering with other stations.
Commence your call on the calling and
distress channels:
27 MHz – 27.880 (Ch. 88), VHF channel 16
or HF frequencies 2182, 4125, 6215 and
8291 kHz. (note; only Coast Radio Adelaide
monitors frequency 2182).
For distress messages, maintain best
contact and be guided by the coast or
limited coast station.
For non-distress messages, arrange to
switch to a working channel once you have
contacted whom you have called.
Always use your call sign or the name of the
vessel for identification – use of given names
or surnames is not permitted.
Keep messages brief and clear, non essential
remarks, bad language and unnecessary
conversations should be avoided.
If making a distress call, it is important that
you give your position, the nature of the
distress, the time afloat, the type of vessel
and the number of people involved.
Stop transmitting when requested to do so
by a coast station.
If using 27 MHz, return to 27.880
(channel 88) when you have completed
your call. For VHF radio return to channel 16.
The distress call and message may be
repeated as often as necessary, especially
during silence periods, until an answer is
received.
44

www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine

www.sa.gov
.au/boatingm
arine

www.sa.go
v.au/boatingm
arine
 45

If no answer is received on distress grave and imminent danger and requests

frequencies, the message should be repeated
on any other available frequency where
attention might be attracted.
It is an offence to use a transmitter in a manner to situations where immediate assistance is
that is likely to cause a reasonable person
to be seriously alarmed or affronted, or for
the purpose of harassing another person.
Silence Periods
International regulations no longer require
silence periods to be observed on the
Distress Calling frequencies.
However, to increase the safety of life at
sea in Australia, two three-minute periods
of radiotelephony silence should be
observed in each hour.
Radiotelephony silence periods start on
the hour and continue to three minutes
past the hour, and on the half hour until
33 minutes past the hour. 1:00 – 1:03, 1:30
– 1:33, 2:00 – 2:03, 2:30 – 2:33 and so forth.
With the exception of Distress Calls and
messages, all transmissions from all
stations should cease during these periods.
The Distress Signal
The Distress signal consists of the word
“MAYDAY”. The signal indicates that the
vessel or person using it is threatened by
immediate assistance.
The distress signal must not be used under
any other circumstances. It does not extend
sort on behalf of a person, for example, a
medical emergency. The Urgency Signal
should be used in these situations.
Misuse of the distress signal could result
in attention being diverted away from a
situation which really requires immediate
assistance.
Mayday Relay
If you hear a distress (Mayday) call and a
coast station does not answer, render
assistance where reasonable or attempt
to relay the message.
The Distress Call
The distress call consists of:
• the distress signal MAYDAY, spoken
three times
• the words THIS IS (or DE spoken as
Delta Echo in case of language
difficulties)
• the name and call sign of the vessel in
distress, spoken three times.

Example of a complete distress call Position 50 NAUTICAL MILES

and message: DUE EAST POINT
The radiotelephony If facility fitted then DANGER
alarm signal the following spoken Nature of distress SINKING RAPIDLY
message: AFTER STRIKING
Distress call SUBMERGED OBJECT.
Distress signal (x3) MAYDAY MAYDAY ESTIMATE FURTHER
MAYDAY 15 MINUTES AFLOAT
Words “this is” THIS IS Other information TWENTY METRE
Station calling (x3) SCAMP VL2345 MOTOR CRUISER
SCAMP VL2345 RED HULL WHITE
SCAMP VL2345 SUPERSTRUCTURE
Distress message FOUR PERSONS ON
Distress signal MAYDAY BOARD EPIRB
Name/call sign SCAMP VL2345 ACTIVATED
46
The Distress Message
The distress message consists of:
• the distress signal MAYDAY
• the name and call sign of the vessel
in distress
• particulars of its position
• the nature of the distress and the kind
of assistance desired
• any other information which may facilitate
rescue.
The Urgency Signal
The urgency signal consists of the words
PAN PAN. It has priority over all other
communications except those concerned
with distress.
Use of the urgency signal indicates that the
station sending it has a very urgent
message to transmit concerning the safety
of the vessel or person.
The urgency signal may only be sent on the
authority of the master or skipper, or person
responsible for the safety of the vessel.
All stations which hear an emergency signal
must take care not to interfere with the
message that follows.
The urgency signal and message are
normally sent on one or more of the distress
frequencies. However, transmission of the
message following the urgency signal
should be transferred to a working
frequency or channel if:
• it is lengthy or it concerns an urgent
medical case; or
Example of an urgency call and
message sent by a ship station:
Urgency Call
Urgency PAN PAN
signal (x3) PAN PAN
PAN PAN
Station HELLO ALL STATIONS
called (x3) HELLO ALL STATIONS
HELLO ALL STATIONS
Words “this is” THIS IS
• after the initial broadcast on the distress
frenquency/ies it needs to be frequently
repeated (this generally applies only to
maritime communication stations).
Urgency messages may be addressed
to all stations or to a particular station.
If addressed to all stations, the originating
station must cancel the message when
the action is no longer necessary.
The Safety Signal
The safety signal consists of the word
SECURITE, pronounced SAY-CURE-E-TAY.
It indicates that the station using it is about
to transmit a message concerning an
important navigational or weather warning.
It should not be used to precede routine
weather forecasts. Ship stations hearing the
safety signal should continue to listen until
they are satisfied that it does not concern
them.They must not make any transmission
that is likely to interfere with the message.
The safety signal and a call to all stations
should normally be made on a distress
frequency. However, the safety message
which follows should be made on a working
frequency or channel.
Mobile Telephones
A mobile telephone while useful, is not a
substitute for a marine radio. If you intend
operating a recreational vessel fitted with
an engine in Unprotected Waters, you must
have a marine radio aboard in working
order and know how to operate it.
Station HAWK VL2345
calling (x3) HAWK VL2345
HAWK VL2345
Urgency 30 NAUTICAL MILES
Message DUE WEST OF CAPE
BORA LOST PROPELLER
ESTIMATE DRIFTING
SOUTHWEST AT
3 KNOTS REQUIRE
TOW URGENTLY.

Example of safety call and message
transmitted by a ship station:
Safety Call
Safety signal (x3) SAY-CURE-E-TAY
SAY-CURE-E-TAY
SAY-CURE-E-TAY
Station called (x3) HELLO ALL STATIONS
HELLO ALL STATIONS
HELLO ALL STATIONS
Words “this is” THIS IS
Station calling (x3) SEAFOX VL9876
SEAFOX VL9876
SEAFOX VL9876
Change of
frequency NAVIGATIONAL
WARNING LIST EN
ON 2524
Anchors
An anchor is an important item of
equipment. When at anchor, attention is
required to ensure the safety of the craft
as changes in wind and sea conditions
can affect the holding power of the anchor.
Anchors or ground tackle should be fitted
with chain or wire of a length equal to the
length of the craft to resist wear and provide
an ideal curved weight necessary for
efficient anchor performance. Often larger
vessel owners prefer a line or cable entirely
of chain, as it greatly increases the holding
power and acts as a shock absorber.
The end of the anchor rope retained on
the craft, should always be secured before
deploying. Attention should be paid to the
prevention of chafe to the line or cable at
the deck lead.
Anchor shackles and pins should be
properly maintained and tied with wire or
cable tie or otherwise secured to prevent
them from coming undone with the motion
of the riding anchor.
Synthetic anchor ropes should be stowed
out of direct sunlight when not in use.
An anchor should be stowed and lashed
securely when not in use.
47
Ship station changes to working
frequency and calls again
Repeat safety call
Safety signal (x3) SAY-CURE-E-TAY
SAY-CURE-E-TAY
SAY-CURE-E-TAY
Station called (x1) HELLO ALL STATIONS
Words “this is” THIS IS
Station calling (x1) SEAFOX VL9876
Safety message POSITION 030
DEGREES 12 NAUTICAL
MILES FROM CAPE
ARNHEM SHIPPING
CONTAINER FLOATING
JUST BELOW SURFACE
DANGER TO
NAVIGATION.
Types of Anchors
There are various types of anchors suitable
for different circumstances including:
Danforth
This type of anchor is most commonly
used and recommended for small craft.
The Danforth is a small light anchor that has
excellent holding power and can be handled
easily in a small vessel.
Coral quick release (CQR) or Plough
This type of anchor can be used in small
craft, however it is more suitable for larger
and heavier vessels. Both the Danforth and
the CQR or Plough anchors have good
holding power, so if used on a reef they
may get caught.
Grapnel
Grapnels with flexible prongs can be used
when anchoring on reefs. The flexible
prongs will straighten and release when
sufficient pull is applied. This type of anchor
is not an approved type in several states
hence can only be carried in addition to an
approved type.
Sea Anchor or Drogue
If you plan to go boating offshore, then a sea
anchor can be a valuable piece of equipment.
48
Sea anchors, when set, will slow your drift
and keep the bow of your boat into the wind
and the waves. This provides comfortable
conditions when drifting in choppy seas.
This type of anchor is not an approved type
in several states hence can only be carried
in addition to an approved type.
Sacra
(Sand and rock combination anchor)
This type of anchor offers a superb holding
power on a variety of bottom types including
mud, sand, gravel and rock, eliminating the
need to carry two or more anchors to do the
same job.
If anchoring your vessel on the waters of
the River Murray be aware of the risk of
snags. It is suggested that you use a
grapnel type of anchor.
Anchor lines
Anchor lines are important. Don’t use an
anchor line that floats – such as a
polypropylene line. It does not help the
anchor to dig in and is also prone to being
cut off by other boats’ propellers. Nylon and
silver rope are both suitable material for
strength and stretching ability plus being
more resistant to abrasion. Silver rope has
less tensile strength,
Anchor chain
Between the anchor line and the anchor,
insert a length of chain. If your rope is nylon
the chain should be at least two metres long
and at least three metres long for other ropes.
The purpose of the chain is to keep the
stock or shank of the anchor down as near
as possible to parallel to the sea bottom.
The anchor flukes can then gain maximum
penetration into the seabed. The chain
also prevents the anchor line chafing on
the bottom.
Anchor placement
Always lay your anchor out: don’t pick a
bundle of anchor chain and line and throw
it over hoping it will untangle. Let it touch
bottom and let the vessel drift away until
sufficient line is out.
The scope
Scope means the ratio of the length of
anchor line let out to the depth of water
in the place you are anchoring.
It is essential that you use the proper
length of anchor line to hold the vessel
in all conditions. To calculate how much
line to let out, allow for a ratio of 3 to 1.
If conditions are extreme increase the ratio
to 5 to 1. The flatter the pull on the anchor,
then the better it will hold.
Where to anchor
Other than your favourite fishing spot, the
place to anchor is where you gain most
protection from the elements. You should be
aware of the type of sea bottom where you
are going to drop your anchor so the most
appropriate type is used. If you have the
wrong type of anchor for the sea bottom
below your boat, you may not retrieve a
snagged anchor unless it is specially rigged.
You may also need to consider a second
anchor forward and spread apart so the
boat forms the bottom of a ‘V’. This gives
better holding power in adverse conditions.
When you wish to be held in a specific
location in calmer conditions, perhaps while
diving, a stern anchor can be used.
How to anchor
When you have selected the spot you
wish to be at anchor, you should have some
idea of the depth of water, move forward
into the wind, stop, then drop the anchor
and drift back to your selected location. At
the same time deploy a suitable length of
line (see The Scope) and tie off the line to a
forward bollard. The length of line can be
adjusted as conditions dictate.
If setting more than one anchor (not an easy
task for one person) have crew assist in
playing the lines so they are not picked up
by the prop as you locate the place for the

second anchor, then adjust the lines so the
vessel is riding safely.
If anchoring at night, ensure your vessel is
displaying the prescribed lighting. Refer to
the section on ‘Navigation Lights’ for details.
Do not anchor in marked channels.
Charts and Maps
Vessels intending to operate more than
10 nautical miles from shore must carry a
map or chart of the waters in which they
will operate – the chart or map must
be suitable for navigation purposes.
The experienced skipper will be able to use
the map or chart to assist them in plotting
a course to their destination, to identify their
current location, the depth of water, hidden
reefs and sand bars, islands and other
navigation features. It will also provide
details such as the beacons and navigation
markers to harbour entrances.
It is important that you are able to read
a chart if you intend to travel more than
10 nautical miles off shore.
Fire Extinguishers
It is a legal requirement to carry a fire
extinguisher on a recreational vessel fitted
with an engine or the vessel includes facilities
for cooking. Refer to page 30 for details.
A fire extinguisher required to be carried on
a vessel must comply with the applicable
part of AS 1841, must be at least the
minimum size in that standard for the
49
vessel, (as outlined below) and must be
maintained in accordance with AS 1851.
The minimum approved sizes of fire
extinguishers are:
• For a vessel carrying not more than
115 litres of flammable liquid – 0.9 kilograms
• For a vessel carrying more than 115 litres
but not more than 350 litres of flammable
liquid – 2.0 kilograms
• For a vessel carrying more than 350 litres
but not more than 695 litres of flammable
liquid – 4.5 kilograms
• For a vessel carrying more than 695 litres
of flammable liquid – 9.0 kilograms.
The hand-held Dry Chemical Powder (DCP)
fire extinguisher is generally regarded as
the best all-purpose fire extinguisher for
recreational boats (red with a white band).
These extinguishers can be used to combat
all types of fire likely to be encountered on
board recreational vessels.
Ideally they should be readily accessible
and mounted near possible sources of
fire such as the galley, engine compartment
and fuel storage areas etc.
It is recommended that Dry Chemical
Powder fire extinguishers be stowed
horizontally. This will stop the powder
packing down and make the powder easier
to dislodge for effective use.
An Australian Standard approved DCP fire
extinguisher features a pressure gauge that
indicates its state of charge.
50
Always ensure that your fire extinguisher
is fully charged. Regularly remove the
extinguisher from its bracket and shake to
avoid possible compaction of the powder.
In addition, ensure that your fire extinguisher
is inspected every 12 months by an
authorised inspection agent (firefighting
authority or manufacturer’s agent) to maintain
your fire extinguisher at a maximum state of
efficiency – your life could depend on it.
It is recommended that:
• vessels up to 5m in length have one DCP
fire extinguisher of nominal mass 1kg
• vessels between 5m–8m have one DCP
fire extinguisher of nominal mass 2 kg
• vessels greater than 8m have two DCP fire
extinguishers of nominal mass 2 kg.
The above are minimum recommendations.
For legal requirements refer to page 30.
When determining the number, size and
type of fire extinguishers consideration,
should also be given to the size of the vessel,
number of compartments, machinery and
flammable materials on board the vessel.
Chart reproduced by permission of Fire Protection Association Australia – www.fpaa.com.au
Local Knowledge
In addition to complying with the
appropriate South Australian boating
legislation and requirements, it is important
to find out location specific requirements.
There are many areas in South Australia
that have speed restrictions or vessel
restrictions. Details of these restricted
areas are provided in the Harbors and
Navigation Regulations 2009.
Several seaside Councils also have by-laws
that apply to speed limits on the foreshore
or launching of vessels within their
jurisdiction. Before deciding to launch your
vessel from a boat ramp in their area it is
recommended that you check with the
Council regarding any local restrictions.
Knowledge of location of boat ramps and
their suitability for launching and retrieval
of vessels during rough weather or low tide
is also handy. The Tide Tables of South
Australian Ports book provides details of the
location of the boat ramps in South Australia
and rates the ramps road access, launching

conditions, parking, shelter and other
relevant comments. The Tide Tables
for South Australian Ports book is available
from any Service SA Customer Service
Centre, most boat dealers, fish and tackle
shops and other outlets.
If boating interstate, you are required to
adhere to the safety and operating rules
and regulations imposed by that State.
Weather and Conditions
Even with the most up-to-date equipment
and an experienced operator, it is the
weather that will determine if a day’s outing
is safe and enjoyable, or unpleasant and
dangerous. The importance of being
informed about likely weather conditions
cannot be overstated. Before embarking on
any boating expedition, it is important to be
aware of the weather and sea conditions
you are likely to encounter.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has
some potentially life saving advice for the
thousands of boating enthusiasts who
venture into South Australian coastal waters:
“keep an eye and ear on the weather and if
in doubt, don’t go out”.
HF Radio
The BOM broadcasts marine weather
information, warnings and coastal reports
via its own network of HF radio transmitters.
This network comprises transmitters at
Charleville in Queensland (call sign VMC)
and Wiluna in Western Australia (call sign
VMW). Both stations cover central regions
of Australia, with Charleville’s cover
extending eastward and Wiluna’s extending
westward. South Australia therefore receives
weather information from both at different
broadcast times.
51
Charleville broadcasts for SA - VMC
Warnings: every hour from 0030 CST
Forecasts: at 0200, 0600, 1000, 1400,
1800, 2200 CST
Broadcast frequencies (kHz)
Daytime (7am – 6pm EST):
4426 & 16546
Night (6pm-7am EST): 2201 & 6507
Anytime: 8176 & 12365
Wiluna broadcasts for SA - VMW
Warnings: every hour from 0030 CST
Forecasts: at 0300, 0700, 1100, 1500,
1900, 2300 CST
Broadcast frequencies (kHz)
Daytime (7am-6pm WST):
4149 &16528
Night (6pm-7am WST): 2056 & 6230
Anytime: 8113 & 12362
VHF Radio
Weather forecasts for South Australian
Waters are issued daily by the Australian
Volunteer Coastguard.
Weather by Fax & Weathercall
The latest weather information for SA
Coastal Waters is also available 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week via the BOM’s
Weathercall and Weather by Fax Services.
Weather maps
Learn how to read a weather map.
After checking the latest weather forecast,
interpret the forecast in terms of your
weather map. Remember that weather
maps published in morning newspapers
often show charts based on a situation at
noon the previous day.
Bureau of Meteorology Website
For further information on BOM services,
including the radio fax service, visit:
www.bom.gov.au/marine or
www.bom.gov.au/weather/sa/
52
Need Assistance?
For any assistance in interpreting weather
maps or any other marine weather services,
please contact your nearest BOM office:
Adelaide: (08) 8366 2600
Ceduna: (08) 8625 2048
Mount Gambier: (08) 8725 5533
General Tips
Know the local factors that influence sea
conditions and where to shelter if conditions
deteriorate.
Know what conditions exceed your vessel’s
safety limit.
Keep your eye on the sky and the state
of the sea. Wind shifts, increases in swell,
or cloud build up, may be forerunners of
bad weather.
If the forecast wind speed is 15 knots or
more and sea conditions are expected to
be more than a metre, operators of smaller
vessels should consider postponing a trip
until conditions improve.
To maximise your safety: regularly check
the latest marine radio forecast.
Be flexible and change your plans if necessary.
If the weather starts to look bad or doubtful,
head for shore.
Potential Hazards and Conditions
Weather
If it’s going to blow, don’t go is a handy
motto. Check the weather forecasts, which
are regularly updated and give warnings of
strong winds and gales.
Sudden squalls are not easy to predict in
South Australia, so keep a sharp lookout
and regularly check the horizon for telltale
clouds or whitecap waves.
Head for the shore or the protected side of an
island only if you are close. If possible, head
into the wind and waves at a steady speed.
Squalls usually last only for a short period
and commonly precede a change in
wind direction, usually blowing at twice
the strength of the wind that will follow.
It is often best to ride them out, keeping
your bow into the wind and maintaining a
speed sufficient to give you steering.
Don’t let the vessel drift side on to the
wind and waves as it may take on water
or capsize.
Without power or anchor, drag a sea
anchor from the bow to keep the boat
pointing towards the waves. A sturdy bucket
or oar on a rope may make an adequate
sea anchor.
If you do capsize, it is best to stay with the
boat until help arrives because your boat
will be more visible than an individual in the
water. It is extremely difficult to put on a PFD
once you are in the water so remember to
put it on at the first sign of bad weather.
Wind
Wind blows roughly parallel to lines (isobars)
on the weather map, clockwise around
LOWS and anticlockwise around HIGHS.
The closer together the isobars, the stronger
the wind. Hills and valleys can also funnel
winds, causing stronger and gustier winds
and producing localised shifts in direction.
This effect often occurs on inland waterways
that are surrounded by hills.
Cold fronts normally produce strong,
gusty wind changes that are not always
accompanied by thickening cloud and rain.
During summer in particular, southerly
changes can be cloud-free but still produce
dangerous squalls and sudden wind shifts.
Squalls and sudden wind shifts can also
occur with showers and thunderstorms.
The Bureau of Meteorology issues:
• Strong Wind Warnings when the average
wind speed is expected to be 25 to 33 knots.
• Gale Warnings for 34 to 47 knots.
• Storm Warnings for wind speeds of
48 knots or more when wind gusts up to
40 per cent above the mean speed are
expected.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s forecasts
are written to describe the typical weather
expected to occur in the forecast period.
This means that the forecast rarely
describes the wind or waves occurring
in all places or for the whole of the time.
The forecast also attempts to describe
any severe or dangerous weather expected
in the period.
For example, the forecast for a day may
indicate westerly winds at 10-15 knots,
but lighter winds can often occur from
different directions in the lee of the land,
especially in the morning before this wind
becomes established. Alternatively, the
forecast might refer to ‘possible squalls
with thunderstorms’.
If stranded on the water – stay with
your boat.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COASTAL WATERS DIVISIONS
53
Waves
Waves larger than the boat was designed
to handle are a major cause of accidents
and drownings, on both inland and coastal
waters.
Waves are created by wind passing over
water surfaces – the stronger the wind and
the longer the ‘fetch’ (length of water over
which the wind blows), the bigger the waves
become. Waves develop very quickly when
the wind starts to blow over water. These are
called ’sea waves’.
If the wind blows for a long time over the
same area ‘swell waves’ are formed. Swell
waves often have enough energy to travel
thousands of kilometres from their origin
until they break on the shore.
Sea and swell waves can occur at the
same time, often coming from different
directions. The sea wave is pushed by the
wind at the time, whereas the swell waves
may have been set in motion two or three
54
days before by very distant winds, or by
the predominant currents.
The wave forecast makes reference to
what is known as the significant wave
height. The significant wave height is the
average height of the highest 33% of waves,
and most waves will be smaller than this.
However, maximum wave heights can be up
to twice that of significant wave height.
Moreover, the forecast waves will only occur
where the fetch is the longest.
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are another serious hazard
for boats.
Cumulonimbus or thunderstorm clouds (see
diagram) produce strong, gusty winds, which
blow out from the front of the storm.
If you see this type of cloud, you should
watch which way it is moving – clouds often
move in different directions from the wind
at the surface.
If it looks like it will pass over or within a few
kilometres of you, head for shore!
Safety hints
• Know the local factors that influence sea
conditions and know where to reach
shelter quickly.
• Learn how to read the weather map.
• Be aware that the weather map in the
morning newspaper was drawn the day
before.
• Always check the latest forecast and
warnings before going to sea and know
what conditions exceed your safety limits.
• Beware of rapidly darkening and lowering
cloud – squalls may be imminent.
• When at sea, listen to the weather reports
on public or marine radio.
• Be flexible – change your plans if
necessary.
Crossing Ocean bars
What is a bar?
A bar is an accumulation of sand or silt at
the entrance of a river, creek, lake or
harbour.
Why are bars dangerous?
Conditions prevailing on a bar can cause
steep and often breaking seas. For this
reason it is important to take a number
of precautions and manoeuvre the vessel
with extreme caution.
Crossing a bar is a job for an experienced
vessel handler.
Exercise extreme caution
Conditions on a bar change quickly and
without warning. The skipper’s experience
and vessel type should be taken into
account when a bar crossing is considered.
No amount of experience or boat type
makes crossing a bar safe when the
conditions are marginal or adverse.
No situation warrants taking the risk.
If In Doubt Don’t Go Out. Once started,
you are committed to crossing the bar.
Local knowledge
All sand bars are different. You need to
learn about each bar from local commercial
vessel operators, maritime authorities,
volunteer rescue groups or the water police.
Immediately prior to crossing a bar always
contact the local authority for an update
on conditions at the bar.
Assess conditions
Vessel operators must assess conditions
on a bar and be aware that a rapid change
in conditions might prevent a safe return.
55
56
Vessels unable to weather adverse sea
conditions outside the bar should not leave
port. Ensure that you have adequate reserve
fuel and provisions, should you need to
remain at sea longer than intended, or need
to divert to another port should adverse bar
conditions prevail on your return. Obtain
a weather report for the time of crossing
the bar and a weather forecast of conditions
expected on your return. Do not venture out
to sea if you are in any doubt of your ability
to return.
Be aware
• All bars have areas of broken waters
containing air. These areas can severely
reduce the stability and handling of a
vessel.
• More dangerous sea conditions often
occur over a bar during run-out tide.
• Night crossings are more hazardous.
• Vessels attempting to cross a bar at
or near low water are more likely to
experience adverse conditions.
• Liquids and loose objects ‘sloshing’
from side-to-side may reduce the stability
of the vessel. Example: eskies, fish bins
and water on deck.
Preparing to cross a bar
• Obtain up-to-date tide and weather
information.
• It is always preferable to cross on an
incoming tide.
• Stay at a safe distance until a report on
the prevailing bar conditions has been
obtained.
• Ensure that all deck openings, hatches
and doors are securely battened down
or closed.
• All loose gear must be secured.
• Ensure that all persons are wearing an
approved PFD.
• All persons should stay clear of spaces
on decks exposed to the sea and waves.
• Keep everyone seated and still.
• Ensure all life saving equipment is
accessible and ready for immediate use.
• If possible, trim the vessel slightly by the
stern.
• Before approaching the bar, test the
engines “ahead” and “astern”. Ensure
ample fuel is in the fuel tank for the
engines to draw from.
IF IN DOUBT DON’T GO OUT.
If already at sea and in doubt – stay out.
Ultimately it is the vessel operator’s
responsibility to determine whether or not
to cross a bar.
Crossing a bar
• While approaching the bar keep a close
lookout for depth of water, smallest
waves, where the breakers are, etc.
• Check where other vessels are crossing
the bar. This will be the likely spot where
you too will cross the bar.
• Monitor the prevailing wind direction and
force:
– wave pattern timing, ie looking for sets
– course to follow
– bar traffic
– alternate routes.
• Ensure that any preceding vessel is well
clear of the bar before attempting to cross.
• Approaches should be made at a
moderate speed in order that the
operator is capable of increasing or
decreasing speed.
Outbound – heading out to sea
• Motor slowly to the breaking waves
looking for the area where waves break
last or even better, not at all. Wait for a
flatter than usual stretch of water and
motor through.
• If there seems no break in the waves slowly
power through each oncoming wave.
• Ensure that you are not going too fast over
each wave as this would cause the vessel to
“bottom out” if it dives heavily.
 57

• Punching through the waves can also cause These Regulations under the National Parks
severe structural damage to your vessel. and Wildlife Act 1972 are available at
• If possible make the crossing with the waves www.legislation.sa.gov.au/listRegulations.asp
slightly on the bow so that the vessel gently x?key=N
rolls over the crest of each wave. Reducing speed increases your safety,
reduces wave wake to other boats and
Inbound – heading back to port lessens the stress and risk of propeller
• Approaching from sea, increase the power injury to local dolphin populations.
of the vessel to catch up with the bigger
set of waves. Stranded Live or Injured Marine
• Position the vessel on the back of the wave Mammal
(DO NOT surf down the face of the wave). • If you observe a stranded whale or
• Adjust the vessel’s speed to match the dolphin or an injured seal, whale or
speed of the waves, but DO NOT attempt dolphin call the Department for
to overtake the waves. Environment and Heritage -Dr Deb Kelly
8124 4801 or 0417 801 094, or
Protecting the Environment • Fishwatch 1800 065 522; or
Whales, Dolphins and Boats • RSPCA 8321 6931 (AH: 8321 2120)
Whales are protected by state and federal • SA Museum - Dr Catherine Kemper;
laws and heavy fines apply for breaching 8207 7458 (office hours only)
regulations. • Australian Dolphin Research Foundation
In SA, distance requirements vary for 8390 3554 or 0417 824 235.
different vessel types. For whales, some When reporting such matters, the following
vessels are required to keep at least details may be required:
300 metres away from whales and this • location and number of animals
distance is required for all vessels when • species involved (and description)
calves or any animal in distress are present. • your name and contact details
Reducing vessel speeds, and changing • nature of the incident
direction away from the whales ensures the • identity or description of people involved
safety and wellbeing of the whales, the (if any)
vessel and its occupants. • registration number of boats (or vehicles)
Similar strategies apply to dolphins. In SA, involved
some vessels must not approach within • when it was first discovered
150 metres of dolphins. Dolphins are often
found in semi-protected waters, in particular, • the weather conditions now and expected
the Port River, Outer Harbor and Barker Inlet. • tide details
Signposted speed limits of 4 and 7 knots • accessibility by boat/vehicle.
exist in some of these areas.
58
Dead Marine Mammal
(Whale, Dolphin or Seal)
• Contact the Department for Environment
and Heritage 8124 4700; or
• RSPCA 8231 6931 (AH: 8231 2120)
• SA Police 131 444 or the nearest local
police station.
Whale, Dolphin or Seal Harassment
If you witness the harassment of marine
mammals Call Fishwatch on 1800 065 522.
If unanswered call one of the following:
• SA Police 131 444 or the nearest local
Police Station
• RSPCA 8231 6931 (AH: 8231 2120).
Sightings of Rare Species
These include turtles, strange fish, sea
snakes or other marine life not normally
seen in South Australian waters. Call the
South Australian Museum 8207 7500.
Shark Sightings
If you observe a shark(s) near swimmers
or where it could cause harm to humans,
please report the location, description,
distance to shore and your contact details to:
• Fishwatch 1800 065 522 (all hours)
• SA Police 131 444
• The local Council
• The local Surf Lifesaving Club.
Aquatic Reserves and Parks
The South Australian Government has
created aquatic reserves to ensure that
representative samples of South Australia's
marine environment are conserved for future
generations while permitting appropriate
uses and promoting public education.
These are declared under the Fisheries Act.
These reserves safeguard important marine
habitats and species, significant natural
features, cultural heritage and aesthetic
values.
Restrictions
Restrictions in aquatic reserves range
from totally closed areas to areas allowing
some recreational fishing. Details about
requirements for specific reserves are
sometimes sign posted, available from
Fishwatch or the PIRSA website:
www.pir.sa.gov.au.
To report a fishing offence contact
Fishwatch on 1800 065 522 and speak
to the duty officer.
Publications
Aquatic reserves’ boundaries are also
progressively being incorporated into
navigational charts and other publications.
All visitors to reserves should be aware that
due to scale variations and the age of some
marine charts, positional discrepancies may
occur, especially when using hand-held
Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers.
Pollution
All garbage must be retained on board
vessels and correctly disposed of, once
back on shore. Reduce the amount of your
garbage by not using disposable products
including plastic bags, paper plates and cups.
Marine animals such as fish, turtles and
whales can mistake plastic bags for jellyfish
(a food source), which can be fatal to them.
Other garbage such as rope, fishing line and
plastics can entangle and kill marine animals
such as dolphins, seals and sea birds.
Ensure fuel lines and connections are tight
and avoid refuelling from portable
containers. If necessary use a funnel
and/or a siphon hose to minimize spillage.
All powered craft should be properly
maintained and speed limits observed so
that emissions both to the atmosphere and
to water are minimized.
Do not discharge human waste overboard
within harbours or within three nautical miles
from the coast. A self-contained portable
toilet is suggested.

What to do if you see evidence
of pollution
Help to keep the waterways clean by
reporting incidents of pollution.
Provide as much information as possible so
that it can be investigated promptly.
The information required includes:
• your name and address
• the registration number and name of the
vessel involved
• the location of the incident (include
latitude and longitude where possible)
• details of the incident (what was
discharged and in what quantity)
• names and addresses of any witnesses
• details of any other boats in the vicinity
• description of person responsible if
possible
• any other helpful information.
If possible take a photograph, collect the
garbage and provide this evidence to the
authorities.
Incidents of marine pollution should be
reported to:
DTEI
Business hours: (08) 8348 9575
After hours Signal Station: (08) 8248 3505
River Boat Waste Disposal
Regulations under the Water Resources Act
require certain classes of vessel operating
on the River Murray to be fitted with holding
tanks or other ancillary pollution-control
equipment.
The types of recreational vessels affected are:
• any vessel fitted with a toilet or galley; or
• any vessels of six metres or more in
length that provides sleeping
accommodation.
Further information and technical advice
concerning these requirements is available
from SA Water offices at Adelaide, Berri or
Murray Bridge.
59
Illegal Dumping of Waste
Environment Protection Agency 8204 2004
(all hours)
Noise
Noise, or more particularly excessive noise,
is another form of pollution that can be
avoided. Motor vessels should always be
fitted with means of reducing engine noise
to an acceptable level.
This is particularly important along the River
Murray, where vessels are often used near
towns and shack sites. Operators should
bear in mind that residents are entitled to
reasonable consideration, especially during
early morning.
Because noise carries easily over water it
should always be kept to a minimum. This
includes not only noise from the boat itself,
but also any noise created by those on
board, eg generators and loud music.
Historic Shipwrecks
Shipwrecks are time capsules revealing rare
information about the past. As artificial reefs
they are fragile havens for a variety of
marine life. If a wreck site is damaged or
disturbed, disintegration of the wreck is
accelerated and these valuable assets are
eventually lost.
Vessel anchors are a major threat to historic
wrecks – tearing the structure, disturbing
the site and destroying sensitive marine life.
Vessel operators should remember that it
is an offence to anchor into an historic
shipwreck as this will inevitably cause
damage.
As most wrecks do not have permanent
mooring facilities, vessel operators should
anchor off the wreck and allow the vessel
to drift back to the required position.
60
Recommended Anchoring Procedures
• Locate the wreck (generally using an
echo sounder).
• Mark the position of the wreck by dropping
a buoy attached to a line and small weight
(sufficient to resist any current but light
enough that the wreck is not damaged.
• Motor upwind or, if appropriate, up-current
of the wreck site.
• Drop an anchor suitable to the size of the
vessel and to the type of seabed beneath
(eg. reef or sand).
• Lay back on the anchor line until the
vessels is positioned near to or over the
wreck site (ie. close to the marker buoy
already dropped).
• If there is little wind or current that could
move the marker buoy off site it can be
left in place, otherwise retrieve it.
Protected Zones
Some shipwreck sites have been declared
a Protected Zone. These zones cannot be
entered for any reason without a permit
issued by the Department for Environment
and Heritage. For further information and
brochures on historic shipwrecks contact:
Department for Environment and Heritage
Phone: 8124 4960
Email: heritage@sa.gov.au
www.heritage.sa.gov.au
Chapter 2
Sample Test Questions
Question
What does the term “Starboard” mean?
A. Looking forward from the stern, the
lefthand side on which a red sidelight
is displayed.
B. Looking forward from the stern, the
righthand side on which a red sidelight
is displayed.
C. Looking forward from the stern, the
righthand side on which a green side
light is displayed.
Question
When should you notify family or friends that
you intend to go boating?
A. Only when you intend to be away overnight.
B. Only when the weather forecast is for
deteriorating weather conditions in the
afternoon.
C. You should always let someone know
where you are going, your point of
departure and when you plan to return.
Question
How far out to sea do semi-protected waters
extend?
A. Three nautical miles.
B. Two nautical miles.
C. Five nautical miles.
Question
When should you activate your Emergency
Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)?
A. Only when human life is in grave and
imminent danger and only after all other
means of indicating distress such as
flares and radio have been used.
B. When you have run out of petrol and
you cannot see any other boats in the
vicinity.
C. When a person has suffered a minor
injury and you wish to notify authorities
of the accident.
Question
When would you make an “Urgency Call” on
your marine radio?
A. When your vessel is threatened by grave
and imminent danger and you are
requesting immediate assistance.
B. When you wish to broadcast an important
navigational warning to other stations.
C. When you cannot justify use of the
Distress Call but you have a very urgent
message to transmit concerning the
safety of a person on board.
 61

CHAPTER 3 Power and sail vessels

Powered vessels normally give way to sail.
Safe Operation However, in harbours and channels small
Boat Handling sailing vessels must give way to large
powered vessels that cannot easily
Steering and sailing rules
manoeuvre.
These rules are recognised worldwide as
the basis for safe navigation of vessels.
All vessels irrespective of type must comply
with these rules while navigating on state
waters. Minor differences exist on the
River Murray and inland waters. Significant
penalties apply for failure to observe these
rules.
Reaction to the type of situations the rules Power-driven vessels meeting head-on
cover should be instinctive, positive and Power-driven vessels meeting head-on or
correct. You must be able to decide, nearly head-on shall alter course to
immediately, what action to take. starboard so that each may pass on the
port side of each other.
Sailing vessels approaching one another
When each has the wind on a different side,
the vessel which has the wind on the port
side shall keep out of the way of the other.

Power-driven vessels crossing

When each has the wind on the same side,
the vessel which is to windward shall keep
out of the way of the vessel which is leeward.
When two power-driven vessels are crossing,
the vessel with the other on its starboard
side shall keep out of the way and avoid
crossing ahead of the other vessel, by
stopping, slowing down or changing course.
The other vessel must maintain its course
and speed until it is apparent that the vessel
required to give way is not taking
appropriate action.

When a sailing vessel with the wind on its

port side sees another sailing vessel to
windward and cannot determine with
certainty whether that sailing vessel has the
wind on its port or its starboard, it shall keep
out of the way of that other sailing vessel.
62
In narrow channels or channel approaches
All vessels in narrow channels shall keep as
far as practicable to the starboard side of
the channel in the direction of travel.
A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede
the passage of any other vessel navigating
within a narrow channel or fairway.
A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or
fairway if such crossing impedes the passage
of a vessel that can safely navigate only
within such channel or fairway.
Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the
case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow
channel.
A sailing vessel and a vessel under 20m in
length shall not impede the passage of any
vessel which can safely navigate only within
a narrow channel or fairway.
Vessels in give way situations must keep
to the starboard side of a marked channel.
Overtaking vessels
All vessels, whether sail or power, overtaking
another vessel (when the boats are in sight
of one another) shall keep out of the way of
the vessel being overtaken. That is, if a
vessel is coming up with another from any
direction, which is more than 22.5 degrees
(in the shaded arc of the diagram) abaft
her beam, it shall be deemed to be the
overtaking vessel until finally past and clear.
You may overtake either side only when it
is safe to do so, keeping well clear of the
other vessel.
General notes:
If in doubt, assume that you are the
overtaking vessel and keep clear. Alteration
of course by either vessel does not relieve
the overtaking vessel of the responsibility of
keeping clear.
If you are approaching or about to overtake
a vessel that is engaged in waterskiing, you
must maintain a distance of 100 metres
from the skier when you are directly behind
the skier and vessel combination.
Joint emergency action
The giving-way vessel shall take early
and positive avoiding action; make
course/speed alterations obvious to the
other vessel; avoid crossing ahead of the
vessel with right of way; if necessary stop
or reverse.
A series of five or more short and rapid
blasts on a whistle or horn will warn that
insufficient action is being taken to avoid
collision.
The vessel with the right of way shall
keep its course and speed, taking avoiding
action only if that taken by the giving-way
vessel is insufficient.
If a power-driven vessel is taking action to
avoid a collision with another power-driven
vessel, it shall, if possible, avoid altering
course to port. This action does not relieve
the vessel operator of handling obligations.
Restricted visibility
In restricted visibility, reduce to minimum
speed to retain steerage. When hearing the
fog signal of another vessel ahead, proceed
with caution until danger of collision is over or
stop until you have ascertained the danger.
Fishing vessels
All vessels not engaged in professional
fishing shall keep well clear of vessels
fishing with nets, lines, trawls or other gear
that restrict manoeuvrability.
By day, a vessel engaged in fishing is
required to display two black cones

(apexes together) where it can best be seen.
This does not apply to recreational anglers.
By night, a professional fishing vessel is
required to display either of two light
combinations:
• a red light over a white light, or
• a green light over a white light.
Responsibilities Between Vessels
A vessel under power gives way to:
• A vessel not under command, a
vessel which through some exceptional
circumstance is unable to manoeuvre
and keep out of the way of another vessel.
• A vessel unable to manoeuvre easily,
including large vessels navigating in or
near a channel or fairway.
• A vessel engaged in fishing, with
apparatus such as trawling gear
restricting its ability to manoeuvre.
• A sailing vessel (but see below).
A sailing vessel must keep clear of:
• A vessel not under command.
• A vessel unable to manoeuvre easily.
63
• A vessel engaged in fishing (with
apparatus such as trawling gear
restricting its ability to manoeuvre).
Remember…
• Large vessels cannot alter course quickly
and cannot stop quickly.
• Small craft may be hard to see from the
bridge of a large vessel.
• Small craft should not assume that they
have been seen.
Big Ships Little Boats
What Recreational Boaters
Should Know
• Commercial vessels operate 365 days
a year, 24 hours a day.
• The speed limit of a ship or tug can
be deceptive. Large vessels may travel
at speeds in excess of 20 knots.
• Large vessels need speed to steer.
In most cases they must stay in the
channel, because it is the only place
deep enough for them to operate.
• A ship’s ‘blind spot’ can extend for many
hundreds of metres in front of large
vessels (even up to one kilometre for
some vessels).
•‘Prop’ or ‘Wheel’ wash is a strong
underwater current caused by a tug or
ship engines that can result in severe
water turbulence hundreds of metres
behind a large vessel.
• ‘Bow Waves’ are large surface waves
caused by the bow of a ship pushing
through the water. A bow wave can
swamp small craft hundreds of metres
away from the ship.
• Never pass closely behind a tugboat.
A tug could be towing a barge or other
objects on a long submerged line.
64
• Sailing near large vessels can
be hazardous. Yacht skippers and
windsurfers should know that a large
vessel can ‘steal your wind’. You won’t
have the same ability to manoeuvre near
a large vessel.
• Emergency communication is conducted
on VHF Channel 16 within the Port Limits.
For further information the brochure
Big Ships Little Boats depicted on the
previous page is available from any Service
SA Customer Service Centre. Refer to
page 100 for details.
Port Usage
Flinders Ports has established operating
guidelines for users of port facilities in
South Australia.
The Port User Guides outline the use of
facilities and services in Port Adelaide and
regional ports. This includes information on
the coordination of ship services, pilotage,
towage, mooring labour, water taxi services,
fresh water supplies, power, waste disposal,
handling of dangerous cargoes, as well as
port charges.
For more information see the website at
www.flindersports.com.au or telephone
(08) 8447 0611.
Moorings
A few of the issues to be considered where
a mooring is used as a permanent method
of “parking” a vessel include:
• Do you have approval to place the
mooring in the location you intend using?
• Is the location protected from the effects
of wind and tide?
• Can the mooring be easily accessed for
both use and ongoing maintenance of the
mooring apparatus?
• Will the mooring interfere with any other
mooring or property? (Swing rates of
vessels on a mooring differ for a number
of reasons, so full swing clearance needs
to be maintained.)
• Is the mooring apparatus suitable for the
vessel intended to moor on it?
It may be appropriate to have a professional
put your mooring down to ensure your
vessel is moored safely.
Mooring attachments should be well
maintained, lines appropriately set and
protected from chafing. Mooring should
be well maintained and lines appropriately
protected from chaffing for ease of use and
to ensure the vessel stays where it is left.
Safe Navigation
Most collisions between vessels result
from carelessness: everyone on the water
has a legal as well as moral duty to
maintain a proper lookout and travel at a
safe speed at all times.
This duty includes observing the rules,
knowing the limitations of your vessel,
being aware of potential hazards and
allowing for the actions of others, both
reasonable and unreasonable.
It Pays to Take Care
A vessel operator can be deemed to be
negligent if proper care is not taken in the
prevailing circumstances. When a vessel
is handled in such a way as to cause an
obvious and serious risk of physical injury
to a person, or to property, that is reckless
navigation. The authorities and the courts
regard both recklessness and negligence
seriously.
Propelling a vessel at speed or in a manner
causing real or potential danger to any
person or property is also a punishable
offence. So is any use of a vessel resulting
in nuisance or causing obvious annoyance
to any other person, deliberately or
accidentally.
People foolish enough to act in an irrational
or loutish way on the water must expect to
be reported and prosecuted.

Getting There and Back
Navigation for small vessels is normally
a simple matter of knowing where you are
and where you are going.
On a clear day you will usually not be
out of sight of land and familiar landmarks.
However, conditions can change quickly.
It is not uncommon on South Australian
waters for there to be sudden onsets of fog,
dust and rough weather that can severely
restrict visibility.
In poor visibility a compass, nautical chart,
depth sounder and basic navigation aids
are useful. A Global Positioning System
(GPS) can also be a valuable piece of
equipment to have on board.
While a GPS is a great tool to assist
navigation, the units are electrical items
and batteries can go flat, either main power
or internal memory saving batteries. This is
why a suitable marine compass is required.
This type is normally ball or dome-shaped
and filled with a liquid which slows down the
movement of the card, so that the compass
holds a readable course to follow, regardless
of the constant movement of the waves.
The free-flowing needle used in bushwalking
compasses will not remain still enough to
get a readable course and is therefore not
suitable.
Night on the Water
It is more difficult to judge speeds and
distances at night or in restricted visibility,
than during day.
Vessels underway must show the proper
lights from sunset to sunrise and in
restricted visibility. It is a good idea for
everybody on board to be wearing a PFD-1
when boating at night and in periods of
restricted visibility.
You must familiarise yourself with navigation
hazards, fixed or otherwise, lit and unlit,
as their position may occasionally change.
Know where they are, from unlit buoys to
rocks and shoals, and keep their position,
65
in relation to your vessel, constantly in mind.
Spotlights and torches may be used, but
take care not to dazzle other people on the
water, or yourself. Always travel at reduced
speed to increase your safety margin.
Keep a careful lookout around you for
hazards and other vessels and, for extra
reassurance, travel in company with
another vessel or vessels where possible.
Only specified navigation lights can be
shown at night. Any other lights onboard
must not interfere with the range and arc
of visibility of navigation lights. Refer to
page 76 for details.
A sharp lookout is important when the
background of bright lights on shore tends
to obscure the lights of other vessels, buoys
and marks. This is especially true in waters
close to populated areas.
Notice to Mariners
This is a service advising of navigational
warnings, changes to aids to navigation,
navigation depths and any work
affecting the safe navigation of vessels
in South Australian coastal waters.
Notice to Mariners are published in the
Public Notice Section of the daily press and
are available from the South Australian
Government website:
www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine
Towing
Taking another vessel in tow may provide a
major seamanship challenge. The following
is a guide to those who find themselves in a
situation where they may be required to tow
another vessel. Depending on the conditions,
a high level of seamanship may be required.
Before towing
Before undertaking a tow, consideration
should be given to the following:
• is there an alternative to taking the other
vessel in tow?
• is the tow within the capability of your vessel?
• is adequate fuel available?
66
Setting up a tow
It is important to designate one person to
control the operation (normally the operator
of the towing vessel) and establish suitable
communication signals, preferably by radio
but hand signals should also be made
known in the event of radio failure. Practical
considerations in setting up a tow may
include ensuring that the:
• towline is strong enough
• towline is long enough (preferably at least
2.5 times the wave spacing)
• towline is secured to strong points on
both vessels
• steering of the towing vessel is not
hampered (attach the towline forward of
the rudder [engine] on towing vessel or
set up a bridle)
• towline can be easily slipped from either
vessel (use cleats)
• towline is protected from chafing
• towline has some elasticity (stretch line,
weighted or flexible link)
• towed vessel is trimmed by the stern and
is steered (or steering is fixed).
Yawing Problems
If the towed vessel yaws heavily (swerves
off course), possible solutions may include:
• changing course or speed
• trimming the towed vessel further aft
• fixing the towed vessels steering at an angle
• streaming a drogue from the towed vessel
or have another vessel attached astern of
the tow.
Confined Waters
In confined waters it may be necessary to
shorten the tow for better control or tow
alongside. When towing alongside the
towing vessel should be well aft to ensure
good steerage.
Operating Rules
The operation of a vessel will often be
affected by physical conditions such as the
direction of the wind, the depth of the water
and visibility. When operating any type of
vessel, always allow plenty of time and
space in which to carry out any manoeuvre.
Operators of small vessels should appreciate
the difficulties of manoeuvring large ships in
congested or restricted sea areas or ports
and, as a general rule, keep well clear of
shipping. Refer to page 63 for details.
The steering and safety rules and the lights
and shapes which must be displayed are
set out in the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea (1972).
Speed Limits
A ‘safe speed’ cannot be expressed as
maximum or minimum number of knots
because it varies with circumstances and
conditions. The vessel master/operator
must continually assess the safety of the
vessel’s speed.
A safe speed is one at which the vessel
can be stopped in time to avoid any
sudden danger.
If your vessel does not have a speedometer,
you must be able to determine if you are
exceeding a local speed limit. For example,
if your boat is planing in a restricted speed
zone you are exceeding the speed limit,
so slow down.
Speed limits are imposed on SA waters
where high–speed boats present a hazard
to other aquatic activities.
If you intend boating in unfamiliar areas
make sure you know of any restrictions
that may apply, particularly if you intend
waterskiing or using a PWC.
Contact your local Transport Safety
Compliance Officer - Marine.
Refer to page 101 for details.
 67

Outside these areas, additional speed Visibility

restrictions apply to all vessels under the
Drive slowly in rain, fog, mist, smoke and
following conditions:
glare. At night special caution is required
4 knots Within 50 metres of a person in the because potential hazards may not be lit or
water, a vessel or buoy on which is may not be easily seen. Background shore
displayed a flag indicating that lighting may confuse and disorient you.
there is a diver below (International
A proper look out must be kept by sight,
Code Flag A), a person in a canoe,
hearing and all available means. The vessel
kayak, surf ski, surf board, sail
operator must be fully aware of the boating
board, kitesurfer or similar small
environment, especially in bad weather,
unpowered recreational vessel.
restricted visibility or darkness. Many
4 knots Applies to many waters within
dangers are unlit - it is important to keep
marinas and restricted areas
a good lookout at night.
4 knots Applies to all PWC (jet skis, wave
runners, etc.) within 200 metres Don’t forget to look all around you – even
of the metropolitan shoreline behind you. The operator is responsible at
(waters edge) (between Outer all times for keeping a proper lookout.
Harbor southern breakwater and
the southern end of Sellicks Beach)
and the back waters of the River
Murray unless zoned otherwise.
4 knots Within 30 metres of any vessel
(whether stationary or underway)
that may be adversely affected by
your wash.
4 knots Within 100 metres of a ferry Surf Lifesaving Patrol Flags
crossing on the River Murray. Red/Yellow flags are used to designate
4 knots Within a mooring area or boat haven. an area along the beach that is supervised
4 knots Within 30 metres of a jetty, wharf or patrolled by surf life-savers.
or other place at which a boat is All vessels including PWC (jet skis)
being launched or retrieved. and sailing craft should avoid operating
7 knots Certain SA waters have a speed within the flagged zone and approximately
restriction of 7 knots. For details 200 metres to seaward. In addition, care
refer to Schedule 10 of the Harbors should be taken when operating such craft
and Navigation Regulations 2009. adjacent to these flagged areas.
10 knots While a boat (not a PWC) is being
operated by an unlicenced person.
(Minimum age 12 years and a
licenced person in charge).
Speed restrictions apply to many localised
areas. These restrictions are often on signs
located near boat ramps. Details are also
available from the the South Australian
Government website:
www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine
68
Alcohol and Drugs
How alcohol affects operating skills
No person can drink alcohol without
affecting his or her ability to drive a vehicle
or operate a vessel.
You don't have to be drunk to be dangerous
on the water. Although you may look and
feel all right, your operating ability will be
impaired, especially in an emergency, if you
have been drinking alcohol.
This is because alcohol is quickly absorbed
into the bloodstream, where it travels to all
parts of the body, including the brain. When
it reaches the brain, alcohol acts like an
anaesthetic. It slows down and gradually
dulls parts of the brain that are needed for
operating a vessel.
Once alcohol is in the bloodstream, its
effects on the brain cannot be stopped or
controlled.
These effects include:
Slower reaction Time when something
unexpected happens (e.g. vessels
approaching from different sides).
Poor judgement about your speed and
the speed of other vessels, in estimating
distances (e.g. other vessels seem further
away than they really are).
Visual attention and hearing are reduced.
After drinking alcohol operators tend to
focus on the area straight ahead ("tunnel
vision") and avoid what is happening in their
side vision (e.g. you won’t see or hear other
vessels coming).
Poor coordination when trying to do more
than one thing at a time, especially in an
emergency.
A false sense of confidence but alcohol
will leave you less able to cope with
unexpected events. You may take risks
you would not normally take. This can be
extremely dangerous as most operators are
not aware of how their operating skills have
deteriorated after drinking alcohol.
Even small quantities of alcohol will affect
your operating ability.
Other contributing factors
The effect of wind, waves and sun combine
to multiply the effects of alcohol. This
increases your chances of disorientation
and drowning should you fall overboard.
Alcohol increases body heat loss, reducing
your survival time if you should fall overboard,
and increases pulse rate, leading to quick
exhaustion if you have to swim to safety.
Other drugs
Taking some drugs other than alcohol can
also impair your operating skills. Whether
they are prescribed, non-prescribed or
illegal drugs, many have side effects which
impair your driving ability.
There is a great similarity between the
drinking operator and the ‘drugged’
operator. Both are usually not aware of
any impairment of their operating skills,
alertness, capability, vision or reactions.
When you are given a prescription for a drug
by your doctor or obtain non-prescription
drugs from the chemist, you should ask
whether the drug will affect your ability to
operate a vessel or participate in water
activities such as waterskiing or swimming.
If you are still unsure about the drug or
medication you are taking, read the label on
the container or the enclosed information,
which describes the drug’s effects.
 69

Buoyage System Buoyage types

Ports and coastal waters There are five
types of marks
The buoyage system used in South
under the
Australian ports and around the coast is
IALA System A:
known as the IALA System A (International
Lateral, Cardinal,
Association of Lighthouse Authorities) which
Isolated Danger,
is a combined Lateral and Cardinal system.
Special and Safe
Although called a buoyage system, marks
Water.
may be buoys, piles or beacons. Markers
may contain one or more of the Direction of buoyage
characteristics as described in this When leaving port the port-hand mark (red)
handbook. For example, a marker may should be passed on the vessel’s starboard
be colour coded but without a topmark. (right) side.
The operator of any vessel is prohibited Upon entering port the port-hand mark
from attaching a line to a navigational mark (red) should be passed on the vessel’s
at any time. port (left) side.

IALA ‘A’ light rhythm types

Note:
(a) When the light exhibited is not
white, the colour is indicated
in the chart abbreviation by Y,
R or G for yellow, red or green,
for example, Fl (4) Y;
(b) The period of a light (time
between the start of successive
sequences) is indicated in
seconds by the letters, for
example, FlR5s = single red
flash every five seconds.
70

Lateral Marks Lights: Red when fitted may have any

rhythm other than composite group-flashing
These are used to indicate the port (left)
(2+1) used on modified lateral marks
and the starboard (right) sides of the
indicating a preferred channel.
channels when travelling in the direction
Examples are:
of buoyage, that is, into port.
Port-hand marks are coloured red and
the basic shape is cylindrical (can) for buoy
(and topmark when fitted). If lit, the light will
be red and may have a rhythm. Such a
mark would be on the port side of a vessel
when travelling in the direction of buoyage.

Starboard-hand marks are coloured green

Colour: Red
Shape (buoys): Cylindrical (can), pillar or spar
Topmark (if any): Single red cylinder (can)
(exceptionally, black may be used) and the
basic shape is conical (and topmark when
fitted). If lit, the light will be green on any
rhythm.
This mark would be on the starboard side
of a vessel when travelling in the direction
of buoyage.

Buoys, beacons and marks map (below)


Colour: Green
Shape (buoys): Conical (cone), pillar or spar
Topmark (if any): Single green cone point
upwards
Lights: green when fitted, may have any
rhythm other than composite group-flashing
(2+1) used on modified lateral marks
indicating a preferred channel.
71
Examples are:
When marks are numbered, odd numbers
will lie on the starboard side, and even
numbers on the port when travelling in the
direction of buoyage. They are numbered
from seaward.
72

Cardinal Marks West cardinal mark

These are used to indicate the location Has two cones point to point. When lit a
of the best navigable water; to show the west mark exhibits a white light flashing in
safe side on which to pass danger (rocks, groups of nine quick or very quick flashes.
wrecks, shoals, etc) and to draw attention Pass on the western side of this mark.
to features in a channel.
To understand the meaning of individual Special Marks
cardinal marks, the navigator must be
aware of geographical directions and,
therefore, needs a compass to indicate
where the best navigable water lies.
The mark is placed in one of the four
quadrants: north, south, east or west.
If in doubt, consult the chart.
The shape of a cardinal mark is not
significant, but in the case of a buoy it will
be a pillar or spar. The most important
daylight feature of a cardinal mark is the
black double cone topmark and the four
different arrangements that indicate the
relevant direction from the mark. Black and
yellow horizontal bands are used to colour
cardinal marks.
If lit, the mark will exhibit a white light of:
• Quick Flash (= about 1 per second) or
• Very Quick Flash (= about 2 per second)
characteristic. The rhythm of the light will These are used to indicate a special area
indicate the particular quadrant of the mark.
or feature, the nature of which may be found
North cardinal mark by consulting a chart or sailing directions.
Has two cones pointing up. If lit, a north Some examples are at Port Lincoln (fish
marker exhibits a continuous quick or very farms), Whyalla and West Beach.
quick flashing white light. Special marks are always yellow, and the
Pass on the northern side of this mark. top mark (if fitted) is a single yellow X. If a
East cardinal mark light is fitted it will be yellow and may have
any rhythm not used for white lights, for
Has two cones pointing away from each
example, FlY, Fl (4) Y. In SA waters special
other. When lit an east mark exhibits a white
marks are commonly used to indicate no
light flashing in groups of three quick or
boating zones or speed restricted areas.
very quick flashes.
Pass on the eastern side of this mark. Isolated Danger Marks
South cardinal mark These are on, or moored above, an isolated
danger of limited extent that has navigable
Has two cones pointing down. When lit a
water all around it.
south mark exhibits a white light flashing in
groups of six quick or very quick flashes The colours are red and black horizontal
followed by a long flash. stripes and the mark is, when practicable,
fitted with a double sphere, vertically
Pass on the southern side of this mark.
disposed, black topmark.

If lit, the light will be white showing a group
of two flashes. The association of two
flashes = two spheres may assist the
memory with this one.
An example of the isolated danger mark is
on the ballast ground in the North Arm.
Isolated danger marks are not always
positioned centrally over a danger and it is
therefore advisable not to pass too close.
Safe Water Marks
These are used to indicate that there is
navigable water all around the mark.
These marks can be used as a centre line,
mid-channel or landfall buoy (e.g. at Murray
Bridge). The shape of the buoy is spherical,
pillar or spar and is coloured with red and
white vertical strips. The topmark, which is
fitted when practicable to pillar and spar
buoys, is spherical and red. If lit, an
isophase occulting or single long flashing
white light is exhibited. The buoy shape is
optional but should not conflict with that
used for a lateral or special mark.
73
Operators of vessels are cautioned that
large commercial vessels may pass close
by these marks.
Lead Marks
Lead marks are a method used to define
the correct course to be steered when in
waters containing navigational hazards.
They are often used to mark the correct
approach to a navigational channel.
The lead marks are two separate navigation
aids (one in the foreground and one placed
further back and higher on the shore), which
when aligned provide the correct course for
the vessel to steer. Lead marks may be day
marks or may be lit for night use.
These day marks are normally two triangles.
To steer the correct course the boat should
be manoeuvred so that the apex (point) of
each triangle comes into alignment.
Other Signs and Signals
The Port Closed or Channel Blocked
signal is increasingly likely to be seen in
the River Murragy and associated Lakes
as the ongoing effects of low water levels
cause restrictions to some areas of water.
This signal may be exhibited from a shore
station or by any vessel blocking the
channel.
DAY NIGHT
Three black shapes Three all round
in a vertical line lights in a line
where they can be where they can be
best seen. The best seen. The
highest and lowest highest and lowest
of these shapes of these lights shall
shall be a ball and be red and middle
the middle on a cone light shall be green.
with apex upwards.
74

Zone Signage Lights must be displayed from sunset to

Inland Waters
The marker buoy system of defining zoned
water areas is now in common use on
South Australian inland waters.
Red
PWC restricted area:
for PWC use only.
Yellow
Restricted Area Controls:
an area is set aside as a speed
restricted zone because
excessive speed is a risk to the
4
operator, to other vessels or
persons, or to the environment.
The yellow buoys may be placed
because of local or general requirements for
slower speeds, e.g. 4 knots.
Mini-buoys
Small mini-buoys of the same colour
may be used in conjunction with the
larger buoys to delineate an area.
Note: other buoy shapes may be
used.
Vessel Lights
Recognition of Lights
sunrise and in restricted visibility during
daylight hours.
Minimum ranges at which lights can be
seen refer to conditions on a dark night
with a clear atmosphere.
Underway – a vessel is underway when it
is not at anchor, tied to a jetty or shore, or
aground.
Visibility of lights
Navigation Lights
Fitting of navigation lights must be as per
the International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea, 1972. It is therefore
recommended that lights be fitted by an
authorised dealer.
On the following pages the required
navigation lights are described with
diagrams, showing which lights would be
visible from various angles.
Sailboats and Rowing Boats
Sailing vessels underway

ANGLE OF
LIGHT VISIBILITY
Masthead light 225º
Sidelights 112.5º
Sternlight 135º
A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit
All-round light 360º
sidelights and sternlight. If the vessel is less

than 20 metres in length, the sidelights and
stern lights may be combined in one lantern
(tricolour lantern), carried at or near the top
of the mast where it can be seen. The white
light will not be visible forward of the vessel.
In addition to the sidelights and a sternlight,
a sailing vessel may exhibit two all-round
lights in a vertical line (the upper being red
and the lower being green) at or near the
top of the mast, where they can be seen.
A sailing vessel, whenever using its engine,
with or without sails, is a power-driven
vessel within the meaning of the rules, and
must act accordingly and show the
appropriate shapes by day and lights by
night. This means that a tricolour lantern
must not be used under power.
Sailing vessels underway (not using power)
less than 7m in length and boats under oars.
If practicable, any of the combinations for
vessels under sail or an electric torch or
lighted lantern showing a white light and
exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
Vessels under 7m in length not using an
engine and unable to exhibit the above
lighting configuration.
75
Power-driven Vessels
Vessels under 12m in length must show the
following lights:
OR
a) sidelights, masthead light and a
sternlight
or
b) sidelights and an all-round white light.
The masthead light or all-round white
light must be carried at least 1 metre
higher than the sidelights.
Vessels under 7m in length and
maximum speed under 7 knots
Power-driven vessels of less than 7m in
length, whose maximum speed does not
exceed 7 knots when underway, may exhibit
an all-round white light. Sidelights should
also be shown if practicable.
Recreational vessels at anchor
OR
All recreational vessels must show an
all-round white light while at anchor. If the
vessel is drifting (underway but not making
way) the vessel must display sidelights,
masthead light and sternlight.
76
Larger Vessels
Under 50m in length
For vessels under 50m in length, a second
masthead light is optional. For vessels
under 12m in length, sidelights may be
a combined lantern – on fore and aft
centreline.
Vessels towing another vessel
When tow length is under 200m,
two masthead lights are shown (three
masthead lights if over 200m). A YELLOW
towing light is situated over sternlight.
Vessel towed shows side and sternlights.
Vessels at anchor
Length 50m or more: two all-round lights,
the forward one higher than the aft one.
A vessel of 100m or more length shall also
illuminate her decks with lights.
Length under 50m: second (lower) light at
stern is optional.
Vessels aground
Vessel under 12m length is not required to
exhibit these lights.
This signal does not mean distress or in
need of help, but operators should navigate
with caution.
Anchor lights and two all-round red lights.
Vessels restricted in ability to manoeuvre
(includes diving vessels)
This signal does not indicate distress or a
need for help, but operators should navigate
with caution. Three all-round lights, top and
bottom lights red and the middle light white.
When making way through the water, vessel
also shows masthead lights, sidelights and
sternlight.
When at anchor, vessel also shows anchor lights.
Vessels engaged in underwater operations
or dredging
Vessel with an obstruction on one side shall,
in addition to restricted ability to manoeuvre
lights, carry two all-round red lights, on the
side of the obstruction. Also two all-round
green lights on the side that vessels may pass.

Vessels constrained by their draught
Power-driven vessel restricted to a narrow
channel by her draught and thus unable to
deviate from course.
Lights for power-driven vessel underway
and three all-round red lights.
Pilot vessel on duty
Two all-round lights, the top light white and
the lower light red.
When at anchor, shows anchor light or lights.
When underway, shows sidelights and sternlight.
Vessels not under command
Two all-round red lights and, when making
way through the water, sidelights and
sternlight (vessels under 12m in length
are not required to comply with these lights).
This signal does not mean distress, but
shows inability to manoeuvre. Vessels are
required to keep clear of vessels not under
command.
77
Commercial fishing vessels trawling
Two all-round lights, the top light green and
the lower light white. A rear masthead light
is optional for fishing vessels under 50m in
length.
As making way through water, sidelights
and stern lights are shown.
Fishing vessels (other than trawling)
Two all-round lights, the top light red and
the lower light white.
If outlying gear extends over 150m
horizontally from fishing vessel, shows one
all-round white light in direction of gear
(sidelights and sternlight shown when
making way through water).
Vessels working in cables,
e.g. River Murray
An all-round red light at each end and an
all-round green light above the red light at
the forward end to indicate the direction in
which the vessel is proceeding.
Vessels operating in the vicinity of the
vehicular ferry must proceed with caution
and keep clear of the ferry.
78

Daymarks for Vessels Vessels aground

These signals are shown by day in all This signal does not indicate
weather conditions on vessels to denote distress or a need for help
certain activities in which they are engaged. (not required for vessels
under 12m length).
If visibility during the day is restricted,
Where best seen,
daymarks may not be clearly visible,
THREE BLACK BALLS.
therefore the appropriate lights for your
vessel type should also be displayed
Vessels at anchor
Vessels not under command
Not required for vessels of less
than 7m when at anchor not in Not required for vessels
a channel or channel under 12m.
approach, or a usual Not distress, but indicates
anchorage, etc. Forward, where inability to manoeuvre.
best seen, TWO BLACK BALLS.
ONE BLACK BALL.
Vessels constrained by
Vessels under power their draught
with sails set Power-driven vessel restricted
(motor sailing) to a narrow channel by her
Forward, where best seen, draught and thus unable to
ONE BLACK CONE, deviate from her course.
point down. Where best seen,
ONE CYLINDER.
Fishing vessels
Trawls, nets or other gear. Vessels restricted in ability to manoeuvre
(underway or at anchor) For example, vessels engaged
TWO BLACK CONES, in: flying aircraft, cable laying,
points inwards. replenishment at sea,
underwater operations,
Power-driven vessels towing servicing navigation marks,
Vessel being towed if length towing, where manoeuvre is
of tow exceeds 200m. restricted by tow.
On each vessel where This signal does not indicate
best seen, distress or a need for help.
ONE BLACK DIAMOND. (When at anchor, vessel also
shows anchor shape).
BLACK BALL, BLACK DIAMOND,
BLACK BALL.
 79

Vessels engaged in underwater operations During night diving, a vessel

or dredging must show the international
signal for a ‘vessel restricted Red
in its ability to manoeuvre’.
These are three lights in White
a vertical line, top and
bottom are red and the
Red
middle one is white.
A four knot speed limit
applies to vessel operators
and waterskiers within a
distance of 50m of a vessel or buoy on
which a diver below signal is displayed.

Sound and Light Signals

With an obstruction on one side shall,
in addition to the above shapes, carry Definitions and Classifications
TWO BLACK BALLS on the side of the ‘Whistle’
obstruction, and TWO BLACK DIAMONDS – means of making short or long blasts
on the side on which vessels may pass. ‘Short blast’ – about one second duration
BLACK BALLS ON BOTH SIDES may be
used to indicate passage or channel is
blocked and vessels should await ‘Prolonged blast’ – 4–6 seconds duration
instructions before proceeding.
Diving operations from a small vessel Vessels of 100m or more in length
Any vessel with divers operating from it – use whistle, bell and gong
must always display signals by day or
night to inform other vessel users.
Vessels of 12m or more in length
The signal flag for a letter “A” as illustrated,
– use whistle and bell
is used internationally to indicate “I have a
diver below-keep well clear at slow speed”.
Vessels of less than 12m in length
– use any efficient sound signal.
Manoeuvring and warning signals when
vessels are in sight of one another.
Whistle signals used below may be
supplemented by light signals using the
same code.
‘I am altering my course to starboard’
The flag coloured white and blue and, for - Short blast (about one second)
vessels less than 10 metres in length, must
be displayed as a rigid replica, either from
‘I am altering my course to port’
a vessel or a floating buoy. Vessels greater
- Two short blasts
than 10 metres in length need only display
the International signal flag ‘A’.
80
‘I am operating astern propulsion’
- Three short blasts
Signal to alert another vessel that you
are unsure of its intentions, or doubt
whether you are taking enough action
to avoid collision
- Five short blasts
Warning signals
– vessels in narrow channels.
When the vessel being overtaken must take
action to permit safe passing.
‘I intend to overtake on your starboard,
please alter your course to permit me to
pass’ - Two long blasts and one short.
‘I intend to overtake on your port, please alter through water
your course to permit me to pass’
- Two long and two short blasts
Agreement by overtaken vessel
- One long, one short, one long, one short blast
A vessel in doubt about signals, intentions or
safety of the proposed manoeuvre of an
overtaking vessel - Five short blasts
Vessel nearing blind bend in channel
- One long blast
Vessel other side of bend repeats
- One long blast
Conduct of Vessels in Restricted
Visibility
Adapt vessel’s speed to prevailing
conditions and be prepared for instant
course/speed alterations.
Every vessel, hearing another vessel’s
fog-signal apparently forward of the beam,
should reduce speed to a minimum or stop.
It should then use extreme caution until the
danger of a collision is over.
Sound signals for vessels in restricted
visibility (day and night).
NB. You may not use manoeuvrability
signals in restricted visibility.
Power underway, and making way
- every two minutes
Power underway, and not making way
- every two minutes
Not under command
Restricted manoeuvring
Constrained by her draught
Sailing ship – not under power
Vessel fishing
Vessel towing or pushing
- every two minutes
Vessel towed – if manned
- every two minutes
Pilot vessel on duty – gives normal signals
above and may sound four short blasts
Vessel at anchor (under 100m in length)
BELL rung for five seconds every minute

Vessel at anchor
(100m or more in length)
BELL rung for five seconds every minute
from the bow of the vessel and then –
GONG rung five seconds every minute
from the aft of the vessel immediately
following bell signal.
Vessel at anchor –
may give WARNING of possibility of
collision to approaching vessel.
Vessel aground –
as ‘anchor’ but preceded and followed by
three separate and distinct BELL strokes.
Vessels under 12m in length –
may make the appropriate signals given
above but, if not, must make some other
efficient sound signal at intervals of not
more than two minutes.
A person who uses or displays, or causes
another to use or display, a signal in
circumstances not within the intent of
the Regulations is guilty of an offence.
Ferries on the River Murray
When approaching a ferry crossing,
speed must be reduced to 4 knots within
100 metres of either side of the ferry.
Never pass close to a ferry that is crossing
the river – the heavy steel cables used to
guide the ferry may be close to the surface
and can seriously damage a boat. Always
slow down, if necessary stop and wait
for the ferry to reach the bank before
proceeding.
A power-driven vessel, when approaching
a ferry crossing, shall sound a prolonged
blast when not more than 800 metres and
not less than 400 metres away and then
proceed with caution.
81
A ferry shall indicate her intention of not
proceeding by showing, by day and
by night, a flashing green light where it
best can be seen, until the other vessel
has passed.
At night ferries show an all-round red light
at each end, as well as an all-round green
light above the red light at the forward end,
to indicate the direction in which the ferry is
proceeding.
Locks on the River Murray
Traversing a lock is quite simple, provided
a few basic rules are observed. When you
are between 600 metres and 400 metres
from the lock, indicate to the Lock Master
your intention to proceed, preferably by
using one of the following signals:
• three prolonged blasts (4-6 seconds
each) on a whistle, portable air horn
or other suitable device
• waving a flag
• flashing a light.
Do not approach within 150 metres of the
lock until the signal to proceed has been
given by the Lock Master, indicated by:
• a green flag, or
• a green fixed or flashing light.
Slowly proceed into the lock. Holding ropes
are dropped down in all South Australian
locks and should be used to help counter
the water surge when the water level is
altered inside the chamber. Never tie up
to anything inside the lock. Wait for the
Lock Master to indicate that it is safe to
proceed.
For further information on lock operating
times, please contact SA Water, Berri office.
Telephone (08) 8595 2222.
82

Waterskiing • All turns on the River Murray must be in

an anti-clockwise (lefthand) direction.
Waterskiing is a popular and exciting
recreational boating activity. Overcrowding • On leaving a take-off / landing area, keep
of some areas, together with the relatively your vessel to the starboard side of the
high speeds associated with waterskiing, waterway and keep well clear of any
creates an element of risk for all concerned. vessel approaching
• On returning to a take-off / landing area,
To minimise these risks, a number of
approach from the starboard side and
special rules apply to waterskiing, in
clear the area as quickly as you safely can.
addition to those that apply to boating
generally. • Ski ropes, devices or skis trailing from a
boat must be removed from the water and
• Waterskiing is not permitted between booms brought onboard before returning
sunset and sunrise, except with written to a take-off area.
permission from DTEI.
• Dropped skis must not be left in the water
• No more than three waterskiers, or one so as to present a hazard to other traffic.
device with no more than three persons
• Skiers must be dropped off in the water
aboard it, may be towed at one time
before returning to the ramp and n o t at
except with written permission.
the ramp.
• Every waterskier (or person being towed
• Applicable to all vessels: a vessel must
in any other manner) must wear an
not travel within 100 metres of and directly
approved PFD Type 2 or 3 that complies
behind a person who is being towed by
with any of the approved standards for
another vessel.
those PFD listed in Chapter 2.
• Any vessel (including PWC) engaged
in waterskiing must carry an observer in
addition to the licensed operator. In
general both the operator and observer
must be at least 16 years of age.
However, a person between 12 and 15
years of age may act as an observer,
provided that he or she holds a Special
Permit and the boat operator is at least
18 years of age.
• A Special Permit holder cannot operate a
vessel towing a waterskier.
• The observer must continually watch the
skier and give directions necessary to
ensure the safety of the skier.
• Blood alcohol limits (must be below 0.05)
apply to observers, waterskiers and boat
operators.
• A skier falling into the water must hold
an arm or ski vertically in the air to
signal their presence and indicate they
are not hurt.
 83

Chapter 3
Sample Test Questions
Question Question
When operating a vessel in a river or Why are holding ropes dropped down after
channel, on which side should you keep a vessel enters a lock in South Australia?
your vessel? A. To enable the vessel operators to tie up
A. On any convenient side. the vessel.
B. To the starboard side of the channel in B. To enable the passengers to climb to the
the direction of travel. top of the lock if they wish to.
C. To the port side of the channel in the C. To enable the vessel operator to hold
direction of travel. onto the rope to help counter the water
Question surge when the water level is altered
inside the chamber.
What is the speed limit within 30 metres
of a jetty, wharf or any other place at which
a vessel is being launched or retrieved?
A. 5 knots.
B. 10 knots.
C. 4 knots.
Question
What are “Isolated danger marks”?

A. These are used to indicate that there is

navigable water all around the mark.
B. These are used to indicate the location
of the best navigable water.
C. These are moored above an isolated
danger of limited extent that has
navigable water all around it.
Question
If a vessel showing these lights
approached you at night, what type
of vessel would it be?
A. A motor vessel.
B. A dredge.
C. A sailing vessel.
84
CHAPTER 4
What To Do In An Emergency
Reporting Incidents and Accidents
If you are operating a boat that is involved
in a collision or other casualty, you are
obliged to:
• Stop your boat. If the accident results in
death or injury of any person, or damage
to another vessel that affects the
seaworthiness or the safety of those on
board, render any assistance possible
without serious danger to your own
passengers or crew.
• Give your name and address and, if
requested, the name of the owner of the
boat to the operator of any other boat
involved, any injured person or the owner
of any damaged property.
If the accident has resulted in death or injury
requiring medical attention to any person or
damage to any vessel or property apparently
exceeding $300, you must report the matter
to a Transport Safety Compliance Officer -
Marine or a Police Officer near the place of
the accident as soon as possible and within
48 hours, stating the:
• time and place of the accident
• circumstances
• name and address of any person killed
or injured
• names and addresses of any witnesses
• the nature of property damage.
A Vessel Accident Report form for reporting
boating accidents or incidents is available
from Transport Safety Compliance Officers -
Marine or most South Australia Police
stations.
If you are not directly involved in the
accident, but see one occur you have a
legal obligation to assist where possible,
providing that in doing so you do not
seriously endanger your own passengers
or crew.
Coping with Emergencies
Most emergencies afloat can be avoided
by good seamanship. Emergencies are
something we cannot foresee, but with a
little common sense, risks can be reduced.
Sinking
A number of basic steps should be followed
if you find that your vessel is sinking.
• Brief all on board on the location and use
of all the safety equipment.
• Do not panic, remain as calm as possible.
• The skipper or operator is to take control
and create a calm atmosphere.
• Identify and brief all on board concerning
the nature of the emergency and take
appropriate action.
• Hand out PFDs and wear according to
the instructions.
• Attempt to stop the leak by blocking the
access point with any suitable material
that will slow down the entry of water.
• Remove water by bucket or manual bilge
pump (if fitted).
• Check to make sure there is no danger
of fire or explosion.
• If there is a fire attempt to extinguish it.
• Attract attention from any passing vessel
or if close to shore, a person on land,
by waving or using a torch or flare if the
situation becomes desperate.
• If you have a ‘V’ distress sheet, place it
on top of the vessel or trail it in the water
and secure properly.
• If in grave and imminent danger and
you have a marine radio, transmit a
‘MAYDAY’ call.
• If in grave and imminent danger and you
have an EPIRB, activate it.

Capsize
A vessel can capsize as a result of
excessive speed, rough seas, surf,
high wind, inexperience and stupidity.
A capsize can happen in seconds.
Always have your PFD in an accessible
position.
Survivors from a capsize should remain
together.
It is recommended that you stay with the
capsized vessel as it easier for aircraft to
spot an upturned vessel than persons in
the water.
Abandoning the Vessel
The operator of a recreational vessel must
ensure that all hatches and doors on the
vessel are kept unlocked and clear of
obstruction at all times while the vessel
is underway.
There may be instances where a vessel
is involved in a sudden disaster, which
despite the best intentions of those on
board, puts the boat into such a state of
distress that abandonment is necessary.
If faced with this course of action ensure that
everyone is wearing a correctly fitted PFD
before going over the side. Survival in cold
water is hard enough without struggling to stay
afloat, too.
If the boat is equipped with a radio send
a distress message. Use flares only if there
is a reasonable likelihood of them being
seen - it is pointless to waste a small stock
of distress flares.
Activate your EPIRB, if the vessel is carrying
one. Stay with the boat. Most boats involved in
accidents don’t actually sink and can be more
readily sighted than a person in the water.
Even a partially submerged boat can be used
as a means of support.
Resist impulses to swim ashore. Distances
over water usually appear much less than
they actually are. Unless land is known for
certain to be within swimming distance, it is
always safer to stay with the boat.
85
Huddle together to reduce heat loss.
Avoid excessive physical activities such
as swimming. It increases body heat loss
(see section on First Aid Afloat and
Hypothermia).
Engine Failure
Even the best maintained engine may fail,
so it is important to have at least some
basic knowledge of what to do. Always
carry a kit of essential tools.
Before attempting to carry out any running
repairs while on the water, use an anchor
to stop drift and keep the bow facing into
the sea. This will assist in keeping the water
off the engine. Wet ignition can often
frustrate attempts to re-start an engine,
so it may also be necessary to work under
a waterproof cover large enough to keep
spray off the engine.
Learn to distinguish the sound of an engine
that is not running normally – you may then
be able to take action in time to avoid a
complete breakdown.
Wherever possible it is good practice to
carry an auxiliary motor. This motor should
be maintained in good operational order so
that it is ready for immediate use if required.
Fire
Most vessel fires start during fuelling
procedures, or just after, when fumes are
still present. Where there is fuel, there is
always the risk of fire.
Fuel safety is the critical factor in
prevention of fire. Smell is often the best
method detecting fumes or spillage.
Take sensible steps to minimise the risk.
Elements of fire
There are THREE (3) elements of fire.
If these elements are bought together in
sufficient quantities then a fire will occur.
The elements are:
• FUEL • HEAT • AIR (OXYGEN).
86
There is an exception to this rule and that is
SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION. Therefore
removal of any of these elements will result
in the fire being extinguished. The element
that is to be removed depends upon the
agent used to extinguish the fire.
• REMOVAL OF FUEL – STARVING
• REMOVAL OF HEAT – COOLING
• REMOVAL OF AIR – SMOTHERING
For information on the types of fire
extinguishers available refer to Chapter 2,
Minimum Safety Equipment - Fire
Extinguishers.
Causes
• Defective equipment.
• Carelessness.
• Incorrect operation.
Prevention (on the vessel)
Fuel fires aboard vessels spread rapidly and
generate intense heat. You can avoid
explosion and fires on boats by following a
few commonsense safety tips.
• Shut down the engine, motors, fans
and heating devices before refueling.
Never smoke whilst refueling.
• Leave room for expansion in the tank
and wipe up any spills.
• Refill portable tanks on shore, not on the
boat.
• Check bilges for leakages, fuel odour and
ventilation.
• Use only marine stoves.
• Carry the appropriate approved fire
fighting appliances. The preferred location
for the fire extinguisher is adjacent to the
drivers seat or adjacent to the exit.
• Do not stow fire extinguishers in the areas
of potential fire risk eg. next to fuel
caddies.
• Check fire extinguishers regularly.
• Fit a smoke alarm (if you sleep onboard)
and check it regularly.
• Keep a fire blanket in the galley and stow
it away from the stove.
• Correctly install fuel and LPG systems.
• Regularly check perishable fuel lines
for wear and tear and carry a spare.
• Fit a reminder notice above gas
appliances (‘turn off gas when not
in use’).
• Fit detection devices for gas and fuel
vapour and check regularly.
• Keep the vessel neat and tidy and free of
oil or fuel in the bilges.
• Don’t fit curtains above the stove.
• After refuelling, ventilate bilges by opening
hatches and operating a blower fan if fitted.
• On hot days, if the engine has been turned
off for some time, always lift the engine
cover before attempting to start engine.
This will dissipate any built up fuel vapours.
Prevention (at the marina)
• Know where fire fighting equipment is
located within the marina and how to use it.
• Don’t leave shore supply electrical cables
wound on a reel or drum as the cables
may overheat.
• When re-fuelling use a wide-mouthed
funnel or use a siphon hose and clean up
any splashes (fuel spills will make the
deck dangerously slippery).
• If possible fill the portable fuel tanks away
from the vessel in a well ventilated, no
smoking area.
• Remember – do not fuel with persons
onboard.
• Secure spare fuel in a tightly capped
secure container designed for fuel storage.
• Don’t keep oily or fuel soaked rags
onboard.

Fighting the Fire
• Raise the alarm (to others onboard and
to rescue organisations).
• Manoeuvre the vessel to operate with the
least wind effect (generally down wind).
• If within an enclosed or confined space,
close all the hatches, vents and ports to
reduce oxygen.
• If a burning object can be safely moved,
get it over the side quickly.
• Shut off fuel lines and gas lines as soon
as possible as flexible fuel lines may
collapse and add to the fire.
• Try to extinguish the fire with fire fighting
appliances and remember to direct the
extinguisher into the heart of the fire not
the flames.
• Maintain a watch on the area once the fire
has been extinguished to monitor any
reignition.
• If you need to abandon the vessel do
not motor alongside another vessel.
• Do not leave the vessel on the leeward
(downwind side) as the vessel may drift
onto you or any fuel may spread in the
water (you should be wearing your PFD).
Helping another vessel on fire
• Fires on other craft are indicated by large
black smoke pales.
• Be extremely cautious as you approach
and keep to the windward side of the
vessel on fire.
• Remember most fires on small vessels
originate from fuel, heating appliances,
stoves, leaking gas or fat. Fuel and gas
fires spread very quickly. Even a minor
spill can create an almost explosive
spread of flames.
87
Person Overboard
When you hear someone call loudly “man
overboard” do not jump in after the person,
it only doubles the problem. A lifebuoy or
buoyancy aid can be thrown to the person.
Delegate one person on board to keep the
person in sight at all times. Don’t panic;
remain as calm as possible. At night, use
the best available light to illuminate the area.
Recovery of person overboard
1 Steer the vessel as if to pass the person
within one metre.
2 When the person is opposite the bow,
select neutral and turn the vessel away
from the person. (For dinghies, point the
tiller at the person).
3 Approach the person from downwind.
4 Leave the motor running until the person
is being held.
5 Switch the motor off, so that when the
person climbing over the stern of the
vessel (being the most stable point of
entry, the boat may capsize if you try
pulling the person over the side) the
gears are not engaged accidentally
causing injury to the person in the water.
6 If you don’t have a boarding ladder, use
a rope to make one. On yachts with
overhanging sterns, the person should
be pulled in at the lowest point of
freeboard.
Victims may be hurt, cold or exhausted. If
they cannot help themselves, it is difficult to
get them back into the vessel.
Practice this procedure with your crew
members. If they know the procedure, there
is a good chance that they will be able to
perform the rescue.
88
First Aid Afloat
First Aid Kit
Every vessel should have on board a
suitable First Aid kit. These kits can be
purchased from a First Aid provider such
as St. John or Red Cross.
A simple kit can also be purchased from
a chemist shop and be supplemented
with sunscreen lotion, seasickness tablets,
a felt-tip pen and a pair of side-cutting pliers
for removing fishhooks.
Make sure the kit contains adequate wound
and burn dressings. The kit should be kept
in a sturdy, watertight plastic container
clearly marked and secured in a position
where anyone on board can reach it if
necessary. A booklet giving basic First Aid
procedures is an essential part of the kit.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a serious medical condition
in the maritime industry. It may cause death
quickly as a result of a loss of core body
temperature in vital organs (heart, lungs,
kidneys). It results from prolonged heat loss
due to immersion or insufficient protection in
cold, wet and or windy conditions.
Anxiety, hunger, exhaustion and low morale
all increase the risk.
Hypothermia may not be easily recognisable
and the victim may not realise the risks (may
not even feel cold any longer). Early signs
may include:
• lethargy and difficulty in reasoning
• poor sense of touch and clumsiness
• slurred speech
• developing muscle rigidity
• swollen lips, hands and feet.
More critical symptoms include:
• rigid muscles
• very slow, weak pulse and breathing
• uneven heartbeat
• unconsciousness
• skin cold and bluish-grey
• pupils dilate and lack response
• victim may appear dead, but not be so.
Hypothermia avoidance
To minimise the risks of hypothermia on
board:
• keep warm and dry
• avoid fatigue
• eat and drink normally (avoid alcohol)
• prevent dehydration
• avoid seasickness
• be aware of special medical needs.
To slow the development of hypothermia
in the water:
• put on extra clothing before entering
the water
• protect head, neck, hands, feet, chest
and groin from heat loss
• minimise swimming and strenuous activity
• adopt the Heat Escape Lessening Posture
(HELP).
Hypothermia treatment
Severe hypothermia is a critical medical
condition and careful treatment is essential
to facilitate recovery. Treatment steps may
include:
• sheltering victim from wind and cold
• replacing wet clothes with dry
• keeping victim horizontal (shock position)
• gradually restoring core temperature
(rapid warming may kill)
• warm environment
• sharing body warmth
• breathing across the mouth and nose
• applying gentle warmth to head, neck,
chest and groin
• minimising movement and gentle handling
• not massaging the skin
• warm sweet drinks, if conscious
(excluding alcohol)
• administering Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation if necessary

• seeking medical advice
• keeping the patient under continuous
observation.
Note: Alcohol increases body heat loss,
reducing survival time if you should fall
overboard, and increases pulse rate,
leading to quick exhaustion if you have to
swim to safety. Prescription medications
and other drugs can also pose problems.
Bleeding
A small cut can be treated easily by
washing with a disinfectant solution and
closing with a suitable dressing. Pressure
applied directly to the wound is the most
effective way to stop bleeding.
Elevation of the injured part will also help
to control bleeding. Occasionally, more
serious injuries can occur, particularly those
associated with propeller injuries involving
the limbs. Massive bleeding can result.
This can only be controlled by the use of
a constrictive bandage, which is used only
as a last resort in such serious cases.
The constrictive bandage should be applied
to the upper leg or arm, keeping well clear
of the knee and arm joints. Use a broad
(5-7.5cm) soft roller bandage, strip of
material or wide belt and encircle the limb
a number of times. The arterial pulse should
disappear completely below the bandage.
If bleeding appears to increase rather than
decrease, the constrictive bandage has
89
been applied incorrectly and should be
released and reapplied.
Once correctly applied, record the time of
applying the constrictive bandage on the
forehead of the casualty.
This is usually the first place where
medical assistance will look for signs
relating to the general condition of the
casualty. The constrictive bandage must
not be covered by clothing or other material.
It is essential to transport the patient to
hospital as soon as possible.
Remember:
• a constrictive bandage is only used as a
last resort for the control of massive,
uncontrollable bleeding
• should the constrictive bandage be
removed, it should be removed slowly so
as not to create a surge of blood to the
limb causing further bleeding
• the constrictive bandage should be
re-applied if necessary - that is,
if bleeding continues.
In all other cases the use of direct pressure
on a bleeding point with fingers or a pad
should be the first method used to arrest
bleeding.
Burns
Immediately and gently cool the burned
skin with plenty of cold water (sea water is
excellent), but never burst blisters or cut
away clothing unless the burn is from a
chemical which might continue to eat into
the cloth and skin beneath.
Cover the area lightly with a clean, dry,
sterile burns dressing or clean cloth and
keep the patient calm and quiet. Seek
medical assistance as soon as possible.
90
Seasickness
In many cases, seasickness can be avoided
if you sleep aboard the vessel the night
before the voyage to let your body get used
to the boat’s motion. Of course, this may not
be possible in small vessels. Otherwise, you
can take seasickness tablets as advised by
a chemist or a doctor, but be wary as some
may make you drowsy.
If you feel seasick, keep busy and stay in
the fresh air. Avoid the head down position,
as this aggravates illness.
Nibble on a dry biscuit, chew barley sugar
or dried fruit. Ginger is also considered a
good anti-seasickness remedy. Stay out of
enclosed areas where fumes from fuel and
food odours may temporarily collect.
Experienced sailors keep their diet free of
rich, fatty foods and alcohol both before
going to sea and while aboard.
Exposure to the Sun
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer
in the world, which is caused by exposure
to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Ultraviolet radiation is strongest between
11am and 3pm daylight saving time and is
present all year. The boater is particularly
susceptible, as reflected radiation from the
water gives an additional radiation effect.
Preventative measures are important
and clothing provides the best protection.
Cover exposed areas with a hat (a dark
colour under the brim of the hat will help
reduce sun glare reflecting off the water)
that covers the face, ears and neck and
wear a long-sleeved shirt. Apply a
sunscreen to exposed areas with a
maximum sun protector factor – SPF 15+
or above – water-resistant broad spectrum
sunscreen and a solar lip screen. Apply the
sunscreen 20 minutes before going out and
reapply every two hours.
For information about skin cancer protection
contact The Cancer Council South Australia
on free call 1800 188 070.
To treat sunburn, apply a cool, moist
compress to the affected area but do not
break any blisters. Give the patient plenty
of fluids and seek medical attention quickly.
Bites and Stings
Bites or stings from sea snakes, blue ringed
octopus and some jelly fish can cause
breathing and circulation to stop. It is vital
to monitor ABC (Airway, Breathing and
Circulation) and if necessary, begin
resuscitation immediately and continue
until medical help arrives.
Jelly fish
• prevent victim from rubbing the area
• keep victim calm, assured and rested
• pour vinegar over the affected area,
this de-activates the stinging capsules
and prevents further venom release
• icepacks applied to the areas can relieve
pain
• monitor ABC (Airway, Breathing and
Circulation)
• Get medical help urgently.
Blue Ringed Octopus and sea snakes
• keep victim calm, assured and rested
• apply a pressure immobilisation
bandage to the effected limb and
immobilise the limb
• monitor ABC (Airway, Breathing and
Circulation)
• get medical help urgently.
Stingrays and other venomous spines
• immerse area in water that is as hot as
can be tolerated by the victim. This will
help to relieve the pain
• get medical help urgently
• do not use pressure immobilisation.
 91

Basic Guide for Patient Assessment and if not Breathing;

how to administer EAR (Expired Air Resuscitation)

Distress Signals 3. A square flag

having above or
The following signals are some of those that
below it a ball or
are internationally recognised and indicate
anything
distress and need of assistance. Use of
resembling a ball.
these signals except for the purpose
indicated is prohibited.
4. A rocket parachute flare
1. Rockets or
or a hand-held flare
shells, throwing
showing a red light.
red stars fired
one at a time at
short intervals.

5. A smoke signal giving off orange

2. (a) A signal made by any light or coloured smoke.
sound signalling method
consisting of the group in the
Morse Code. SOS.

(b) A signal sent by radio consisting 6. Slowly and repeatedly

of the spoken word – MAYDAY raising and lowering
MAYDAY MAYDAY. arms out-stretched to
each side.
92
7. (a) A rectangle of the internationally
accepted colour orange material
with a black letter V: or
(b) A black square and circle.
8. A dye marker.
9. The international
Code Signal of
Distress indicated
by NC.
10. EPIRB
11. Oar with cloth on the end.
Rescue by Helicopter
The helicopter is a fast, efficient method of
recovering or deploying personnel to aid
injured or stricken persons aboard vessels
or in the sea.
The search for a stricken vessel can pose
a problem if direct communications cannot
be established. An EPIRB is the ideal
method of location. Smoke flares, and/or
a ‘V’ sheet will also aid location.
For easier, safer recovery, it is preferable for
a helicopter to carry out any winching
operation into wind. For ease of operation,
the vessel should be underway and steering
20 to 30 degrees to port or starboard off
the relative wind line. This will allow the
aircraft to format on the vessel, giving the
pilot and crew better visibility, and ensuring
any downwash will lie behind the vessel
and aircraft.
Recovery from a disabled vessel requires
a technique where the helicopter is required
to maintain position over the target.
To prepare, all loose articles above deck
should be securely stowed or lashed down
and a clear area prepared before the arrival
of the aircraft.
The winch (or rescue line) must never be
attached to the vessel. It can literally pull
the aircraft from the sky, particularly in rough
seas. The increased danger of snagging a
winch cable in these circumstances must
also be guarded against.
Australian Search and Rescue
(AusSAR)
Australian Search and Rescue’s Rescue
Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) has
national responsibility for coordinating all
aviation and large-scale maritime search
and rescue operations.
A team of specialists from police,
merchant marine, military and civil aviation
backgrounds operate RCC Australia
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Rescue Coordination Centre
The RCC’s functions are to
• locate distress beacons using satellite
technology and aircraft
• coordinate search and rescue missions
• coordinate medical evacuations from ships
• broadcast maritime safety information.
AusSAR is alerted to emergencies by:
• distress beacons
• radio distress calls (MAYDAYs)
• flare sightings
• phone calls from worried relatives and
friends
• overdue ship/aircraft reports.
Once alerted to an emergency, AusSAR
may call on the following organisations to
carry out a mission:
• civil search and rescue helicopters and
aeroplanes
• emergency medical helicopters
• Police and volunteer marine groups
• State Emergency Services

• Australian Communication Authority
• commercial airlines
• the Defence Forces
• shipping industry
• fishing industry
• general public
AusSAR 24-Hour Emergency Numbers:
Maritime: 1800 641 792
Aviation: 1800 815 257
Search and Rescue Coordination
The South Australia Police has the
responsibility for sea search and rescue in
the State. This is achieved through close
liaison with the Volunteer Marine Rescue
Groups and other South Australian
Government agencies.
Police are available to assist you with any
marine emergency or to help you with
general enquiries.
The SA Police Water Operations Unit staff
are fully trained in the use of the latest
technology for search and rescue planning
and have access to a state-wide database
of appropriate resources and information.
Should you require emergency assistance,
SA Police or Volunteer Marine Rescue
Groups will arrange for the appropriate
response for your situation.
If you require any further advice, contact the
SA Police Water Operations Unit.
Water Operations Unit 8242 3466
Police Attendance 131 444
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
Customs
Customs plays a vital role in protecting
Australia’s borders from the entry of illegal
and harmful goods and unauthorised
people. Counter terrorism and improved
quarantine intervention remain top priorities,
as well as intercepting illicit drugs and other
things potentially harmful to the community.
93
Report any suspicious border activities
to the Customs Hotline.
The Customs Hotline is a community
participation program. It draws on the
knowledge and expertise of people living
and travelling throughout Australia to report
potential or actual illegal activities.
You can help protect Australia’s borders.
You know your local area and you know
what looks or sounds suspicious at sea.
Your information could be the small piece of
information that leads to another successful
Customs operation.
Report suspicious border activities to
the Customs Hotline 24 hours a day on
1800 06 1800 (free call). Callers can
choose to remain anonymous and all
information is treated confidentially.
What you can do:
• Report any unlawful, unusual or
suspicious border activities.
• Don’t get involved – simply report what
you see or hear.
• Do not disturb or remove anything as this
could destroy vital evidence.
• Act as soon as possible. Your prompt
action could make a difference.
What to tell Customs:
• The time, date and place of the incident.
• What you saw or heard.
• A description of the people and the
transport involved (eg planes, boats, trucks).
• Registration numbers or call signs you
saw or heard.
What to look for at sea:
• Possible unauthorised landings by foreign
vessels.
• Merchant ships at anchor unusually close
to land, islands or other vessels.
• Vessels outside the normal shipping
lanes.
• Ships signalling or being met by small craft.
94

• Yachts and pleasure craft in remote or

unusual areas.
• Anyone making landings in remote areas.
• Unusual objects at sea or ashore
(eg buoys, rubbish, signalling devices).
• Salvage operations on shipwrecks.
• Cryptic or unusual radio messages.
Customs internet site can be found at:
www.customs.gov.au

Chapter 4
Sample Test Questions
Question
What types of boating accidents should be
reported?
A. Accidents involving loss of life, personal
injury or damage to any vessel or
property over $300.
B. All accidents involving motor vessels
or waterskiers.
C. All accidents.
Question
What action is recommended where you
are forced to abandon your vessel but it
remains afloat?
A. Attempt to swim ashore even if it appears
to be further than you can swim.
B. Stay with the vessel as it is more readily
sighted than a person in the water.
C. Keep active by swimming around the
vessel to keep warm.
Question
What steps should you take if your engine fails?
A. Drop the anchor immediately to stop the
vessel drifting and keep the bow facing
into the sea.
B. Attempt to repair the engine first before
deciding to drop your anchor.
C. Signal your distress immediately by
radioing for help or setting of your flares.
Question
Where a person has fallen overboard on
what part of the vessel should you assist
them to climb back on board the vessel
after you have switched the motor off?
A. The side of the vessel that is on the side
opposite to that from which the wind is
blowing.
B. The stern of the vessel as this is the
most stable point of entry.
C. The side of the vessel that protects the
person from the waves.
Question
Should you wish to signal your distress
during the hours of darkness what type of
flare would you not use?
A. Orange smoke flare.
B. Red hand flare.
C. Parachute (Rocket flare – red).

CHAPTER 5
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Personal Watercraft (PWC) are often
referred to as Jet Skis®. These include
Waverunners®, Sea Doos®, Wet Bikes®,
Wave Jammers® and other similar vessels.
The term Personal Watercraft (PWC) is
defined as a device that is propelled by a
motor, has a fully enclosed hull, is designed
not to retain water if capsized and is
designed to be operated by a person who
sits astride, stands or kneels on the device.
Regardless of the type of PWC, it is
important for operators to remember that
these are just another type of vessel and
they are required to be operated within the
rules pertaining to ‘power-driven vessels’.
However, PWC are much more
manoeuvrable than traditional power-driven
vessels and in the wrong hands, can
present a danger to the operator and to
other people using the State’s waters.
PWC operators should make sure that they
know the boating rules applicable to any
waterway they intend to use and the general
rules outlined in this handbook.
Always read signage placed at boat ramps
and on beaches and check for local rules,
which may apply specifically to PWC.
When being used to tow a waterskier,
aquaplaner, wakeboarder, or paraflyer,
the rules for waterskiing must be followed.
Refer to page 85 for details.
Registration
All PWC must be registered with DTEI if they
are to operate on South Australian inland and
coastal waterways. Owners can register their
vessels at any Service SA Customer Service
Centre. Refer to page 100 for details.
The minimum size of the registration
numbers is 100mm if the vessel is under
3m and 150mm if the vessel is over 3m and
must be attached on both sides of the PWC.
The registration numbers must be attached
95
to the part of the hull above the waterline
(as depicted in the two examples below),
in a contrasting colour to the hull so as to
be clearly visible from 50 metres.
These legal ‘decals’ must take preference
over decals and striping provided to
decorate or customize the PWC.
Operator Licensing
The operator must be the holder of a
Boat Operator’s Licence. A person holding
a Special Permit cannot operate a PWC
under any circumstances.
It is illegal for a person to allow an
unlicensed person to operate a PWC.
Education
PWC clubs and organisations are more than
happy to introduce you to the sport and to
assist with instruction and participation in
recreational events.
General Rules
The rules below apply to the operation of
all powered vessels including PWC.
• The requirement for a Boat Operator’s
Licence for every operator.
• A need for the craft to be currently
registered.
• An obligation to display registration
numbers. 100 mm high for vessel
under three metres in length and 150mm
high for vessels three metres or over in
length and an obligation to display a
current registration label.
96
• The requirement to be familiar with and
comply with the give way rules.
• An obligation to comply with speed limits
where they apply.
• The requirement to operate with sufficient
care for the safety of others and to
operate in a considerate manner.
• Navigate on the correct (right hand) side
of a river or channel.
• A 4 knot speed limit applies within 50 metres
of a person in the water, a vessel or buoy on
which is displayed a flag indicating that
there is a diver below (International Code
Flag A), a person in or on a canoe, kayak,
surf ski, surfboard, sail board or similar
small unpowered recreational vessel.
PWC Specific Rules
In addition to the general rules PWC
operators are required to observe the
following:
• A person must not operate a PWC on
any State waters after sunset or 8pm
(whichever is the earlier) on any day,
or before 9am on a Sunday or before
8am on any other day.
• A Special Permit holder cannot operate
a PWC.
• A person may operate a PWC on the
River Murray for the purpose of towing
another person at any time between
sunrise and sunset on any day.
• Unless zoned otherwise a 4 knot speed
limit applies to all PWC within 200 metres
of the metropolitan shoreline (waters
edge) between Outer Harbor southern
breakwater and the southern end of
Sellicks Beach and the back waters of
the River Murray.
• Some regional areas have a 4 knot speed
limit within 200m of the coast.
• Some special zones have been created
in State waters where additional speed
restrictions apply to PWC. Some special
areas also exist in which only PWC can
be used.
• From 1 September 2009 a PWC may not
be operated in unprotected waters, i.e.
beyond two nautical miles seaward from
the coast of the mainland or of Kangaroo
Island, without the approval of the Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of the Department
for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
• All operators and passengers on PWC
must wear an approved PFD Type 2 or
Type 3 that complies with one or more of
the approved standards for those PFDs
listed in the ‘Safety Equipment Standards’
section of this addendum.
A PFD Type 1 can lead to restricted
movement and may lead to injury if a
person falls off a PWC at high speed. For
this reason a PFD Type 1 is not suitable to
be worn when on a PWC by either the
operator or a passenger.
• A person must not operate a PWC in
unprotected waters, i.e. more thantwo
nautical miles seaward from the coast of
the mainland or Kangaroo Island, without
written permission of the CEO of the
Department for Transport, Energy and
Infrastructure.
Except for PFDs there is no legal
requirement to carry safety equipment
on your PWC.
The department recommends however, that
while operating in semi-protected waters,
i.e. up to two nautical
miles seaward of the
coast of the mainland
or Kangaroo Island,
you should consider
carrying flares and
other items of safety
equipment that you
can safely carry.
For further details
ask your local
Transport Safety
Compliance Officer
- Marine.

Noise
One of the most common complaints
received about PWC is noise.
Many PWC operators tend to congregate
near residential or popular recreation areas
and drive around repeatedly in the same
area. This noise can be irritating to people
using the foreshore and to the residents
often some distance from the water.
Individually, most PWC are not excessively
noisy when compared to other vessels.
However, if continually operated close to the
shore, or when operating in groups, or when
‘porpoising’ or performing manoeuvres,
noise levels do increase.
Avoid operating a PWC when the winds are
blowing onshore if you are in populated
areas – including campsites.
Respect the peace of other people and
wildlife.
Remember the less number of complaints –
the greater the chance to enjoy the sport.
Waterskiing
PWC are frequently being used for waterskiing.
Remember that the normal waterskiing rules
apply to PWC towing skiers, including the
need to carry an appropriate observer on
the PWC. The observer must be facing the
skier at all times during the skiing operation.
The carrying capacity of the PWC must
have seating for at least two persons - the
operator and observer. It is also advisable
to use a PWC that has been designed with
towing capability.
Safe Speed and Distance
All vessels are required to travel at a safe
speed at all times.
Depending on the circumstances even
a slow speed can be potentially unsafe.
The PWC operator must constantly monitor
the speed of the vessel to ensure that a
safe speed is being maintained.
97
Observe and follow speed signs and buoys
marking the waterways.
Remember, spectacular stunts and
manoeuvres must be done well away from
other people, other vessels and the shore.
A 4 knots maximum speed limit applies
within:
• 30 metres of vessels affected by
your wash, vessels being launched or
retrieved, jetties and wharves
• 50 metres of swimmers, small
non-powered craft and divers’ flags.
Avoiding Accidents
The boating rules made under the
Harbors and Navigation Act 1993 and
Regulations 2009 apply to the operators of
all vessels and that includes PWC riders.
A PWC must give way to:
• larger vessels operating in confined
channels
• sailing vessels
• other vessels crossing from the right.
One of the most important rules is the
requirement to keep a good lookout at
all times. In particular, remember:
• in surf areas, swimmers may be hidden
from view by waves and swell. Keep well
away from areas where swimmers are
likely to be present, or slow right down
• do not cut blind corners – slow down
• if vision is affected by the sun or spray –
slow down or stop
• keep well clear of anchored and moored
vessels.
In channels and narrow stretches of water,
you must drive on the right hand or
starboard side in the direction of travel.
Safety First
• you must wear an appropriate and approved
PFD. Suitable footware, goggles and gloves
are also a good idea
• avoid swimming areas
• always attach the ignition cut-out safety line
98

• ensure the Ride Smart sticker is visible. • A suitable and properly equipped rescue
• don’t drink alcohol and ride boat must be ready for immediate use at
• obey all speed limits, boating regulations the water’s edge at all times.
and signs • A fully equipped first aid kit is to be kept
• consider other people. on site at all times for use in an
emergency.
Hire and Drive Requirements • A telephone, mobile telephone or
A person wanting to hire and drive a PWC two-way radio must be available for any
will require a Boat Operator’s Licence to emergency.
hire that vessel in South Australia, unless • Unlicensed operators of PWC must be
operating within the conditions of a Boat provided by the licensee with and wear a
Hire Business Licence. bright coloured bib over the PFD, and to
If the person is operating in the waters be clearly visible at all times during the
defined within a Small Boat Hire Business hire operation.
Licence issued by DTEI, the hirer must
comply with the following conditions:
• Vessels for hire must be clearly marked
with the word “HIRE” on each side of the
vessel and abaft the registration number,
in letters not less than 150mm in height.
• The licensee is to give all hirers practical
instruction in the safe operation of the
vessel for hire.
• The licensee must have the hirer sign a
statement to the effect that they have
received adequate instruction.
• The licensee must advise all hirers that any
operator with a concentration of alcohol of
blood of .05 is guilty of an offence.
• The unlicensed operator must be at least
16 years of age.
• An unlicensed person is not permitted to
carry any other person on a PWC.
• Operation hours are between sunrise and
sunset, during fine weather and safe
navigable conditions.
• All PWC for hire must have a Ride Smart
sticker attached, and the hirer’s attention
must be drawn to the requirements listed
on the sticker.
• The operation of a hire vessel outside the
area defined by cones for the operation
of vessels by an unlicensed operator is
not permitted.
• Adequate staff members are to be on hand to
ensure the hirers are adequately supervised.

Chapter 5
Sample Test Questions
Question
What is the minimum size of registration
numbers to be displayed on a PWC under
three metres in length?
A. 100mm.
B. 150mm.
C. 75mm.
Question
What is the speed limit when operating
a PWC, within 200 metres of the
metropolitan shoreline between Outer
Harbor southern breakwater and the
southern end of Sellicks Beach and the
backwaters of the River Murray?
A. 5 knots.
B. 10 knots.
C. 4 knots.
Question
Under what conditions can a Special Permit
holder operate a PWC?
A. When the Special Permit holder is under
the direct supervision of a person with a
Boat Operator’s Licence.
B. A Permit Holder is not permitted to
operate a PWC under any circumstances.
C. When the Special Permit holder is under
the direct supervision of a person with a
Boat Operator’s Licence and the PWC is
only operated at a maximum speed of
10 knots.
99
Question
How can PWC operators reduce complaints
regarding the noise of the vessels?
A. Do not congregate near residential or
popular recreational areas and drive
around repeatedly in the same area.
B. Avoid operating a PWC when the winds
are blowing onshore if you are in
populated areas, including campsites,
and avoid excessive “porpoising” or
performing other manoeuvres that
increase noise levels.
C. All of the above.
Question
When operating a PWC in a river or channel,
on which side should you remain?
A. On any convenient side as a PWC is
extremely manoeuvrable and can easily
avoid other vessels.
B. To the starboard side of the channel in
the direction of travel.
C. To the port side of the channel in the
direction of travel.
100

CHAPTER 6 Marion
493 Morphett Road
Customer Service Centres Oaklands Park 5046
Customer Service Centres PO Box 480
Oaklands Park SA 5046
Service SA and other Country Agencies
Mitcham
provide ALL recreational vessel registration
17 Princes Road
and operator licensing services.
Torrens Park 5062
Office hours are 9.00am – 5.00pm,
PO Box 756
Monday to Friday.
Mitcham Shopping Centre SA 5062
DTEI Officers at Victor Harbor and Kingscote Modbury
perform duties that may leave their offices 116 Reservoir Road
unstaffed at times. You are advised to call Modbury 5092
ahead before attending these offices.
PO Box 936
Modbury SA 5092
Customer Service
Port Adelaide
General Enquiries: 13 10 84
64 Dale Street
Email:
Port Adelaide 5015
dtei.recreationalboatingunit@sa.gov.au
PO Box 3800
Credit Card payments for registration
Port Adelaide SA 5015
renewals: www.ezyreg.sa.gov.au 24 hours
a day or 1300 363 805, 8am-6pm Monday Prospect
to Friday. Northpark Shopping Centre
264 Main North Rd
Boat Operator’s Licence and Special Permit
Prospect 5082
Examinations are conducted between 9am
and 4.15pm, Monday to Friday. PO Box 560
No appointment is necessary. Prospect East SA 5062
Regency Park
Service SA Metropolitan Centres 18 Kateena Street
Adelaide Regency Park 5010
EDS Centre PO Box 2262
108 North Terrace Regency Park SA 5010
Adelaide 5000 Tranmere
PO Box 8045 Station Arcade 172 Glynburn Road
Adelaide SA 5000 Tranmere 5073
Christies Beach PO Box 1117
111 Beach Street Firle SA 5070
Christies Beach 5165
PO Box 111 Service SA Country Centres
Christies Beach SA 5165 Berri
Elizabeth 29 Vaughan Terrace
Shop 42 North Mall Berri 5343
Elizabeth Shopping Centre Locked Bag 233
Elizabeth 5112 Berri SA 5343
PO Box 71
Elizabeth SA 5112
 101

Gawler Other Country Agencies

Northern Market Shopping Centre Ceduna (District Council)
Cnr Murray and Cowan Streets 44 O’Loughlin Terrace
Gawler 5118 Ceduna 8625 3407
Locked Bag 1811 Victor Harbor (DTEI) 8552 2069
Gawler SA 5118 Kingscote KI (DTEI) 8553 2064
Kadina An appointment may be required.
10 Digby Street
Kadina 5554 Service SA Rural Agents
PO Box 480 Services are restricted to
Kadina SA 5554 Recreational Vessel Operator Licensing
Mount Gambier for new applicants only.
11 Helen Street An appointment may be required.
Mount Gambier 5290
General Enquires: 13 23 24
Private Mail Bag 124
www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine
Mount Gambier SA 5290
Murray Bridge Department for Transport,
19 Seventh Street Energy and Infrastructure
Murray Bridge 5253
77 Grenfell Street
Locked Bag 100 Adelaide 5000
Murray Bridge SA 5253 www.dtei.sa.gov.au
Naracoorte
10 Butler Terrace Transport Safety Compliance
Naracoorte SA 5271 Officers - Marine
Port Augusta Are stationed at:
9 MacKay St Walkley Heights
Port Augusta 5700
Berri
PO Box 2077 Kadina
Port Augusta SA 5700 Murray Bridge
Port Lincoln Goolwa
73 - 75 Tasman Terrace Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln 5606
Locked Bag 1
Port Lincoln SA 5606
Port Pirie
Shop 7-8, 72-80 Ellen Street
Port Pirie 5540
Locked Bag 1
Port Pirie SA 5540
Whyalla
171 Nicolson Avenue
Whyalla Norrie 5608
PO Box 2196
Whyalla Norrie SA 5608
102

Notes
103
104
The information presented in this handbook is based on
the provisions of the Harbors and Navigation Act 1993
and Regulations 2009, which include reference to
Collision Regulations and River Murray Traffic Regulations.
It is to be used only as a guide.
Copies of the Harbors and Navigation Act and Regulations
can be obtained from:
Service SA
101 Grenfell Street
Adelaide
Tel: 13 23 24.
The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI)
does not sponsor, endorse or necessarily approve any products
or services advertised in the South Australian Recreational
Boating Safety Handbook.
DTEI acknowledges the cooperation and assistance provided
by Marine Safety Victoria for granting permission to use the MR160
Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook as the base
for the South Australian Recreation Boating Safety Handbook. FEBRUARY 2010
 2010
www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine