Before you leave the ramp

Plan each outing with the likely conditions and the area you intend to visit in mind. Tasmania’s waterways include sheltered inland lakes and exposed coastal waters, and the safety equipment you must carry depends on where you operate. Check that your boat’s buoyancy, capacity and overall condition are suitable for the trip you have planned, and make sure any required licences are current before you start the engine.

Legal checks and responsibilities

There are established navigation rules to help keep all water users safe. These include local speed limits such as 5-knot zones, restrictions in port or prohibited areas, and general collision and transiting rules. If your vessel has a motor of 4 horsepower or more, confirm your motor boat licence is valid. Where the rules vary by location, use the relevant operation area guidance to confirm what you must carry for the trip.

Essential safety equipment by operation area

Some items are mandatory depending on vessel size and the area you will be in. Key safety items to check and carry include:

  • A correctly fitted life jacket for every person on board and the right type for the activity.
  • An appropriate anchor with rope and, where useful, an attached chain to help hold in changing conditions.
  • A bailer or bilge pump, or at minimum a solid bucket with line for smaller craft.
  • Fire extinguisher(s) for any vessel with an engine.
  • A first aid kit sized to the number of passengers and likely trip duration.
  • Visual distress options; electronic visual distress signals are now an alternative to some handheld pyrotechnic flares in certain circumstances.
  • A VHF marine radio for communication on inland and coastal waters.
  • A lifebuoy and a heaving line with sufficient strength to haul someone back to the boat.

If you head beyond sheltered waters, an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is required. For vessels under 6 metres in length, carry oars, paddles or an auxiliary motor as a secondary means of propulsion.

Preparing the vessel and crew

Regular maintenance and pre-departure checks reduce the chance of equipment failure. Inspect hull integrity, fuel systems and electrical wiring, and verify buoyancy aids or foam are in good condition. Make sure the crew have been shown the location and correct use of every critical item such as life jackets, VHF radio, fire extinguisher and the bilge pumping method. Carbon monoxide is an invisible risk on boats with engine exhaust; remember it can be odourless and without taste, so keep vents clear and appliances well maintained.

Carry and test radar reflectors where appropriate to increase small-vessel visibility to other craft. Consider an electronic position device or PLB in addition to or instead of pyrotechnic flares if you prefer the modern option where allowed.

Skills, training and local support

Consider formal training for boat handling, navigation, marine radio operation and sea survival. Clubs and training organisations offer motor boat licence instruction, marine radio and safety courses, and short survival modules. Local yacht clubs provide resources, training options and marina facilities; they can also advise on berth availability, fuel and storage services.

On-water behaviour and water sports

If you intend to waterski, dive from the boat or take part in other towing activities, get familiar with the specific operating rules for those sports. Respect speed limits and exclusion zones, keep a lookout for other craft and swimmers, and brief everyone aboard on roles and emergency procedures before you depart.

Emergency readiness and communications

Make sure your VHF radio works and that you understand basic distress call procedure and channel use. Test or register EPIRBs and PLBs so the signal will include correct location details. Carry spare batteries for handheld equipment and keep devices in waterproof cases. Tell a responsible person ashore your planned route and expected return time.

Practical checks before every trip

Confirm these items each time you head out: licence validity for engines 4hp and up, that required safety equipment is aboard and serviceable, that auxiliary propulsion is present when applicable, and that everyone on board can access and use life-saving equipment. Check local tide, weather and hazard updates and adjust plans where conditions change.

Suitability and conditions

Smaller vessels and novice crews should plan for sheltered water trips and days with benign conditions. Exposed coastal passages require more robust planning, extra equipment and a higher level of navigation skill. If you are unsure about suitability for a specific outing, seek local advice from a boating club or qualified trainer.

A practical packing list to print and tick

  • Life jackets for all aboard, fitted and appropriate
  • VHF radio and spare batteries
  • EPIRB or PLB for trips outside sheltered waters
  • Anchor with rope and chain
  • Bailer or bilge pump and bucket
  • Fire extinguisher(s)
  • First aid kit
  • Heaving line and lifebuoy
  • Oars/paddles or auxiliary propulsion if under 6 m
  • Radar reflector and visual distress options as appropriate
  • Tools, spare fuel and basic spares for your engine

Follow these checks and pack for your intended area of operation to reduce both routine mishaps and severe emergencies when on Tasmanian waters.