How to stay safe

How to stay safe on the water

Every boat, no matter how big or small, must have a skipper. The skipper is legally responsible for the safety of the boat and all the people on board, and is also responsible for complying with all the relevant rules and regulations.

Even though no licence is required to operate a pleasure boat in New Zealand, ignorance of any maritime rules or regional bylaws is not accepted as an excuse. Failure to comply can lead to fines or prosecution.

Before you undertake any form of boating activity, we recommend you undertake some form of boating education and understand the “rules of the road on the water”.

Key safety points:

• Every boat has to have the right sized lifejacket for each person on board, and for boats under 6 metres they have to be worn unless the skipper decides that the risk is very low at the time.
• Get a marine weather forecast before you head out and listen for regular updates while you are out.
• Carry at least two means of communicating distress on you, and for boats under 6 metres, these need to withstand immersion.
• Stay in touch, so that if you have an unexpected accident you will have the best chance of coming home safely.
• If you have a VHF radio, make a trip report and stay in contact with Maritime Radio, or the local Coastguard or marine radio service. Keep your trip report up to date during the trip so those on shore have a good idea where you are should you ever need help.
• Avoid alcohol or limit its intake – alcohol impairs judgement and the ability to survive in an emergency.
• Always watch where you are going and use others on board to help with the lookout.