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 sea”.
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. Visit our directory of safety gear stockists
- 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. Coastguard Boating Education has a comprehensive course that will teach you how to operate a marine VHF radio.
- 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.
Safety FAQs
Are there any special rules we need to follow when boating with friends and family?
Whenever you invite guests aboard for the day, a weekend or an extended cruise, you should explain to them in advance what is expected of them, especially if they are not experienced boaties. Familiarise your friends and family with boating safety and emergency procedures before leaving the shore. Show them how to put on life jackets, describe docking and anchoring, and advise them to keep alcohol to a minimum. Make sure someone onboard is able to take over from you and operate the VHF radio and engine controls should you become sick or disabled. Share your plans for the day and show them where you plan to go on the chart. The more they know, the more they will enjoy the trip. Click here for more information and tips on Boating with Friends and Family
What are the requirements for life jackets?
A correct size lifejacket for each person on board is required and on all recreational boats they must be worn at all times of increased risk. This includes non swimmers, crossing bars at all times, and if the water is rough. If the boat is under six metres then lifejackets need to be worn at all times unless the skipper believes that the risk from not wearing them is very low. For more information on life jacket requirements, visit Maritime NZ’s page on lifejackets
Research has shown that in the past ten years, two thirds of all boating fatalities could have been avoided if a lifejacket was being worn at the time.
Besides lifejackets, what other special safety considerations should be kept in mind when boating with children?
Active supervision of children is a key boating safety factor. Keep an eye on your kids at all times, ensure that they stick to safe areas where they are not likely to fall overboard, and make sure they don’t run around or indulge in horse-play.
Also, remember that children learn best through example. If you follow best practices by completing a boating safety course, not boating under the influence of alcohol, and conducting regular vessel safety checks, children will naturally learn from you. Involve children in the operation of the boat by letting them steer, and in other tasks like operating the radio and the dinghy, but always under adult supervision. If they learn properly they will quickly become skilled and safer boaties.
Last, but not least, be sure that there’s an action plan for what to do in an emergency, including fire on board and man overboard – which should be practised using a floating object. Everyone onboard should be informed of where safety equipment is located, and how to operate the VHS radio. And at least one other person should be also able to operate the boat in case the skipper is injured.
Where can I learn the rules of the sea?
Boating education courses are available throughout New Zealand. Great practical courses for new boaties are run by Coastguard and the Royal Yacht Association. Boating courses are also run through commercial boating schools nationwide. Click here to find a boating course that’s right for you.
