Transport for NSW

Boating safety
checklist
A guide to lifejacket and safety equipment
rules on NSW waters

November 2020
 Safety equipment checklist – to be carried on board

ENCLOSED WATERS OPEN WATERS

Quantity

Quantity
Check

Check
Item Item

Lifejacket – Level 50S or greater. 1 per Lifejacket – Level 100 or greater.# 1 per
person* person*

Anchor and chain/line to suit vessel Anchor and chain/line to suit vessel size/weight and sea floor. 1
1
size/weight and sea floor.
Bailer/bucket/fire bucket with lanyard. 1
Bailer/bucket/fire bucket with lanyard. 1
Bilge pump(s) – Manual or power operated for vessels with covered
Bilge pump(s) – Manual or power operated
bilge(s) or closed under‑floor compartments (other than airtight void 1**
for vessels with covered bilge(s) or closed
spaces). Must be capable of draining each compartment.
under‑floor compartments (other than 1**
airtight void spaces). Must be capable of Compass – Fluid filled magnetic. 1
draining each compartment.
Distress flare – Orange smoke hand-held (in date). 2
Fire extinguisher(s) – For vessels with
electric start, electric motors, battery, gas or 1**
Distress flare – Red hand-held (in date). 2
fuel stoves.

Paddles or oars and rowlocks – In vessels Fire extinguisher(s) – For vessels with electric start, electric motors,
1**
under 6m unless a second means of 1 battery, gas or fuel stoves.
propulsion is fitted.
Map/chart for area of operation (paper or electronic). 1
Safety label appropriate to vessel type. 1
Paddles or oars and rowlocks – In vessels under 6m unless a second
1
Sound signal – Air horn/whistle/bell. 1 means of propulsion is fitted.

Safety label appropriate to vessel type. 1

Waterproof torch – Floating and operational. 1
Sound signal – Air horn/whistle/bell. 1
For enclosed and open waters, all safety equipment carried on board must be:
• In good condition and meet appropriate standards or specifications V sheet – Minimum dimensions 1.8m x 1.2m. 1
• Maintained or serviced according to manufacturer’s specifications
• Replaced before the expiry date listed by manufacturer (if applicable) Water suitable for drinking. 2L per
• Stored in an easily accessible location. person

Waterproof torch – Floating and operational. 1

DON’T EXPIRE. Record the expiry date/s
of your equipment where relevant
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT for OPEN WATERS
Expiry required if two nautical miles or more offshore
Symbol Item
Month Year
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) – 406MHz.
Inflatable lifejacket Must be in date (according to the manufacturer’s expiry date) and 1
properly registered with AMSA.
Distress flare (orange smoke hand-held).
Marine radio 1
Distress flare (red hand-held).
* Lifejackets must be suitable for the intended wearer and in good working condition. Inflatable lifejackets must be serviced at
least every 12 months (or at longer intervals in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions).
Emergency Position Indicating Radio ** Additional bilge pumps and fire extinguishers may be required for larger vessels.
Beacon (EPIRB). #
A Level 50S or greater lifejacket is suitable when using PWC, canoes and kayaks, off-the-beach sailing vessels, sailboards
and kiteboards.

THESE TABLES DO NOT INCLUDE LIFEJACKET WEARING REQUIREMENTS. VIEW THE TABLE OVER THE PAGE.

Modified safety equipment requirements

Canoes/kayaks Exempt from carrying safety equipment, however Sailing vessels • If less than 6m in length and in enclosed waters
an appropriate lifejacket must be worn at all times is not required to carry an anchor
on open waters. On enclosed waters, an appropriate • Not required to carry bucket/bailer if it has a
lifejacket must be carried for each person on board permanently enclosed self draining hull
and worn if required. If going into isolated areas, • When engaged in organised sail training, is not
carrying additional safety equipment is recommended. required to carry safety equipment if a power
driven vessel capable of use for rescue purposes
Racing shells, surf rescue Exempt from carrying safety equipment on all waters.
is in attendance
boats, surf boats and
• Not required to have a Safety Label.
surf skis
Off the beach vessels Not required to carry safety equipment if the vessel
Rowboats, dinghies, Exempt from carrying safety equipment on enclosed
(means an unballasted, does not have sufficient storage room.
small unpowered waters if the vessel is all of the following:
sail-only vessel, including
inflatable boats • Less than 3m in length
centreboard dinghy,
• Not a tender
windsurfer, skiff or
• Not carrying an engine or fuel
multihull vessel, but not
• Not more than 200m from nearest shore
including a vessel with a
• Operating between sunrise and sunset
cabin or a fixed keel)
• Built so as to float if swamped or capsized.
Dragon boats/ For more information on safety equipment
Personal watercraft Exempt from carrying safety equipment. Outrigger canoes requirements please refer to Schedule 8, Part 2
(PWC) Also exempt from carrying a safety label, but must of Marine Safety Regulation 2016.
have a PWC behaviour label. For tow-in surfing
Tenders (if operating Exempt from carrying other safety equipment if the
the PWC must be equipped with: A rescue sled,
in enclosed waters, less vessel carries a paddle or oars, a waterproof torch if
spare kill switch wrapped around the handlebars,
than 3m in length and operating between sunset and sunrise, a bucket/bailer
two‑way communication device, dive fins, safety
operating within 200m or bilge pump.
knife, tool kit, quick release floating tow rope
of the shore)
with a minimum length of 7m, bow tow-line with
a minimum length of 7m. Sailboards Exempt from carrying safety equipment on all waters.

Kiteboards Exempt from carrying safety equipment on all waters.

NAVIGATION LIGHTS MUST BE DISPLAYED BETWEEN SUNSET & SUNRISE & DURING TIMES OF RESTRICTED VISIBILITY
Lifejackets
Lifejackets are the most important safety equipment
WHAT LIFEJACKET AM I REQUIRED TO WEAR ON MY
on any recreational vessel. RECREATIONAL VESSEL?
Modern lifejacket styles are designed to help you get Boating activity/ Enclosed waters Open waters
the most out of your day on the water. They are easy Vessel type Lifejacket requirements Lifejacket requirements
to wear and don’t get in the way of your favourite
boating activities. So be safe and wear yours, because a Children under 12 years Level 50S or greater: Level 100 or greater:
lifejacket could save your life. of age • At all times on a vessel less than 4.8m • At all times on a vessel less than 4.8m
• When in an open area of a vessel less • When in an open area of a vessel less
For more information about lifejackets visit than 8m that is underway. than 8m that is underway.
rms.nsw.gov.au/lifejackets.
On all boats less than 4.8m Level 50S or greater at all times when: Level 100 or greater at all times.
Types of lifejackets (unless specified) • Boating between sunset and sunrise
There are three main types of lifejackets, built to • Boating on alpine waters
different standards of buoyancy and designed for • Boating alone (without another person
different kinds of marine activities. All lifejackets used 12 years of age or more on the same vessel).
in NSW must comply with accepted Australian or
equivalent International Standard(s). Personal watercraft (PWC) Level 50S or greater at all times. Level 50S or greater at all times.
including tow-in surfer
The three types are:
• Level 100 or greater (similar to former Type 1 Crossing coastal bars N/A At all times as per open waters requirement
for boating activity/vessel type.
category)
• Level 50 (similar to former Type 2 category) Anyone being towed, Level 50S or greater at all times. Level 50S or greater at all times.
eg water‑skiing,
• Level 50S (similar to former Type 3 category). wakeboarding (whether or
not the person is using a rope)
What lifejackets must I carry on
Canoes and kayaks Level 50S or greater at all times when: Level 50S or greater at all times.
my boat?
• Boating between sunset and sunrise
A lifejacket must be carried for each person on board
• Boating on alpine waters
most vessels (see safety equipment checklist over the Sailboarding and
• Boating alone (without another person
page). They must be a suitable size for the intended kiteboarding (when more
12 years of age or more on the same vessel).
wearer and in good condition. They must be stored or than 400m from shore)
placed to allow quick and easy access. Off the beach sailing vessel
Lifejackets must be either visible to passengers or
their location clearly marked by an unobstructed and
When directed by the As per enclosed waters requirement for As per open water requirements for boating
clearly visible sign saying LIFEJACKETS. This sign is to
master of the vessel boating activity/vessel type. activity/vessel type.
be either red lettering on a white background or white
lettering on a red background.
What type of lifejacket can be worn?
Important note
Inflatable lifejackets must be serviced at least every
12 months or at longer intervals in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.

Level 100 or greater inflatable Level 100 or greater Level 50 Level 50S
Definitions
Master’s responsibility
The master is responsible for all people on board and
can direct passengers to put on their lifejacket at any
time, for example when the master considers there is a
heightened risk of an incident occurring or if an incident
was to occur, it might be difficult to help yourself.
Examples of heightened risk include (but are not
limited to):
• Boating in bad weather such as in a gale warning,
storm warning, severe thunderstorm warning
or other severe weather warnings issued by the
Bureau of Meteorology
• When a yacht does not have safety barriers, lifelines,
rails, safety harnesses or jack lines in use
• Boating by the elderly, non-swimmers and people
with serious medical conditions
• When the vessel has broken down
• When there is a significant likelihood that the vessel
may be capsized or swamped by waves, or the
occupants of the vessel may fall overboard or be
forced to enter the water
• Other similar circumstances.

Underway
Underway means not at anchor, made fast to the shore,
or aground. If you are drifting, you are underway.

Open area
An open area, in the case of a recreational vessel, means:
• All deck areas including coach roofs, superstructures,
open flying bridges, trampolines and nets, excluding
areas within a rigid deckhouse, a rigid cabin, a rigid
half cabin or a securely enclosed under deck space
• In the case of vessels without a deck, the whole
vessel excluding areas with a rigid cabin or a securely
enclosed space
• In the case of kayaks or canoes, the whole vessel.

Alpine waters
The waters of Lake Burrinjuck, Lake Eucumbene,
Lake Jindabyne, Khancoban Pondage, the Swampy
Plains River, Mannus Lake, Googong Reservoir,
Blowering Reservoir, Pejar Dam, Yass River, Lake
Oberon and all navigable waters within the boundaries
of the Kosciuszko National Park.
Other recommended safety tips
First aid kit
It makes good sense to carry a complete first aid kit
on board, appropriate to the size of the boat.

Tool kit
Although not part of the safety equipment requirements,
every vessel should have a tool kit. The basic items
include a spark plug spanner and spark plugs (for petrol
engines), small spanner, pliers, phillips head and standard
screwdrivers, spare fuel line, electrical wiring, insulation
tape and a can of water repellent.

Reserve fuel
Always carry sufficient fresh fuel for the trip with plenty
in reserve. Remember that tide, current and wind
conditions can affect your fuel consumption. Don’t leave
yourself short.

Training
Ensure everyone on board knows where to find and how
to use essential safety equipment. Show others how to
operate the vessel and marine radio, and how to deal
with emergencies.

Care of equipment
Safety equipment is generally durable and long lasting.
Keep small, storable items like flares, V sheet, EPIRB,
torch and other bits and pieces in an accessible, sealed,
waterproof container.
Make sure items like the radio and fire extinguisher are
protected from saltwater.
Check safety equipment is operational, within reach
and in date.
Look after your lifejackets, don’t use them as cushions
or fenders and keep them away from oil and fuel. Ensure
they are accessible in a dry, well ventilated area and let
everyone on board know where they are.

For more information:

roads-maritime.transport.nsw.gov.au
13 12 36

© Transport for NSW

November 2020
20.389