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Boating Handbook
Boating Handbook
Boating Handbook
Contents
Staying safe on NSW waterways 4 Lifejackets and safety equipment 30
2
Contents
COVER: The joy of boating on NSW waterways. Wagonga Head and Wagonga Inlet, Narooma.
Destination NSW photo.
3
Staying safe on NSW waterways
The NSW Boating Handbook is all the questions in the General Boat
for everyone using NSW waterways. Licence Knowledge Test and PWC
Whether you’re a newcomer or an Licence Knowledge Test. It also
experienced skipper, being safe provides practical information about
on the water is a responsibility we vessel registration.
all share.
The NSW Government is committed
The handbook is designed to help to reducing fatalities and serious
you understand the key rules to injuries on NSW waterways.
keep you and everyone else safe. Certain behaviours and factors are
It’s essential reading for anyone commonly linked to incidents on the
without experience of being on the water. Avoiding these behaviours and
water. It aims to prepare you for making better decisions will reduce
the challenges and reduce your risk. your risk.
4
Introduction
Lifejacket wear rules apply on NSW waterways. See the safety equipment chapter for full details.
5
When you break a rule, you not Laws change, so make sure you
only put the safety of yourself always have the most recent version
and others at risk, it’s an offence of this handbook. You can download
and you can get a fine. For serious the latest copy or view it online at
or repeat offences, you can lose ‘Safety and rules’ at nsw.gov.au
your licence and your vessel can
be taken away. See ‘Offences and For definitions of the common
penalties’ at nsw.gov.au terms used in this book, see
Maritime terms.
6
Introduction
Maritime terms
The Boating Handbook uses is useful when you’re on the water
specialised maritime terminology. and can help you understand and
A working knowledge of these terms follow the rules.
Types of vessels
The handbook uses specific compartment. For example, jet ski or
terminology to refer to vessels. jet‑powered surfboard.
7
Parts of a vessel
Stern
Pulpit
Waterline
Console Wheel
Deck Chine
Transom
house
Bottom
Cabin Cockpit
trunk Transom Depth
Freeboard
Stern Waterline
Deck
Draft
Bow
Length overall
Towards the front of the boat is known as the bow, the back end is known as the stern.
Beam: The widest part of a vessel. Cockpit: A lowered space in the deck
of a boat where people can stand
Bilge: Inside the bottom of a vessel’s or sit.
hull where water collects.
Console: Where controls are located,
Bow: The front of a vessel. such as steering, radio, ignition and
other switches.
Cabin trunk: On a small boat,
a raised cabin above the deck. Deckhouse (also coach house or
coach roof): An enclosed cabin
Centreline: The middle line of
on the deck of a vessel.
a vessel, from bow to stern.
The dividing line between port Draft: Distance from the waterline
and starboard. to the lowest part of the vessel.
Chine: A sharp change in angle Freeboard: The vertical distance
on the surface of a hull. Often from the waterline to the top of
located where the topsides meet a vessel’s hull.
the waterline.
Gunwale: The top edge of a
Cleat: A fitting on a vessel to which vessel’s sides.
lines (ropes) can be attached.
Hull: The main body of a vessel.
8
Introduction
Marlin board: A small deck on the the bow and the side on which a
back of a boat to make getting green sidelight is displayed.
into the water easier – similar to
a swim board. Stern: The back or rear of a vessel.
9
Licences and
registration
Getting your boat licence 11 Driving without a licence 20
Getting your PWC licence 16 Registering a vessel 21
Licence restrictions for drivers Transferring registration 25
aged under 16 18 Using a vessel commercially 26
Renewing your licence 19 Hiring a vessel 29
Changing your details 19
Interstate and overseas licences 19
10
Licences and registration
11
If you have a boat licence from 1. Training with an
somewhere outside NSW, you may be experienced skipper
able to transfer to a NSW licence –
see Interstate and overseas licences You must take a minimum of
on page 19. 3 trips with an experienced skipper
in a powerboat or sailing boat
Some Australian Sailing and Royal using its engine.
Yachting Association qualifications
meet the practical experience and An experienced skipper must be
test requirements for a NSW boat aged 18 or over and:
licence. You still need to apply for • have a current NSW or interstate
a licence and pay the fee. To check boat licence, and have held
if your qualification is recognised, their licence for a minimum
call Transport for NSW (Maritime) of 3 consecutive years at any
on 13 77 88. stage, or
• hold a certificate of competency.
Get practical experience The boat must have the required
To apply for your boat licence, safety equipment. If you take the
you must get practical boating trips at night (between sunset and
experience. This includes experience sunrise), the boat must have the
using safety equipment and required lights.
manoeuvring and handling a boat.
You must record details of your
You must apply for your licence practical experience in the Boat
within 12 months of getting your Driving Licence Practical Logbook.
practical experience. Both you and the skipper must verify
these details with your initials.
See ‘Practical boating experience’
at nsw.gov.au You can download the ‘Boat Driving
Licence Practical Logbook’ or get
There are 2 ways you can get a copy from a service centre – see
your practical experience: ‘Find a Service NSW location’ at
1. Training with an experienced service.nsw.gov.au
skipper
OR 2. Training with an Authorised
Training Provider (ATP)
2.Training with an Authorised
Training Provider You can get your practical
experience by doing a course with
an ATP. ATPs are independent
12
Licences and registration
When you do your training with an There are 2 ways you can take the
ATP, they will complete and sign the General Boat Licence Knowledge
relevant sections of your application. Test: at a service centre or with an
This is evidence you’ve done the Authorised Training Provider (ATP).
practical experience.
Taking the test at
For a list of ATPs, see ‘Practical
boating experience’ at nsw.gov.au
a service centre
You can book your test at service.
nsw.gov.au. You can take the test
Take the General at any service centre.
Boat Licence
You can also book to do the PWC
Knowledge Test Licence Knowledge Test at the same
You must pass the General Boat time. You must pass the boat licence
Licence Knowledge Test to apply for test first. If you pass both tests, you
your boat licence. can apply for a PWC licence. Your
PWC licence allows you to drive
The test has 50 multiple-choice a PWC and a powerboat.
questions about rules and safety on
the water. To pass, you must answer: There’s a fee for taking the tests –
see ‘Licence fees’ at nsw.gov.au
• the first 20 questions correctly, and
• a minimum of 24 of the remaining Taking the test with
30 questions correctly.
an Authorised Training
If you’re aged under 16, a parent Provider (ATP)
or legal guardian must be with You can take the General Boat
you when you take the test. Licence Knowledge Test as part
of an ATP course. When you pass,
Preparing for the test they will complete and sign the
Everything you need to know to pass relevant sections of your application
the test is in this handbook. Study it as evidence.
to give yourself the best chance to
If you want to get your PWC licence
pass the test.
at the same time, you can do an
ATP course that includes the PWC
Licence Knowledge Test.
13
Interpreter service • pay a fee – see ‘Licence fees’
at nsw.gov.au
A free interpreter service is available
if you need to take your boat licence If you took your test at a service
or PWC licence test in another centre, you can apply in person at
language. Call 13 14 50 to arrange the same time. If you did a course
an interpreter. at an ATP, you can submit your
application in person or by post
If you have special needs or to a service centre.
learning difficulties, call 13 77 88
before booking your test. Your application must include
evidence of:
If you fail the test or cheat • your practical experience – either
If you fail the test, depending on in a logbook or from an ATP
availability, you can take it again on • passing the General Boat Licence
the same day or book to do it another Knowledge Test – either from
time. You have to pay for the test a service centre or an ATP.
each time you take it.
If you have a recognised
You must pass the test honestly. qualification, you must
If you cheat, penalties are severe and include evidence of this with
can include fines and imprisonment. your application.
You also cannot resit the test for
6 weeks and must pay the fee again. See ‘Apply for a general boat driving
licence’ at service.nsw.gov.au
14
Licences and registration
15
Getting your PWC licence
You must have a personal watercraft If you’re aged under 16, there are
(PWC) licence to drive a PWC. restrictions you must follow – see
Licence restrictions on page 18.
A PWC is any vessel with a fully
enclosed hull that you drive standing Some other qualifications may
up, lying down, sitting astride or meet the test requirements. To check
kneeling. For example, a jet ski or if your qualification is recognised,
jet-powered surfboard. To check call Transport for NSW (Maritime) on
the licence requirements for other 13 77 88.
watercraft – such as engine-powered
hydrofoil boards – see ‘Emerging If you have a PWC licence from
technologies’ at nsw.gov.au somewhere outside NSW, you may be
able to transfer to a NSW licence –
PWC drivers must follow all the rules see Interstate and overseas licences
and regulations for powered vessels. on page 19.
There are also some specific PWC
rules designed to keep everyone on If you do not have a boat licence, you
the water safe. can take the General Boat Licence
Knowledge Test, get your practical
You do not need a PWC licence boat experience, and then apply for
if you hold a current certificate your PWC licence. This licence allows
of competency as a master, mate you to drive a powerboat and a PWC.
or coxswain.
• pass the PWC Licence The test is about PWC rules and
Knowledge Test safety on the water. To pass, you
• declare any medical condition or must answer a minimum of 12 of
physical disability that could affect the 15 questions correctly.
your driving If you’re aged under 16 you must
• meet eyesight standards. have a parent or legal guardian
with you when you take the test.
16
Licences and registration
17
• provide 2 colour passport photos See ‘Apply for a personal watercraft
• pay a fee – see ‘Licence fees’ (PWC) driving licence’ at service.
at nsw.gov.au nsw.gov.au
18
Licences and registration
19
Always carry your licence when using NSW waterways, and show it when asked by an
authorised officer.
20
Licences and registration
Registering a vessel
To use your recreational vessel on • have a Hull Identification
NSW waterways, you must register: Number (HIN) certificate
• powerboats and sailing boats with • have an Australian Builders
an engine power rating of 4.0kW or Plate (ABP) – for powerboats,
more (approximately 5hp) and for PWC designed to carry
• powerboats and sailing boats more than 2 people
(with or without an engine) • be able to prove who you are
5.5m or longer – see ‘Proving your identity’ at
• any other vessels that need a nsw.gov.au
mooring licence or marina berth • pay a fee – see ‘Boat registration
• personal watercraft (PWC). fees’ at nsw.gov.au
21
Hull Identification Information on an ABP includes:
Number (HIN) • maximum weight and power rating
of the engine
The HIN system (also called
Boatcode) gives all powered • maximum number of people
vessels a unique number. The HIN is (capacity)
recorded on a certificate and a plate • maximum weight (load),
by the manufacturer. The HIN is also including people on board
listed on the Personal Properties and equipment
Security Register (PPSR) so you can
check who owns the vessel. • buoyancy statement (for boats
up to 6m long)
The HIN plate must be permanently • warning statements.
attached and clearly displayed on
the hull. If a boat is modified, its ABP may no
longer be valid.
See ‘Hull Identification Number and
Boatcode’ at nsw.gov.au PWC designed to carry more than
2 people also have an ABP, or a
Australian Builders Plate (ABP) similar plate, showing maximum
load and capacity. PWC that meet
Most powerboats, including imported ISO 13590 are exempt.
boats, built after 1 July 2006 must
have an ABP. There are 2 types of See ‘Australian Builders Plate
ABP – one for boats up to 6m long (ABP)’ at nsw.gov.au
and one for boats over 6m.
22
Licences and registration
The vessel registration number must be a minimum of 150mm high on the hull. WEARITN is a
personalised registration number.
Registration number
The registration number must
be displayed on both sides of the
hull. Sailing boats can display it
on the transom.
23
Sailing boats can display their registration number on the transom.
All personal watercraft (PWC) You must have a PWC driving licence to operate this vessel
that shows the key rules the driver shore when travelling at 6 knots (11km/h) or more.
• Stay at least 60m from people or dive flags.
must follow. • Maintain a safe distance and speed when the above
distances are not possible. Obey speed limit signs.
Follow distance requirements for all swimming areas.
Exclusion zones
registration
Irregular riding and restriction zones
Irregular riding (e.g. driving in a circle, weaving or jumping)
is not permitted within 200m of the shore when one or
more dwellings are within 200m of shore and visible
Registration is valid for 12 months. from the water.
24
Licences and registration
Transferring registration
When you buy or sell a registered See ‘Transfer your vessel
vessel, you must transfer registration registration’ at nsw.gov.au
within 14 days to avoid a late fee.
If your vessel is registered interstate
The buyer must pay a fee to transfer or overseas and you’re moving to
registration. The seller is responsible NSW, or using NSW waterways for
for the vessel until the transfer is longer than 3 consecutive months,
complete. This includes any fines or you must register your vessel
other issues with the vessel. in NSW.
Cruising the Corindi River on the North Coast. If you’re moving to NSW you must register your vessel
in NSW. Destination NSW photo
25
Using a vessel commercially
To use your vessel for commercial, National System for Domestic
government or research activities, Commercial Vessel Safety. This
it must meet certain safety provides a consistent approach to
standards and requirements. safety for commercial vessel owners,
Commercial activities include: drivers, users and crew.
• sightseeing and charter boats For a list of activities and
• water taxis exemptions, see ‘Is it a domestic
• ferries commercial vessel?’ at amsa.gov.au
• workboats
• boat shares or syndicates Certificate of survey
• renting boats for overnight Generally, a commercial vessel
accommodation must have a certificate of survey.
This survey checks the vessel
• commercial fishing
is designed, built, operated and
• hire-and-drive vessels. maintained to meet specific National
The Australian Maritime Safety Standards for Commercial Vessels
Authority (AMSA) regulates (NSCV) requirements.
commercial vessels under the
26
Licences and registration
27
Certificate of competency Hire-and-drive companies
You must hold a commercial Hire-and-drive companies offer
qualification or a certificate of vessels to the public for hire.
competency to work on a commercial These vessels can carry up to
vessel in Australia, for example, 12 passengers and include:
as a master, engine driver, mate • powerboats up to 24m long,
or coxswain. including tinnies
To get a certificate of competency, • sailing boats up to 24m long,
you must: including multihulls
• meet minimum sea service • sailboards and kiteboards
requirements • houseboats and powerboats with
• complete an approved training a potential speed of up to 10 knots
and first-aid course and fitted with overnight
• meet medical and accommodation.
eyesight standards. This also includes PWC designed
You can get your certificate to carry 2 or more people.
of competency or commercial To be available for hire, these
qualification at a registered training vessels must have a certificate of
organisation. See ‘Domestic operation. This makes sure they are
qualifications’ at amsa.gov.au operating at a suitable standard and
You do not need a boat or PWC the company follows appropriate
licence if you hold a certificate and consistent procedures. See
of competency as a master, mate ‘Safety management systems’
or coxswain. at amsa.gov.au
28
Licences and registration
Hiring a vessel
You can hire a recreational vessel Safety instructions and
to use on NSW waterways – for
example, a powerboat, sailing boat, rules you must follow
canoe, personal watercraft (PWC) When you hire a vessel, the hire
or houseboat. company must give you safety
instructions before you go out on the
Vessels offered for hire must meet
water. Depending on the size and
commercial safety standards – see
type of vessel, this can include
Using a vessel commercially on
information about:
page 26.
• safety equipment and how to use it
• lifejacket rules
When you need a licence
• operating controls
You must have a boat licence to drive
a powerboat or a sailing boat using • navigation equipment
its engine at a speed of 10 knots • what to do in an emergency
or more. • charts and safe navigation
To hire and drive a PWC you • pre-departure checks and planning
must have a PWC licence and • passenger and load capacity.
be aged 16 or over. There are
some licensing exemptions – Hire companies set their own fees
see ‘Personal watercraft hire and and conditions for hiring a vessel
drive tours’ at nsw.gov.au – for example, the maximum number
of passengers, where you can go and
Hire companies also set their how long you can stay on the water.
own requirements – for example,
minimum competency, age and You must also follow all the rules
medical requirements for drivers in this handbook, including for
and passengers. lifejackets, giving way, alcohol
limits and towing.
29
Lifejackets and
safety equipment
When to wear a lifejacket 31 Essential safety equipment 46
Carrying lifejackets 37 Safety equipment checklist 52
Approved types of lifejacket 37 Recommended safety equipment 57
Children and lifejackets 40
Dog lifejackets 41
Looking after your lifejacket 42
30
Lifejackets and safety equipment
31
Powerboats and sailing boats
These lifejacket rules cover all powerboats and sailing boats, including
tenders and off-the-beach sailing boats.
Up to 4.8m long
Everyone must wear a lifejacket:
32
Lifejackets and safety equipment
You must wear a lifejacket when sailboarding more than 400m from the shore and alone on
your vessel.
33
Paddlecraft
Canoes and kayaks
People in canoes (including outrigger canoes) and kayaks must wear
a lifejacket:
You must always wear a lifejacket in a canoe or kayak when alone in your vessel.
34
Lifejackets and safety equipment
Surf skis
It’s recommended that people using a surf ski wear a lifejacket
at all times.
If your surf ski is up to 4.8m long, you must follow the same rules as for
powerboats and sailing boats up to 4.8m long.
It’s recommended that you wear a lifejacket when using a surf ski.
35
Rowing vessels
People in rowing boats, rowing dinghies, rowing skiffs, dragon boats or
small unpowered inflatable boats must wear a lifejacket:
36
Lifejackets and safety equipment
Carrying lifejackets
Vessels must carry enough approved not easy to see, the storage area
lifejackets for everyone on board at must have a sign saying ‘Lifejackets’
all times – even when they do not (red lettering on a white background).
have to be worn. You can get a free sticker from your
nearest service centre.
Lifejackets must be stored for quick
and easy access on board. If they’re
37
Approved types of lifejacket
Level 50
Similar to the former Type 2.
Level 100
• intended for use when the shore
is in sight
• not intended for rough conditions
39
Children aged under 12 years in vessels up to 4.8m long must wear lifejackets at all times.
40
Lifejackets and safety equipment
Dog lifejackets
There are no rules that dogs (or other that’s a good fit, so your pet does not
pets) must wear lifejackets. slip out of it. One with a grab handle
can be useful to pull them out of
You may want to consider investing the water.
in one to keep your pet safe. Find one
41
You must show the service record on the inside of your lifejacket if asked by a Transport for NSW
(Maritime) authorised officer or police.
• rinsing off salt with fresh water and • removing new lifejackets from their
checking for damage after use plastic wrapping before storing.
42
Lifejackets and safety equipment
43
6 steps to self-service your inflatable lifejacket
Step 1 Step 3
Check for visible signs of wear Deflate the bladder by inverting
and damage. Make sure all the cap on the oral inflation tube and
fastenings and buckles are in pressing down on the valve inside the
good working order. tube. Do not insert anything into the
top of the tube as it may damage the
valve. Roll or press the lifejacket to
deflate it fully.
Step 2
Following the manufacturer’s
instructions, reveal the inflation
system and oral inflation tube. Inflate After you’ve checked the bladder, deflate it
the bladder using the oral inflation using the cap on the tube.
tube and leave overnight. If the
bladder loses pressure overnight, Step 4
take the lifejacket to an accredited
service agent. Do not repair Remove and inspect the CO2 cylinder.
it yourself. It should not be rusted or corroded.
Weigh the cylinder on scales – it
should be the minimum gross weight
shown on the cylinder, or within 2
grams. While the cylinder is removed,
test that the pull cord and firing
pin are functional.
44
Lifejackets and safety equipment
Step 5
Repack the lifejacket as per the
manufacturer’s instructions. Make
sure the pull cord is free, accessible
and unlikely to catch on anything
when worn.
When you repack the lifejacket, make sure the An inflatable lifejacket can only help you if it’s in
pull cord is accessible. working order.
45
Essential safety equipment
Having the right safety equipment Anchor
and knowing how it works will
help you deal with unexpected An anchor is an important piece of
situations or emergencies. safety equipment that you must
carry. You can use it to hold your
This is a full list of safety equipment position against the tide, wind or
you must carry on powerboats and currents. If you break down, you can
sailing boats. For other vessels – use it to stop your boat from drifting
such as personal watercraft (PWC), onto rocks or breaking waves.
canoes, kayaks, sailboards and
kiteboards – it’s recommended Carry an anchor that’s the right
that you also carry this equipment, size and type for your boat and
if possible. the sea floor. Sand anchors (Danforth
anchors) suit mud or sand and are
Vessels must carry enough approved easy to pull up if they get stuck.
lifejackets for everyone on board at Reef anchors (grapnels) suit
all times – even when they do not anchoring on reefs or in rocky areas.
have to be worn. Plough anchors suit large, heavier
boats in sand and mud, but may
Use the Safety equipment checklist get caught on reefs or rocks.
on pages 52–53 to check the
minimum safety equipment your Carry enough anchor line for the
vessel must carry. depth of water you may need to
anchor in. Allow about 3 times as
All safety equipment must be: long as the depth of water, plus extra
• in good condition and meet for bad weather or emergencies. The
appropriate standards or anchor line should include a length of
specifications chain to soften the boat’s movement
and help the anchor dig in. The larger
• maintained or serviced according to
the boat, the more chain you need.
the manufacturer’s specifications
• replaced before the manufacturer’s
expiry date (if applicable)
• easy to find and access.
46
Lifejackets and safety equipment
47
An EPIRB must transmit on 406 MHz Personal Locator
and conform with Standard AS/NZS
4280.1. It must also be registered Beacon (PLB)
with the Australian Maritime Safety A PLB is smaller than an EPIRB. It’s
Authority (AMSA) – see ‘Registration designed to be carried on people
information’ at beacons.amsa.gov.au rather than on the vessel. A PLB does
not replace an EPIRB as a mandatory
If you’re on open waters and more item of safety equipment. It can be
than 2nm from the shore, you must carried as an extra safety precaution
have an EPIRB. Even within 2nm, or when an EPIRB is not mandatory.
it’s recommended.
When it’s stored, your EPIRB should You must carry additional fire
be easy to access (not in the bottom extinguishers if you:
of a locker or another place that’s • carry flammable liquids below deck
hard to reach).
• carry LPG or other flammable gas
• have sleeping accommodation.
48
Lifejackets and safety equipment
green zone. If it’s in the red zone, the ones safely. See ‘Expired marine
extinguisher needs replacing. flare disposal’ at nsw.gov.au
49
VHF marine radio channels Paddles or oars
72 73 77 with rowlocks
21 71
22 Non-
commercial 72 Paddles or oars with rowlocks must
80 operations &
recreational Professional 77 be carried on boats up to 6m long,
unless the boat has a second means
vessels fishing
81 Talk operations
through
13
82 repeaters
Ship-to-ship of propulsion – for example, an
16
safety info
engine on a sailing boat, or a second
70 Digital selective
calling DISTRESS,
Supplementary
to channel 16
67 engine on a powerboat.
SAFETY &
Ship-to-ship CALLING
6*
77
working
Commercial It’s recommended that the second
8
means of propulsion for boats over
operations
Port 72
6* operations 6m is a second engine, particularly
8 74
to if travelling long distances.
14 78
20 79
68 72
Safety label
www.acma.gov.au/vhfmarine A safety label shows the maximum
*Also used for on-scene air/sea SAR operations. number of people (capacity) and load
VHF marine radio channels.
you can carry on your boat, as well as
other important safety information.
HF radio is for longer range Powered vessels (not including
communication. It works even sailing boats with engines or PWC)
if you’re not in sight of the land must display a safety label where
and suits longer distances on everyone on board can see it.
open waters.
The capacity and load are set by the
To use a VHF or HF radio, you Australian Builders Plate (ABP), the
must have a radio operator’s manufacturer, or by the table on the
certificate – see ‘Office of Maritime back of the safety label.
Communications’ at amc.edu.au
You get a safety label when you
A mobile phone does not replace a register your boat or from your
marine radio. But it can be used in a nearest service centre – see service.
life-threatening situation if you have nsw.gov.au
reception – call Triple Zero (000). It’s
recommended that you keep your
mobile in a waterproof cover.
50
Lifejackets and safety equipment
V sheet
A V sheet is a fluorescent orange-
red sheet (a minimum of 1.8m x
1.2m) with a large black V printed
in the middle. You must carry one on
open waters.
51
Safety equipment checklist
The minimum safety equipment you must carry depends on the type of vessel
you’re in and whether you’re on open waters or enclosed waters.
Lifejackets. 1 1
For each person on board – also see
When to wear a lifejacket on page 31.
Chart (map). – 1
For area of operation (printed or digital).
Compass. – 1
Fluid filled magnetic.
52
Lifejackets and safety equipment
Fire extinguisher. 1 1
For boats with electric start, electric
engines, battery, gas installation or
fuel stoves.
Larger boats may need additional
fire extinguishers.
Safety label. 1 1
Except for sailing boats.
Sound signal. 1 1
Air horn, whistle or bell.
V sheet. – 1
A minimum of 1.8m x 1.2m.
Waterproof torch. 1 1
Floating and working.
Recommended equipment
First-aid kit. 1 1
Toolkit. 1 1
2 means of communication. – 1
For example, a marine radio and
mobile phone in a waterproof cover.
53
Personal watercraft When tow-in surfing
(PWC) If you’re tow-in surfing without an
observer on a PWC, you must carry:
PWC must have a PWC behaviour
label. The label must be displayed • rescue sled
where it can be seen from the • spare kill switch lanyard – wrapped
steering position. This label shows around the handlebar
the rules you must follow when
• two-way communication device –
driving a PWC, such as keeping
such as a marine radio or mobile
a safe distance from people
phone in a waterproof cover
and other vessels. You get one
when you register your PWC at • dive fins
a service centre. • safety knife
You must wear a lifejacket on a PWC • toolkit
at all times. • quick-release floating tow rope
(minimum 7m long)
For your safety, especially in remote
areas and on open waters, it’s • bow tow-line (minimum 7m long).
recommended that you carry:
• kill switch lanyard (strongly Sailboards, kiteboards
recommended)
and off-the-beach
• torch (waterproof and working)
sailing boats
• first-aid kit
You must carry lifejackets for
• fire extinguisher each person on board – also see
• 2 means of communication – When to wear a lifejacket on page 31.
for example, a marine radio
and a mobile phone in a If you’re going out alone to remote
waterproof cover areas or on open waters, it’s
strongly recommended that you
• wetsuit for each person carry a minimum of 1 means of
• helmet for each person. communication, such as a mobile
phone in a waterproof cover.
54
Lifejackets and safety equipment
55
Dragon boats and Tenders
outrigger canoes A tender is any type of boat up to
Dragon boats and outrigger canoes 7.5m long used to transport people
have special rules for the safety or goods between the shore and
equipment they must carry, how it’s a parent vessel or another vessel.
stored and safety drills. See Marine It is no longer classified as a tender
Safety Regulation 2016 Schedule 8, if it travels further than 1nm from
Part 2 (clause 8 for outrigger canoes its parent vessel.
and clause 9 for dragon boats) at
legislation.nsw.gov.au Tenders up to 3m long
A tender up to 3m long must carry:
Vessels used for competition,
training or surf rescue • paddle or oars
• bucket, bailer or bilge pump
Surf rescue boats (except PWC) do
not have to carry safety equipment, • waterproof torch at night
and people on board do not have to (between sunset and sunrise).
wear lifejackets, when they are being
used by a local council or recognised A tender must carry the same
rescue organisation for: equipment as powerboats and sailing
boats if it goes:
• lifesaving
• more than 200m from the shore on
• surf rescue enclosed waters
• training or competition. • anywhere on open waters.
Sailing vessels used for organised
sailing training do not have to carry Tenders over 3m long
safety equipment – as long as a A tender over 3m long must carry
powered vessel capable of rescue the same safety equipment as
is close by. Everyone must wear powerboats and sailing boats.
a lifejacket.
56
Lifejackets and safety equipment
57
Be prepared
Before you go on the water 59
Checking the weather 64
Loading your vessel 67
Maintaining your vessel 69
58
Be prepared
59
Marine Rescue NSW helps vessels when they’re in trouble.
60
Be prepared
61
You must have a chart or map if you plan to go out on open waters.
62
Be prepared
63
Checking the weather
Weather conditions on NSW Before you go
waterways can change very quickly,
When planning your trip, check:
especially on open waters. Check
the weather forecasts before you • weather conditions affecting safe
go out and regularly while you’re navigation – for example, restricted
on the water. This gives you the visibility due to fog, heavy rain,
best chance to alter course or glare or darkness
return to shore safely if the weather • weather conditions affecting
changes suddenly. comfort, such as extreme heat
or cold
Bad weather can create a situation of
heightened risk. In these situations, • wind trends – for example, wind
the dangers to you and your vessel changes, storms or a front bringing
increase – for example, the vessel strong winds
may capsize or be swamped by • wave conditions, including swell
waves, or you may fall overboard. and wave heights
You should always be prepared • tides – the times for high and
for extreme weather conditions. low tides
This includes having: • current warnings for the area
• lifejackets for everyone on board • the location and weather conditions
• warm clothing and wet at coastal bars – see ‘Coastal bars
weather gear in NSW’ at nsw.gov.au
• sunscreen, sunglasses, For safety information about wave
sun‑protective clothing, hats heights and vessel size, see ‘Wave
and drinking water heights’ at nsw.gov.au
• the required lights and safety
equipment on your vessel. If the weather looks likely to change
or the water looks rough, postpone
your trip or choose a calmer location.
If in doubt, don’t go out.
64
Be prepared
The BOM website provides forecasts and wind warnings for Australian coastal waters.
65
While you’re on the water sky or whitecaps on the water – make
sure everyone is wearing a lifejacket
When you’re on the water, check the and head for shore.
weather regularly by:
Weather systems can be deceptive.
• listening to your marine
From a distance they can appear
radio for Marine Rescue NSW
to move slowly, but can change
weather warnings broadcast
quickly and suddenly. Take extra care
on VHF 16 and 27 MHz 88
when travelling on open waters and
• checking the ‘BOM mobile website’ alpine waters.
at weather.bom.gov.au to monitor
the weather and check for new or Waterway safety apps
updated warnings, forecasts, heavy
rain and thunderstorms. Boating apps give you quick access
to helpful information about
You can also call the BOM Weather waterways on your smartphone or
Warning Service on 1300 132 536. tablet. For example, navigation aids,
weather and safety. See Download
Always keep an eye on the sky and boating apps on page 63.
the water. If you see changes – for
example, threatening clouds in the
Weather changes can happen quickly and suddenly. This storm front was clearly shown approaching
Sydney on the BOM radar.
66
Be prepared
67
Distribute weight evenly
Always stow heavy items as low When getting on or off a small
as possible in a vessel and check boat or paddlecraft:
they’re secured. • Step on board as near the
Passengers and load need to be middle as possible, crouch
distributed evenly to maintain down and hold onto something
appropriate freeboard and trim. • Never jump into a vessel or
This means keeping enough distance pause with one foot on board
between the water and the gunwale. and the other foot ashore
Your vessel should be level • When you move around the vessel,
and balanced. keep to the centreline and crouch
For example, a heavy load at the down to lower your centre
rear can cause the stern to sit lower of gravity.
in the water and increase the risk
of swamping. This can also create Personal watercraft (PWC)
more wash. When getting on a PWC in the water,
approach from behind. Pull yourself
Paddlecraft and small boats carefully on board and keep your
Paddlecraft – such as canoes and weight centred.
kayaks – are lightweight and narrow.
This can result in poor stability.
Take extra care when boarding and
avoid putting large or heavy items
on board.
68
Be prepared
69
• propeller is working, and make sure LPG cylinders and appliances
you have a spare shear pin
If your boat has LPG burning
• cooling water circulation is working appliances, check:
by checking if water is squirting
from where it’s meant to when the • cylinders and appliances are
engine is running. suitable for marine use
• cylinders have been inspected and
For PWC, check: serviced by a licensed gasfitter
• engine compartment for • equipment and hoses are in
fumes – vent any fumes before safe working order
starting the engine
• gas storage bottles are located in a
• engine hood cover is well-ventilated space.
securely latched
• throttle is in working order. Bilges and pumps
Check:
Fuel
• bilges – if there’s more bilge water
Before using any switches or than usual, find out why and fix it
engines, check:
• self-draining holes are clear
• there are no petrol or LPG odours
• you have the bung and it’s in place.
• fuel and filter lines are clear and in
good condition – filters can become Replace the engine water pump
clogged and lines can harden with if you’ve been out in the shallows
age and exposure stirring sand or mud, or if you have
• you have enough fuel and water not used the boat for a while.
– plan to use a third of your fuel For a PWC, check that the pump
for the trip out, a third for the or intake area is free of debris.
trip back, and have a third in
reserve for unexpected events
Lights
• there are no leaks in fuel lines, fuel
Check your navigation lights are in
or oil tanks or the exhaust system
working order and that the lenses are
• there are no faults in the electrical clean and clear.
system and all components
are clean Ropes and lines
• the boat is well ventilated to
Check ropes and lines are in good
prevent carbon monoxide build up
condition and stored ready for
from exhaust systems.
use. Consider rigging lifelines in
If your boat has not been used for a open areas so that children have
while, replace old fuel with new fuel. enough handholds.
70
Be prepared
71
Rules
Proper lookout 73 Safe distance 83
Giving way 76 Safe speed 86
Overtaking 81 Alcohol limits 88
Avoiding collision 82 People on board 90
Channels and rivers 82 Wash 92
72
Rules
Proper lookout
As the skipper, you must keep
a proper lookout – by sight and
hearing – at all times. This helps you
judge your situation and the risk of
collision. This is essential to keeping
everyone safe on the water.
73
The blue and white ‘Alpha’ flag can be attached
to a fluorescent buoy.
74
Rules
75
Giving way
The yellow powered vessel gives way to the red powered vessel by going behind it.
When vessels are approaching each The vessel giving way must alter
other or overtaking, one has to give course or slow down to let the other
way to the other to avoid a collision. vessel pass, and it must make its
This includes vessels that are actions clear early. The vessel that
drifting or holding position without has right of way must maintain
being anchored. course and speed, if it’s safe to do
so, and be prepared to take action to
Which vessel gives way depends on avoid a collision if necessary.
the type of vessel and the situation.
76
Rules
The red powered vessel gives way to the yellow sailing vessel.
Probable
Wind on track
starboard side Wind
Wind
The red sailing vessel gives way to the yellow sailing vessel by either going behind or changing tack
to go the other way.
77
when the wind is blowing from the the wind is blowing from – must
starboard (right) side of the vessel. give way.
When both sailing vessels are on Sailing vessels must keep well clear
the same tack, the sailing vessel of ferries on Sydney Harbour that
to windward – closest to where display an orange diamond – see
Sydney Harbour on page 133.
d
in
W
nd
Wi
Vessel to
windward Probable
course
Vessel to
leeward
The red sailing vessel gives way to the yellow sailing vessel by altering course to windward.
78
Rules
Keep well clear of big ships – they cannot always alter their course or stop quickly.
Big ships
All vessels must keep well clear of
big ships and other large vessels.
79
Dredges and work barges are significantly restricted in their
ability to manoeuvre.
All vessels must keep well clear of
dredges and work barges, and take If a vehicular ferry is moving, all
care when passing. vessels must:
Dredges display shapes or lights to • slow down to 4 knots or less within
show that they have a limited ability 100m of the chains, ropes or cables
to manoeuvre. The safe side to pass • pass at a safe distance behind
is shown by 2 diamonds. The other the ferry, preferably when it
side is shown by 2 balls. has reached the shore, to avoid
getting tangled
Work barges display a red flag and
a yellow flag to signal to passing • turn their power off when crossing
vessels to reduce their wash. the chains, ropes or cables.
You must not create wash that may For give way rules for passenger
damage or unreasonably impact a ferries, see Sydney Harbour on
dredge or work barge. page 133.
80
Rules
Overtaking
All vessels must keep well clear not cut in front of the vessel
of a vessel they’re overtaking. you’re overtaking.
You can overtake on either side of The vessel being overtaken must
a vessel, but only when it’s safe. maintain course and speed, if it’s
You must overtake at a safe distance safe to do so.
and at a safe speed. You must
The red powerboat wants to overtake the yellow powerboat ahead. It can overtake on either the left
or right.
The sailing boat must keep well clear of the powerboat when it’s overtaking.
81
Avoiding collision
As the skipper, you must take This could be:
appropriate action to avoid a collision • altering your course
with another vessel.
• changing your speed – including
You must take action – even when stopping or reversing
the skipper of the other vessel does • passing the other vessel
not. If a collision takes place, both
skippers can be held responsible. • letting the other vessel pass
• making a sound signal.
If you’re in any doubt about
a situation, take action early. Make your actions big enough to be
easily and clearly seen. Avoid making
lots of small alterations to your
course or speed.
If the channel or river is narrow, you Always travel at a safe speed to avoid
must keep as far to starboard (right) sudden dangers. Take extra care at
side as is practical. bends, and never block a channel
or river.
82
Rules
Safe distance
All vessels must keep a safe • participating in Surf Life Saving
distance from people, other vessels, NSW or lifeguard activities.
structures and the shore. A safe
distance gives you enough space When you’re in one of these vessels
to avoid a collision, injury to people, or situations, or if it’s not possible
or damage to things. to keep the minimum distance, you
must always keep a safe distance
As the skipper, you must constantly and travel at a safe speed.
judge your distance from other
vessels and people around you. From people
When judging, you must always
consider the circumstances and Powered vessels – including sailing
conditions – for example, the boats over 5.5m long and personal
weather, visibility, other vessels, your watercraft (PWC) – must keep a
speed and any obstructions. minimum distance of 60m from:
• people in the water, including
swimming and surfing areas
Minimum distances • the boundaries of designated
You must always keep a safe swimming areas and surf zones
distance. In certain situations, (marked by signs)
there are also specific minimum
• a dive flag or float.
distances you must keep from
people, other vessels, structures and Take extra care when you’re within
the shore. 200m of divers and spearfishers –
they can be up to 100m from their
The only exceptions to keeping these
float or flag.
minimum distances are when you’re:
• supporting swimmers or
divers in the water
• launching or removing your
vessel from the water
• in a paddlecraft or rowing vessel
– for example, a canoe, kayak,
surf ski or rowing boat
• in a sailing vessel up to 5.5m long
without an engine (including a
sailboard or kiteboard)
83
N
o
po
w 50
er 0m
-d
riv
en
N ve
o
po ss
w el
er s
-d Swimming area
riv – no vessels
en m
ve 60
ss r-
el we e l s
s
o po ess
N en v
m 60 iv
60 m dr
60
m
From other vessels,
No power-
driven vessels
structures and the shore
m
60 Powered vessels – including PWC –
Swimming area
– no vessels No power- travelling at a speed of 6 knots or
No power-
60
driven vessels more must keep a minimum distance
driven vessels
60 m
m of 30m from:
m 60
• other vessels – including when
these vessels are moored or
at anchor
• structures – including jetties,
bridges and navigation markers
A swimming area extends 60m from the shore • the shore.
between signs for swimmers.
Minimum
30m
84
Rules
85
Safe speed
All vessels must travel at a safe • at night (between sunset and
speed at all times. A safe speed sunrise) – potential hazards
gives you enough time to stop or may not be lit or easily seen.
turn your vessel to avoid any sudden Background lights on the shore
danger, such as a collision, injury to – or even lights on your own
people, or damage to things. vessel – can make it hard to see
other vessels
Most NSW waterways have no speed
limit. However, you must always • navigation hazards – such as
travel at a safe speed. unmarked or unlit hazards, and
signs, buoys, marks or lights that
have moved or been damaged
Judging a safe speed • shallow water – water depth can
A safe speed depends on many vary and change frequently.
variables. These include the
In these circumstances or conditions
conditions, time of day, type of
you may need to slow down to travel
vessel, and your experience driving
at a safe speed.
it. As the skipper, a safe speed is
something you must constantly judge If you drive at a speed that’s not safe
and adjust as you travel. for the conditions, your licence can
be cancelled and your vessel can be
When judging your vessel’s speed,
taken away.
you must always consider these
circumstances and conditions:
• visibility – for example, rain, fog, Speed limits
mist, smoke or glare Some areas do have speed limits.
• other vessels – on busy waterways Where there’s a speed sign, you
and near moored or anchored must not travel faster than the speed
vessels, commercial vessels shown on the sign.
displaying special signals, and
large vessels that are restricted Even when there’s a speed limit,
in their manoeuvrability you must travel at a safe speed at all
times. This may mean going slower
• manoeuvrability of your vessel – than the speed limit.
in particular the distance it takes to
stop or turn. Your manoeuvrability
is affected by your speed,
the wind and current, and the
vessel’s design
86
Rules
Speed limits are in knots, in the There are also speed limits when
direction shown by arrows on the towing – see Towing a person on
sign. They are usually 4 or 8 knots, page 95.
but can also be 6, 10 or 15 knots.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge Transit Zone has a 15 knot speed limit.
87
Alcohol limits
You must not drive a vessel when Blood alcohol
your blood alcohol concentration
(BAC) is over the legal limit or concentration (BAC) limits
if you’re under the influence of BAC limits apply to:
illegal drugs.
• the driver – anyone steering or
Driving under the influence of exercising control over a vessel’s
alcohol or any drug puts everyone on course or direction
the water at risk. • the observer in a vessel that’s
towing a person
It’s recommended that passengers
also stay under the legal limit. • anyone being towed by a vessel.
Studies show that passengers
As the skipper, you must not let
are just as likely as drivers to be
another person drive your vessel
involved in incidents – such as falling
if you believe they’re over the BAC
overboard – as a result of drinking
legal limit or under the influence
alcohol. Passengers may also need
of illegal drugs.
to respond quickly in a collision, or if
the vessel capsizes or is swamped. The BAC legal limit depends on your
age and whether you’re driving a
When you’re on the water, alcohol
recreational or commercial vessel.
can affect your coordination,
judgement, vision, reaction time
and balance more than when you’re Age and vessel BAC limit
on land. Waves, motion, vibration,
engine noise, weather, wind and Aged under 18 0.00
spray can all multiply the effects (all vessels)
of alcohol.
Aged 18 and over Under 0.05
If you end up in the water, you’re (recreational vessel)
more likely to drown if you’ve been
drinking alcohol. Aged 18 and over Under 0.02
(commercial vessel)
88
Rules
89
People on board
As the skipper, you’re responsible • each person aged over 12 (adult) is
for making sure your vessel does counted as 90kg, which includes
not have more people on board than an allowance for their gear
it’s designed to carry. Overloading • each child aged between 1 and
can cause a vessel to become 12 years is counted as half an adult
unstable, which can result in capsize
or swamping. • children aged under 1 year are
not counted.
You’re also responsible for making
sure people on board behave safely. For example, if the capacity
All vessels must carry enough is 4 people, this would be the
approved lifejackets for everyone. equivalent to 3 people aged over
At times of heightened risk, 12 years and 2 children under
passengers must wear a lifejacket 12 years.
when you tell them to.
Although children aged under
1 year are not counted towards
On powerboats the capacity, you must carry
lifejackets for them – see Children
You must follow the capacity and lifejackets on page 40.
shown on the Australian Builders
Plate (ABP) if your vessel has one. Make sure you consider the weight
The capacity is the maximum number of the equipment you’re carrying.
of people the boat can carry. The For example, if you have diving gear,
ABP also shows the maximum you may need to take fewer people
weight (load), including people and to avoid overloading.
equipment. See Loading your vessel
on page 67. It’s recommended that you reduce
the load in poor conditions and on
Powerboats must also have a safety open waters.
label. If your powerboat has an
Australian Builders Plate, copy the
maximum number of passengers On personal
on the ABP onto your Safety Label. watercraft (PWC)
If your powerboat does not have
A PWC designed to carry more than
an ABP, use the table on the back
2 people has an ABP, or similar plate,
of the safety label which shows
showing its capacity. Children aged
how the capacity is calculated for
between 1 and 12 years count as an
calm waters:
adult on a PWC.
90
Rules
The PWC owner and driver are The exceptions to this rule are
responsible for making sure the PWC when a person is:
does not have more people on board • doing something related to
than it’s designed to carry. the operation of the vessel
– for example, hoisting sails,
On other vessels anchoring, mooring or casting off
• fishing while the vessel is at
The capacity and load for
anchor, moored or drifting
other vessels – for example,
sailing vessels, paddlecraft and • doing something to secure the
rowing vessels – are set by the safety of a person or property.
manufacturer. You can find this
People must never climb a vessel or
information on the manufacturer’s
attach themselves – or help attach
website or in the printed booklet
another person – to a vessel without
supplied with the vessel.
authority or consent. The only
exception is in an emergency or
Keeping within a to avoid immediate risk of injury
or damage.
powered vessel
Passengers on board a powered
vessel (including sailing boats using
an engine) must not extend any part
of their body beyond the sides or
bow while the vessel is underway.
This includes:
• being on the bow in a position
that increases the risk of falling
overboard (‘bow riding’)
• sitting with their legs hanging over
the side of vessel
• sitting on, riding on or hanging onto
a swim ladder, swim platform or
transom attached to a vessel
• holding onto the stern while the
vessel is underway (‘teak surfing’).
91
‘Wash’ is the waves and wake created by a vessel moving through the water.
Wash
You must not create excessive wash Minimise your wash
with your vessel when using NSW
waterways. Wash is the wave effect Wash can cause and contribute to
or wake created by a vessel moving a range of problems – from shore
through the water. erosion to damage to seawalls
and pontoons. It can also be
Excessive wash is wash that dangerous and a nuisance to other
damages or unreasonably vessels, especially to smaller
impacts on any: vessels, and people in the water.
• other vessel, including when Excessive wash can damage aquatic
moored or at anchor vegetation, including seagrasses,
reeds and mangroves.
• bank, shore or waterside structure
• construction or other works Most powered vessels create the
in progress greatest wash when ‘half on the
plane’, less when planing, and
• dredge or floating plant. even less when going at a slow
As the skipper, you’re responsible idle speed.
for any damage your vessel’s
wash causes.
92
Rules
93
Towing
Towing a person 95
Towing a trailer 101
94
Towing
Towing a person
Towing involves a vessel pulling a • carry the required safety
person and watersport equipment equipment, including lifejackets.
with a rope (or line) to skim on
the surface of the water. Towing Personal watercraft (PWC)
activities include: There must be a driver and an
• water skiing observer on a PWC when towing.
• kneeboarding or aquaplaning The only exception is tow-in surfing,
where there can be just a driver. In
• parasailing (open parachute) this case, you must follow the special
• wakeboarding rules for tow-in surfing without an
observer, including carrying the
• riding on an inflatable inner
required safety equipment.
tube, raft or biscuit.
The PWC must:
Towing a person with a vessel is
a high-risk activity. It’s a leading • be registered
contributor to death and serious • have a PWC behaviour label
injuries on NSW waterways. When
you’re towing a person or you’re • be designed to carry 2 or
near someone being towed, take more people.
extra care. Follow the rules to keep
everyone safe while having fun. The tow rope
See the ‘What to Know Before The tow rope must be long enough
You Tow’ brochure at nsw.gov.au for the person being towed to be a
for detailed information about the minimum of 7m behind the vessel.
rules and safety when towing. This is to avoid any risk from carbon
monoxide emissions or contact with
The vessel the propeller. The only time the
rope can be shorter is when you’ve
Boats considered and reduced the risks
There must be a driver and an associated with carbon monoxide
observer on a boat when towing. emissions and the propeller is
forward of the back of the hull.
The boat must:
Avoid a heavy or sudden load on tow
• be registered, if applicable – see ropes, for example, when the tow
Registering a vessel on page 21 rope is slack and the vessel speeds
• have a safety label (for powered up quickly. This can cause serious
vessels, not including sailing boats injuries to people on the vessel or in
with an engine) the water.
95
The driver As the driver, you must never:
• tow more than 3 people at one
As the driver of a boat that’s towing a
time, or
person, you must:
• pull a person through the water
• have a boat licence – if driving over
while they are holding onto the
10 knots or more in a powerboat or
back of a vessel (‘teak surfing’).
a sailing boat using its engine
• wear a lifejacket when required
– see When to wear a lifejacket The observer
on page 31
There must also be an observer when
• be under the alcohol legal limit. towing so the driver can concentrate
on driving and keep a proper lookout.
As the driver of a PWC when towing,
you must: As the observer, you must:
• have a PWC licence • have a boat licence or PWC licence
• always wear a lifejacket if you’re aged under 16
• be under the alcohol legal limit. • wear a lifejacket on a boat
when required – see When to wear
As the driver, you’re responsible for: a lifejacket on page 31
• the safety of the vessel • always wear a lifejacket on a PWC
• the safety of the person being • be under the alcohol legal limit
towed, including making sure • not have any hearing, sight or other
they’re wearing a lifejacket medical condition or disability that
• keeping a proper lookout could affect your ability to observe
• making sure the tow rope is the • be familiar with the standard hand
correct length signals – see ‘Towing hand signals’
• making sure the tow rope or at nsw.gov.au
equipment does not cause any • keep a proper lookout
danger or obstruction to yourself • always face backwards to watch
or others the person being towed.
• keeping both the vessel and the
person being towed a minimum As the observer, you’re
distance from people, other responsible for:
vessels, structures and land. • watching the person being towed
• communicating with the person
being towed
96
Towing
Safe speed
You must always drive at a safe
speed when towing.
97
Safe distance If towing aerial equipment – for
example, for parasailing – you
As the driver, you must keep the must keep a minimum distance
vessel, towed equipment and person of 200m from:
being towed a minimum distance of:
• other vessels
• 60m from people in the water, • cables, wires and pipelines
including swimming and
• bridges and other structures.
surfing areas
• 60m from the boundaries of You must keep these distances when
designated swimming areas approaching other vessels or people
and surf zones (marked by signs) from any direction.
• 60m from a dive flag or float
• 30m from other vessels, the
shore and structures when
driving faster than 6 knots or more.
Minimum
30m
Minimum
60m
Always keep a safe distance between
the person being towed and the shore.
98
Towing
99
Wakeboarding a minimum of 7m from the centreline
of the vessel’s stern, whether or not
and wakesurfing using a rope. The only exception is
Wakeboarding is when a powered when the driver has considered and
vessel pulls a person on a wakeboard reduced the risks associated with
with a rope. They cross the wake to carbon monoxide emissions and
perform aerial activities. the propeller is forward of the back
of the hull.
Wakesurfing is when a person on a
wakesurf or skim board trails behind Wakeboarders and wakesurfers must
a powered vessel, riding the vessel’s always wear a lifejacket.
wake. They’re not pulled by a rope
from the vessel. The driver should take extra care to
minimise the impact of wash on other
The driver must make sure the vessels and the shore.
wakeboarder or wakesurfer is
When undertaking aerial displays, choose an area where the boat’s wash will not have an
unreasonable impact on other waterway users or the shore.
100
Towing
Towing a trailer
Take extra care when driving a
vehicle towing a trailer. You need
more knowledge and skill than for
regular driving.
101
Powerboat passing a port mark (red) while heading downstream.
Navigation marks,
lights and sounds
Navigation marks 103
Lights to display on your vessel 110
Identifying vessels at night 116
Sound signals 121
102
Navigation marks, lights and sounds
Navigation marks
Navigation marks help you safely
navigate a waterway. They show
you how to travel through a
channel or enter a port, and how
to avoid hazards.
Lateral marks
Port marks and starboard marks are
called lateral marks. They define the
sides of a channel or waterway.
103
Single lateral marks Single starboard marks (green)
If there’s a single mark, the safe When you travel upstream, keep
side to pass depends on whether starboard marks on your starboard
you’re travelling upstream (away (right) side.
from the sea) or downstream
(towards the sea).
104
Navigation marks, lights and sounds
Cardinal marks
Cardinal marks show the safe side to The arrangement of the cones
pass hazards, such as rocks, reefs or and black and yellow bands show
shallow water. which cardinal mark it is – north,
south, east or west.
For example, a north cardinal mark
shows that the safe water is to the If you remember the coloured bands,
north. Specifically, the safe water you can read a cardinal mark, even if
is in the quadrant between NW the cones are missing or hard to see
(north‑west) and NE (north-east) from a distance.
of the north cardinal mark.
9W E 3
West East
cardinal mark cardinal mark
Has two cones point to Has two cones pointing
point. Pass on the away from each other.
western side of this Pass on the eastern
mark. When lit, a west side of this mark. When
mark exhibits a white lit an east mark exhibits
light flashing in groups S a white light flashing in
of nine (9) quick or very groups of three (3)
quick flashes. 6 quick or very quick
flashes.
White light 6 quick flashes and one long flash
105
North cardinal mark Lights on cardinal marks
Pass on the northern side. Cardinal marks have flashing lights
so that you can read them at night
Both cones point up, so the black (between sunset and sunrise) or at
bands are above the yellow bands. times of restricted visibility.
To remember, think of a compass: A good way to remember the light
north is up. flashing pattern is with a clock face:
• N (north): continuous
East cardinal mark
• E (east): 3 flashes
Pass on the eastern side.
• S (south): 6 flashes and 1 long flash
One cone is pointing up and the other • W (west): 9 flashes.
is pointing down, so the black bands
are on the top and bottom with
yellow in the centre. Lead marks
To remember, 1 cone up and Lead marks (leads) guide you into
1 cone down looks like an egg: a port or through sections of a
‘e’ is for egg, ‘e’ is for east. waterway to avoid hazards. They are
commonly used for crossing coastal
South cardinal mark bars and in shipping ports.
Pass on the southern side. Lead marks are made up of 2 marks:
one in the foreground and the other
Both cones are pointing down so behind and above it. They are usually
the black band is on the bottom and lit at night.
yellow is at the top.
To keep your vessel in safe water:
To remember, think of a compass:
south is down. • line up the 2 marks, one above
the other
West cardinal mark • travel directly towards or away
from the lined-up marks.
Pass on the western side.
At minor ports, lead marks are When a sector light is used at the
usually blue triangular or vertical entrance to a port – for example,
lights mounted on bright orange Port Macquarie – it’s called a
or red triangular boards. directional light.
In shipping ports, lead marks are A directional light displays red, white
usually bigger and more varied. For and green over a very narrow sector.
example, in Port Jackson the lead It can be seen during the day and
marks for the eastern channel are at night.
white towers with fixed red lights.
When you’re approaching a
All lead marks and sector lights directional light and you see a:
are shown on maps and charts. For • red light – you’re too far to the left
your safety, check your chart before
travelling on unfamiliar waterways. • green light – you’re too far to
the right
• white light – you’re in safe water
Sector lights and and can travel directly towards
directional lights the light.
Similar to lead marks, sector lights
guide you into a port or through Isolated danger marks
sections of a waterway. They use
coloured lights to show the An isolated danger mark shows a
safe ‘sector’. specific danger – for example, a
wreck – surrounded by generally
For example, sector lights on the safe water.
coast may display 1 colour to vessels
coming from the south-east and
another colour to vessels coming
from the north-east of the light.
107
Special marks Safe water marks have red and white
vertical stripes. They may be round,
These yellow marks show special pillar-shaped or spar-shaped, and
features or areas, such as: may have a red, round topmark.
• tide poles – graduated posts
If lit, they display a white
that measure the rise and fall
flashing light.
of the tide
• spoil grounds – areas for waste,
such as dredged material
• underwater pipes.
Aquamark minibuoys
Special marks may be used as lateral Aquamark minibuoys are
marks. If they have a can-shaped or used in some areas instead of
cone (triangle) buoy, pass them as conventional marks.
you would a lateral mark:
• can: port mark They are small red, yellow or green
buoys, and often have messages
• cone: starboard mark. on them that you must follow.
108
Navigation marks, lights and sounds
Understanding navigation buoys, marks and lights helps you safely navigate a waterway.
109
Lights to display on your vessel
The navigation lights you display on Make sure that background lights
your vessel help keep everyone safe or any other lights you use – such
on the water. They show what size as spotlights – do not interrupt your
and type of vessel you’re in, whether night vision (or anyone else’s).
you’re at anchor or underway, and
your direction of travel. It’s recommended that all vessels
carry a torch, where practical. This is
BE BRIGHT
in case you’re caught out on the
water at night. For example, if you’re
in a kayak and a strong current
AT NIGHT
prevents you from returning to the
shore before sunset.
Types of lights
All types of navigation lights have a
range of visibility. This is the distance
the light is visible from at night.
110
Navigation marks, lights and sounds
teaming l
or s igh
ead t
h .5º Star
bo
–2
2 ar
st
11 d
25
–
Ma
sid
t
º
igh
elig
Port sidel
ht – 112.5º
St
ern 5º
li g ht – 1 3
A powerboat with all round white light over the
centreline, and sidelights.
Combined lantern (tricoloured)
Sidelights The combined lantern (tricoloured) is
Sidelights are a green light on the sidelights and sternlight combined at
starboard (right) side, and a red light the top of the mast of a sailing boat.
on the port (left) side of a vessel.
Each displays an unbroken light It’s recommended that you do not
over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 use a combined lantern where there
degrees. Each is fixed to display from are lots of lights on the shore, for
ahead to just behind the beam of the example, on Sydney Harbour. In
vessel on its respective side. these areas, use sidelights and
a sternlight to make your vessel
On vessels up to 20m long, the more visible.
sidelights may be combined in one
111
Placement of lights vessel. It must be mounted so that
it’s above any obstructions – such
Navigation lights should be installed as the cabin or occupants – and so
correctly so they display the that it does not shine directly into the
appropriate arc of light and the driver’s eyes.
minimum range of visibility. They
should not be obscured by the
vessel’s superstructure – such as the
cabin – or occupants, or interfered
with by deck lights. This reduces the
vessel’s visibility and is dangerous.
112
Navigation marks, lights and sounds
Lights to display
when underway
The lights for a vessel underway If your vessel is drifting, or making
depend on whether it’s a powered or use of a GPS-guided electric engine
sailing vessel, and its size. This is so to hold position, it’s underway.
that other vessels can identify the
type of vessel, how large it is, the
direction it’s moving and how fast.
Powered vessels
Most powered vessels must display
navigation lights. This includes
sailing vessels using an engine.
Up to 12m long
Must have separate or combined
sidelights with either:
• a masthead light and a sternlight
• an all round white light.
113
Between 12m and 50m long
Must have a masthead light a
minimum of 2.5m above the gunwale
and either:
• separate sidelights and a sternlight
• combined sidelights and
a sternlight.
Combined sidelights must
be a minimum of 1m below
the masthead light.
Sailing vessels
Up to 7m long
114
Navigation marks, lights and sounds
Optional lights
A sailing vessel of any length
with sidelights and a sternlight
(but not a combined lantern) may also
carry 2 all round lights in a vertical
line at or near the top of the mast.
The upper light should be red and the
lower light should be green.
115
Check your lights before • Check navigation lights are on
and working
heading out
• Look at each light to check it is on
Before going out on the water at
night (between sunset and sunrise) • Turn off all other lights and dim
or at times of restricted visibility: electronic displays so they do
not reduce your night vision.
• Check switches are on
116
Navigation marks, lights and sounds
Powered vessel
All round white light or torch light. Powerboats and sailing boats
using their engine also display a
masthead light.
Powered vessel
Any vessel up to 7m long. It may be going in Powerboat or sailing boat using its engine up to
any direction – towards you, away from you, 50m long coming towards you.
crossing left or right – or it may be at anchor.
117
Vessel travelling Vessel crossing your path
away from you If a vessel is crossing your path,
All round white light or the colour of its sidelight shows
white sternlight. you which direction it’s travelling:
• red sidelight – crossing your path
from your starboard (right) side
to your port (left) side
• green sidelight – crossing your
path from your port (left) side
to your starboard (right) side.
Yacht
Yacht
Sailing boat seen from port (left) side.
Yacht
Powered vessel Sailing boat seen from starboard (right) side.
118
Navigation marks, lights and sounds
Dredge
Vehicular ferry
Displays 2 red lights at either
end and a green light above the
red light in the direction of travel.
Vessel 50m and upwards Also displays an all round orange
flashing light.
Ship over 50m long crossing your path.
Vehicular Ferries
119
High-speed ferry on Commercial fishing vessel
Sydney Harbour Displays special lights when
its activity – such as trawling –
Flashing yellow restricts its manoeuvrability.
Ferry
Net/Line
120
Navigation marks, lights and sounds
Sound signals
When your vessel is underway and an air horn, bell or whistle – as part
you can see other vessels, you can of their safety equipment.
use sound signals to let other vessels
know your intended movements. For The signals can be in short or
example, if you plan to alter course long blasts. A short blast is about
or are slowing down. These signals 1 second and a long blast is 4 to
can help prevent collisions. 6 seconds.
Powerboats and sailing boats must You can accompany these sound
carry a sound signal device – such as signals with light signals.
121
The Coolongolook River winds through Forster and Tuncurry to open waters. Destination NSW photo.
Waterways and
designated areas
Open waters 123 Sydney Harbour 133
Enclosed waters 127 Exclusion and restriction zones 136
Coastal bars 129 Mooring and anchoring 138
Alpine waters 132
122
Waterways and designated areas
Open waters
Open waters are navigable waters Check your vessel
that are not enclosed by land or
not within a river, bay, harbour or Vessels designed for enclosed
port. They include coastal and waters are not usually suited for
ocean waters. open waters, especially along the
coast where waves are larger.
Open waters can be dangerous. You The way a vessel handles in open
can encounter rough, choppy seas waters depends on many factors
and large waves. Coastal bars can be – for example, the hull design and
challenging to cross. You’re far more strength, engine power, steering, and
exposed to changes in the weather weight distribution on board.
than on enclosed waters. The risk
of your vessel getting swamped You should always know the limits of
or capsizing is much higher. You your vessel’s capability.
need to be experienced and know
Before you head out on open waters,
how to handle your vessel in these
check your vessel is watertight.
different conditions.
123
Check the weather Keep in touch
Check the weather before you set When travelling to open waters,
out and regularly while you’re on always let someone know where
the water. Weather conditions can you’re going.
change very quickly on open waters.
It’s recommended that you
While on the water, keep a lookout have a minimum of 2 means of
for signs of squalls – threatening communication. For example, a
clouds and whitecap waves. If you marine radio and a mobile phone.
see these kinds of changes, make
sure you and any passengers are
wearing a lifejacket and head Check emergency
for shore. procedures
Review and practise emergency
Keep a lookout for procedures. Make sure everyone
on board knows what to do in case
shallow areas of an emergency or incident.
Look out for shallow areas,
particularly along the coastline
and close to the shore. Keep a Keep a safe speed
lookout for bomboras. These are Always travel at a speed that allows
shallow areas – often created by you to steer your vessel. Without
rocks or reefs – that can cause power to maintain steerage, your
breaking waves. vessel can drift side-on or beam-on
to the sea. This increases the risk
In good weather, bomboras can be
of capsizing.
hard to identify because the water
may be calm. The waves may only Be careful in rough or choppy
be intermittent, with flat conditions conditions. Slow down or alter the
between sets of dangerous waves. angle of your course to the waves.
Unexpected waves in these areas can This minimises pounding and keeps
capsize your vessel. passengers comfortable.
Take extra care when anchoring near
bomboras. Stay in deep water and
beware of currents that can push
your vessel in too close.
124
Waterways and designated areas
Avoid overloading
your vessel
It’s recommended that you carry
fewer people and less load when
on open waters. Check all items
are secured to avoid them being
thrown around in rough weather.
See Loading your vessel on page 67.
Take big waves bow-on, or up to You can reduce rolling by varying the
about 30 degrees off the bow. Too angle of your vessel to the sea. The
much power can cause the vessel bow is usually the strongest part of
to leap over the crests and crash a vessel and is designed to take the
down into the troughs. Too little initial impact of chop and waves.
power can cause waves to break Keep a lookout for bigger waves.
onto or over the vessel. Use the right Consider altering course or speed to
amount of power to minimise this ride over or with the seas.
slamming action.
125
Following seas Rough weather
A following sea – when the sea is If you run into rough weather and
moving in the same direction as your you’re close enough, return to the
vessel – has the greatest potential shore. Otherwise look out for a safe
for disaster. The risk of broaching harbour or the lee side of an island –
sideways, swamping or capsizing where you’re sheltered from the wind
increases. You have less steering and the waves are smaller.
power, and using your throttle to
control the vessel is critical. If you doubt your chances of
reaching a safe place, ride out the
As with crossing a coastal bar, you initial onslaught by keeping your bow
should try to maintain a position into the wind and waves. Make sure
on the back of waves. Use your everyone holds on firmly.
throttle to keep ahead of waves
breaking behind the vessel. Sudden squalls usually only last for
a short period and sometimes come
before a change in wind direction.
These winds generally blow at much
stronger speeds than the wind
that follows.
Always watch for changes in the weather such as threatening clouds that could signal a
sudden squall.
126
Waterways and designated areas
Enclosed waters
Enclosed waters are navigable Keep a proper lookout
waters enclosed by land or a port.
They include: Enclosed waters can be murky and
hide hazards, such as submerged
• inland and coastal rivers and lakes
trees, rocks and other snags. If you’re
– for example, the Hawkesbury
unsure about an area, reduce your
River, Tweed River, Lake Macquarie
speed and use your depth finder, if
and Wallis Lake
you have one. You may need to slow
• creeks and lagoons – for down to keep a proper lookout.
example, Pipers Creek and
Glenbrook Lagoon In rivers and estuaries be aware that
shallow areas may not be marked
• enclosed coastal bays, ports and
and can shift. Take extra care. Keep
harbours – for example, Sydney
a lookout for objects ahead, as well
Harbour, Pittwater, Port Macquarie
as those above, such as overhead
and Jervis Bay
powerlines and low bridges. Look
• estuaries – for example, Brisbane out for other vessels and swimmers.
Water and Terranora Broadwater Enclosed waters at popular locations
• dams – for example, Chaffey Dam can be very busy. Be aware of blind
and Wyangala Dam spots created by river bends or
shoreline features.
• all alpine waters.
127
Familiarise yourself with Beware of cold water
the area Beware of lower water temperatures
Use maps and, where possible, talk in lakes, rivers and dams. These low
to people who know the waterway. temperatures can happen in alpine
They may have valuable local waters all year round, and on most
knowledge about currents, water NSW waterways in winter and parts
depth and hazards. of spring and autumn.
128
Waterways and designated areas
Coastal bars
Coastal bars are shallow, shifting Check conditions
sandbanks at the entrance to rivers
and coastal estuaries. They can Monitor coastal bar conditions
have strong currents and large in different weather and tide
breaking waves. combinations. Watch the conditions
in person, or via live webcams of
You may need to cross a coastal ‘coastal bars’ at nsw.gov.au
bar when going out or coming in
from open waters. See the list of all Know the tide times and check
coastal bars in NSW at nsw.gov.au the weather. Get current forecasts
with expected wind and sea
Crossing coastal bars can be very conditions. Get advice from the local
dangerous. Channels through the Marine Rescue NSW base –
bars can change frequently. Waves see ‘Find your local unit’
can change quickly with the tide and at marinerescuensw.com.au
weather. Even in apparently calm
conditions, vessels can be swamped,
damaged or wrecked, which can
result in death.
129
Prepare your vessel How to go out safely
Check your vessel, especially Try to take waves as close to head‑on
steering and throttle controls, as possible. Avoid letting waves
watertight hatches and drains. The break onto your vessel.
vessel must be seaworthy, suitable
Avoid hitting waves at high speed.
for the conditions, and designed to
If your vessel becomes airborne, you
take some impact from waves.
lose control and it can cause damage
Secure loose items and make sure and injury.
everything is either stowed in lockers
or secured to prevent movement.
Cross safely
Whether you’re going out or
coming in:
• Cross with an incoming tide –
it’s always safer
• Avoid crossing with an outgoing
(ebb) tide – this is the most
dangerous time to cross because
dangerous waves are more likely
• Once you start crossing, keep
going – trying to turn around in
the middle of a bar can be risky,
including an increased risk of
swamping. Try to stay calm and not When heading out across a coastal bar, speed
panic in difficult conditions. up through flat spots.
130
Waterways and designated areas
131
Alpine waters
Alpine waters are enclosed waters Be aware of cold weather
in alpine areas. They include lakes,
rivers, dams and reservoirs. and water
Exposure to cold weather and
In NSW, alpine waters are:
cold water present serious risks,
• Lake Burrinjuck such as hypothermia. Make sure
• Lake Eucumbene you know how to reduce the risk
– see Cold water and hypothermia
• Lake Jindabyne on page 153.
• Khancoban Pondage
• Swampy Plains River Wear a lifejacket
• Mannus Lake
If you fall overboard, cold shock and
• Googong Reservoir hypothermia increase your risk of
• Blowering Reservoir drowning. For your safety, always
wear a lifejacket on alpine waters.
• Pejar Dam
• Yass River
• Lake Oberon
Check your safety
• all navigable waters within
equipment
Kosciuszko National Park. Make sure you have the right
safety equipment for your vessel
Alpine waters can be dangerous. on alpine waters.
High altitudes can bring cold
and windy conditions that change
quickly. It can be dangerously cold Reduce the risk
at any time of year, even in summer. of capsizing
Remote locations, submerged
hazards and cold water temperatures Because of the cold, capsizing in
all increase risk. alpine waters can be life-threatening.
Take extra care. Avoid overloading
Make sure you’re prepared for your vessel. Distribute weight
the conditions on alpine waters. evenly and stow heavy items as low
as possible.
132
Waterways and designated areas
Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour is an extremely busy If you’re planning to go on the
waterway. It’s used by recreational harbour, know your responsibilities
and commercial vessels, from big and take extra care.
ships and high‑speed ferries to small
powerboats, yachts and kayaks. Make sure you have the right
safety equipment and lifejackets
It has busy navigational channels and for enclosed waters before you go.
special rules.
133
Sydney Harbour Bridge not include Walsh Bay, Sydney Cove,
or Lavender Bay north of Blues Point,
Transit Zone or the southern end of Milsons Point
The Sydney Harbour Bridge Transit ferry wharf.
Zone was created to allow safe
navigation through this very busy You can only travel through the zone
part of the harbour. It prohibits to get to an area alongside or outside
vessels from stopping or drifting the zone.
under Sydney Harbour Bridge. Vessels must not travel faster than
The zone includes the area around 15 knots or anchor or drift in the
Sydney Harbour Bridge, and between zone, except in an emergency.
Bennelong Point and Kirribilli Point to
Millers Point and Blues Point. It does
CAREENING
COVE
LAVENDER
BAY
BLUES
POINT
CIRCULAR BENNELONG
QUAY POINT
134
Waterways and designated areas
135
Exclusion and restriction zones
Some areas of NSW waterways have To get exclusive use of a section of a
restrictions and exclusions. Before NSW waterway to run an organised
you go out, plan where you want to event, you must apply for an aquatic
go and check maps or charts. See licence – see ‘Applying for an aquatic
‘Boating maps’ at nsw.gov.au licence’ at nsw.gov.au
When you’re on the water, keep For a list of aquatic licences and
a lookout for signs, such as ‘No special events on NSW waterways,
Boating Zone’ signs. see ‘Marine Notices’ at nsw.gov.au
Areas for
organised events
All vessels must keep a safe
distance from areas being used for
organised aquatic events. These
include competitions, races, displays,
regattas and exhibitions in sections
of waterways normally available to
the public.
136
Waterways and designated areas
137
Mooring and anchoring
Moorings and anchors are A mooring is something you can tie
used to secure a vessel in a your vessel to. It may be a buoy, a
particular location. marina berth pontoon or jetty.
138
Waterways and designated areas
139
When you’re tying up to a wharf You must not anchor:
or marina berth: • in a navigation channel
• Keep your vessel secure by tying • anywhere you might obstruct other
it up with rope to both the bow vessels’ access to or from wharves,
and stern launching ramps or moorings
• If the mooring site has bollards or • within 200m of underwater cables.
rings, tie to those a short distance
beyond the bow or stern Look out for ‘Submarine Cable’
• Be aware of the rise and fall of signs. These underwater cables
the tide. carry electrical power or
telecommunication signals.
When you’re leaving a mooring,
wharf or marina berth: If your anchor becomes snagged
in a cable, do not pull it out.
• Start your engine and have it in idle Cut the anchor line as close as
before you untie possible to the anchor.
• Check your surroundings and other
traffic before you untie Avoid anchoring:
• Make sure all ropes are inside • near historic shipwrecks
the vessel and not trailing in • on bomboras, shallow rocks, reefs,
the water where they can be banks or shoals
caught in the propeller
• in sensitive habitats, such as
• Keep wash to a minimum. shallow areas with seagrasses.
140
Waterways and designated areas
Scope
3:1
Bow Bitter
WIND End
Roller
Anchor
Sandy Seabed
Carry a length of anchor line that is 3 times the depth of water – or longer in bad weather
or emergencies.
141
Emergencies
and incidents
Alerting search and rescue services 143
If you’re involved in an incident 145
Fire 147
Carbon monoxide and gas leaks 149
Person overboard 151
Cold water and hypothermia 153
Capsizing and swamping 156
Propeller strikes 158
142
Emergencies and incidents
143
Emergency words Pan pan
When making a distress call on Use a ‘pan pan’ call for an urgent
your radio, use the following words message when a vessel is in
depending on the level of emergency. trouble, but not in imminent danger.
It’s recommended that you repeat For example:
each word 3 times. • ‘Pan pan, pan pan, pan pan, this
is Phantom, this is Phantom, this
If you do not get an answer, repeat
is Phantom, a 5m red half-cabin.
the call and message on other
I’m 3 nautical miles off Red Head.
available frequencies.
We’ve been disabled by a wave and
need a tow. There are 4 people on
Mayday
board. Over.’
Use a ‘mayday’ call for an emergency
message when there’s imminent Securite
danger to a vessel and the
Use a ‘securite’ call (pronounced
passengers. For example:
saycure-e-tay) before a navigational
• ‘Mayday, mayday, mayday, this safety message, such as a weather
is Phantom, this is Phantom, this report or navigation hazard update.
is Phantom, a 5m red half-cabin. For example:
I’m 3 nautical miles off Red Head.
• ‘Securite, securite, securite, all
We’ve been swamped by a wave
ships, all ships, all ships, this is
and are sinking. There are 4 people
Coast Radio Sydney, Coast Radio
overboard. Over.’
Sydney, Coast Radio Sydney
If you hear a mayday call, you should for a renewal of a strong wind
not transmit, but continue to monitor warning. Please switch to channel
the radio. If a shore station – such VHF 67. Out.’
as the local Marine Rescue NSW
unit – does not respond to the call,
try to relay the message and help
the vessel.
144
Emergencies and incidents
145
When to report You do not need to submit a report if
you gave these details to authorised
an incident officers at the incident.
The skipper of each vessel involved
must submit a Vessel Incident
Report if:
• a person is killed or injured
Incident
• there’s more than $5000
investigations
worth of damage to a vessel Transport for NSW (Maritime)
or other property, or investigates a range of marine
• there’s damage or a risk of damage incidents, including those
to the environment. involving recreational and
commercial vessels, ports
You must submit the report within and ships.
24 hours. Download the ‘Vessel
Incident Report form’ from service. They also investigate breaches
nsw.gov.au, or get a hardcopy from of legislation, for example,
a service centre, police station or not following navigation rules,
‘Marine Rescue NSW’ or ‘Marine licensing rules, environmental
Rescue NSW head office’, see regulations or speed limits.
marinerescuensw.com.au
146
Emergencies and incidents
Fire
A fire on board a vessel can spread Abandoning your vessel
rapidly, generate intense heat and
cause explosions. Fuel spills and gas If you have to abandon a vessel
leaks can cause fires. A fire can also with a fire on board, do not move the
happen immediately after refuelling. vessel towards another vessel.
147
Fire: Reduce the risk • Keep engine compartments
ventilated, especially on hot
• Have a fire drill and practise it days and when refuelling
regularly on board
• Use a blower or ventilation
• Make sure you have an approved system before starting the
fire extinguisher for the type engine or operating any
of fuel you have on board. electrical equipment
Do not store it close to the stove
• Make sure LPG cylinders and
or engine compartment
appliances are suitable for
• Do not store combustible marine use
materials in the bilge or
• Make sure any LPG cylinders
engine compartment
and appliances are firmly
• Check the electrical system secured and away from
for faults and keep all draughts. Get them serviced by
components clean a licensed gasfitter
• Take care when using fuel • Clean up fuel spills quickly
stoves and lamps
• Maintain your engine, check
• Take care when refuelling for fuel leaks and service your
• Do not fill fuel caddies in vessel regularly.
your vessel – always fill them
on shore
148
Emergencies and incidents
What to do
Carbon monoxide Be alert for any signs of carbon
poisoning monoxide build-up or gas leakage –
Carbon monoxide is a colourless for example, passengers feeling ill
and odourless gas. It’s produced or a strong smell of LPG. If you think
when a carbon-based fuel – such this may have happened, you should:
as petrol, diesel, propane, charcoal • Stop the engine.
or oil – burns. Engines, generators • Turn off cylinder valves and
and fuel-burning cooking equipment all appliances
can produce carbon monoxide.
• Ventilate the area – use all
Inhaling high concentrations equipment available, such as
of carbon monoxide can cause a bilge blower
death within minutes. • Evacuate the area and move
Symptoms of carbon monoxide everyone into fresh air
poisoning include: • Avoid using any electrical switches
• irritated eyes • nausea until the air is clear
149
Toxic gases: • When towing a person, make
sure they’re a minimum of 7m
Reduce the risk behind your vessel
• When using the engine, makes • Regularly check your vessel’s
sure the cabin and cockpit exhaust system for signs of
areas are well ventilated. leaks – for example, rust,
Open windows and hatches and black streaking, water leaks
roll up cockpit covers or cracked fittings
• Never sit on marlin boards or • Maintain your engine and
swim platforms when a powered exhaust systems. Organise
vessel with a rear-vented regular inspections by trained
exhaust system is underway or technicians – poorly tuned
idling. If possible, avoid using engines generate more
these areas for a minimum of carbon monoxide
15 minutes after the engine or
• Avoid leaving your engine
generator has been switched off
or generator running while
• Be aware of onboard your vessel is moored. Keep a
generators. Even when a boat is minimum distance of 6m from
anchored or moored, generators other vessels when their engine
still produce carbon monoxide. or generator is running. Exhaust
Never swim under swim from other vessels can release
platforms on houseboats carbon monoxide into your
• Install a carbon monoxide cabin or cockpit
detector alarm in your boat • Have LPG cylinders,
appliances and hoses installed,
serviced and inspected by
trained technicians.
150
Emergencies and incidents
Person overboard
If someone falls overboard, try not If someone else falls overboard
to panic. Do not jump in after them –
this puts you both at risk of drowning. If someone else falls overboard:
• Slow down immediately
151
Person overboard: • It’s recommended that
passengers also stay under the
Reduce the risk alcohol legal limit. They’re more
• Have a person-overboard drill at risk of falling overboard if
and practise it regularly and in they’ve been drinking alcohol.
all conditions They may also need to take
action in a collision, or if the
• Wear a lifejacket. It can save
vessel capsizes or is swamped
your life if you fall overboard or
end up in the water because of • Never ride on the bow of a
collision, capsizing or swamping powered vessel when it’s
underway. This significantly
• Avoid alcohol and drugs – as
increases your risk of
the driver, you must stay under
falling overboard.
the blood alcohol concentration
(BAC) legal limit
152
Emergencies and incidents
153
Cold shock
Cold shock is an uncontrollable
reaction in your body when it enters
cold water suddenly. Your breathing
and heart rate speed up sharply.
You can inhale water while trying to
catch your breath.
What to do
In the water
If you fall overboard, try to stay calm.
Resist the temptation to swim – this
increases body heat loss. Stay with Survival techniques in cold water – huddle (left)
the vessel. and HELP.
154
Emergencies and incidents
155
Capsizing and swamping
Capsizing and swamping can be What to do
caused by a number of situations,
including big waves, overloading or If your vessel capsizes or
damage to your vessel. Swamping is swamped:
is when your vessel fills with water, • Make sure everyone is wearing a
increasing the risk of sinking. lifejacket. Give one to passengers
who are not already wearing one
If you’re in a small open powerboat
or paddlecraft – such as a canoe • Use your marine radio, if it’s
or kayak – take extra care. These working, to make a distress call
vessels can more easily capsize or • If your vessel is swamped, try to
be swamped. empty the water with your bucket
and bilge pump
If your vessel capsizes or is
swamped, act quickly to keep • Stay with your capsized vessel –
yourself and anyone else on this makes it easier for rescuers
board safe. to find you
• If it’s safe to do so, get the
EPIRB and distress flares out
of the vessel to alert search
and rescue services
• Make yourself as visible as possible
to other vessels and aircraft by
displaying your V sheet
• Put on more clothes if you can –
this helps keep you warm and may
delay or prevent hypothermia
• Abandon the vessel only as a last
resort. Take the EPIRB and distress
flares with you, if possible.
156
Emergencies and incidents
157
Propeller strikes
A strike from a boat propeller can Keep a proper lookout at all times
cause serious injury or death. As when underway, especially near
the skipper, you should consider the swimmers. Take extra care when you
area around the propeller a hazard see an ‘Alpha’ flag showing divers are
zone. This means making sure that no nearby, and when you’re towing.
person or any part of their body goes
near a spinning propeller.
What to do
Always turn the engine off when
you’re near people in the water. Some
propellers can continue to spin even
in neutral.
158
Emergencies and incidents
159
Whales on their annual migration off the coast of Sydney. Destination NSW photo.
Protecting the
environment
Waste and sewage disposal 161
Protecting marine life 162
Marine mammals 165
Noise 167
160
Protecting the environment
161
You must report marine oil or Raw sewage from a holding tank
chemicals spills to: must be discharged at a pumpout
• Transport for NSW (Maritime) facility or toilet – see ‘Pumpout
on 13 12 36, or facilities and locations’ at nsw.gov.au
Marine animals
All native mammals, birds and
reptiles are protected in NSW. These
include seals, penguins, turtles,
whales and dolphins, as well as a
wide variety of waterbirds.
162
Protecting the environment
Seagrasses
Seagrass beds provide food and
shelter for a wide variety of fish
and invertebrates. They also help
bind the sea floor and improve Seagrass beds are easily damaged by anchors
water quality. and propellers.
163
Aquatic weeds include freshwater
plants, such as salvinia, cabomba
and alligator weed. The marine
alga caulerpa taxifolia has been
found in several estuaries along
the south and central coasts of
NSW. It has the potential to overtake
native seagrass and overgrow
other habitats.
164
Protecting the environment
Marine mammals
Whales, dolphins, dugongs, seals You must travel at a constant
and sea lions are protected marine slow speed and leave minimal
mammals in NSW. To keep these wash within 300m of whales.
animals and your vessel safe, you
must follow rules when watching and You must keep a minimum distance
approaching them. from dolphins and dugongs of:
• 50m, or
See ‘Approaching marine mammals
in NSW’ at environment.nsw.gov.au • 150m if there are calves.
165
Approaching whales, If an animal approaches your vessel:
dolphins and dugongs • Stop or slow down to minimise
your wash
When approaching whales, dolphins
and dugongs, you must keep • Move away or disengage your
minimum distances. You should vessel’s gears
start your approach at an angle of at • Avoid making any sudden
least 30 degrees to their direction movement
of travel. This helps you avoid • Minimise noise.
cutting across their path or putting
your vessel directly in front of or
behind them.
No waiting No waiting
nt
nt
if calf is prese
if calf is prese
lt
300 metres
lt
150 metres
if only adu
if only adu
100 metres
50 metres
m
m
m
m
100
50
300
150
No approach No approach
You must keep a minimum distance You must keep a minimum distance from
from whales. dolphins and dugongs
166
Protecting the environment
Noise
You must not make any noise that • volume – how loud it is and whether
could offend, disturb or be harmful it’s louder than background noise
to someone outside your vessel. • the effect the noise has on
This could be noise made by your activities around you
engine or by people or music
on board. • time of day – noise travels
further when it’s calm and quiet
You must not modify the engine noise • how far you are from the shore
control equipment on your boat or
personal watercraft (PWC). • how many people are nearby
• whether you’re near a
residential area
Offensive noise
• which direction the wind is blowing
Noise can be disruptive – not only – noise can travel further with
because of its volume, but also the wind.
because of the type of noise it is.
Always consider how your activities Noise can also disturb wildlife,
affect other people on the water, especially waterbirds and other
on the shore and local residents. animals – see Protecting marine
life on page 162.
Even a relatively quiet vessel may
offend others if it’s early in the
morning or if you stay too long in
the same area.
167
Index
A ATP see Authorised Training
Provider
abandoning your vessel 147 Australian Builders Plate (ABP) 21,
ABP (Australian Builders Plate) 21, 22 22, 90
accidents 60, 145–146 Australian Maritime Safety Authority
accommodation, boats used for (AMSA) 26
hiring 28 Australian Sailing qualifications 12
safety regulations 26 Authorised Training Provider
sewage 162 boat licence 12–13
address change 19 General Boat Licence Knowledge
age requirement Test 13–14
for boat licence 11 PWC Licence Knowledge Test
for PWC licence 16 16–17
restrictions 18 auto-inflating lifejacket 43
alcohol 88–89
all round white light 110
‘Alpha’ flags 74 B
alpine waters babies’ lifejackets 41
lifejackets 32–34, 36 BAC (blood alcohol concentration)
safety 127, 132–133 limits 88
safety equipment 52–53 bailers 47
AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety bank erosion 164
Authority) 26 barges, giving way to 80
anchorages 138, 140–141 battery
anchoring checking 71
anchor line 46 safety 48
mooring 138–141 bays 127
at night 117 beacons
placement of lights 112 distress 47–48
anchors 46, 71 personal locator 48
appliances, checking 70 beam, definition 8
apps 60, 63, 66 beam seas 125
aquamark minibuoys 108 bells 121
aquaplaning 95 bilge
aquatic animals see marine life definition 8
aquatic licence 136 checking 70
aquatic weeds 163–164 bilge pumps 47
168
Index
biodiesel 71 of competency 28
biofuels 71 of operation 27, 28
blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of survey 26–27
limits 88 channels
boat licence bends 74
applying for 14 blocked signal 109
combining with other licences 15 marks 103–104
eligibility 11 rules 82
gaining 11–15 safety 128
training for 12–13 charter boats 26
valid period 15 charts 47, 61
boat licence card 14 cheating
boat shares or syndicates 26 General Boat Licence Knowledge
Boatcode (HIN) 22 Test 14
boating apps 60, 63, 66 PWC Licence Knowledge Test 17
BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) 65 chemical discharge 161–162
bomboras 124 children
bow, definition 8 lifejackets 40–41
breakdown 69 preparation 62–63
bridges 75, 109 chine, definition 8
buckets 47 choppy conditions 124, 125
buoys cleaning vessels 161–162
mooring 139 clearance heights 75
navigation marks 103, 108 cleat, definition 8
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) 65 coastal bars
lifejackets 32–34, 36
169
communication 49–50, 57, 124, 128, distress signals 49, 143
143–144 dog lifejackets 41
compass 47, 61 dolphins 165, 166
competitions, vessels used for 56 draft, definition 8
console, definition 8 dragon boats
creeks 127 lifejackets 36
currents 128 safety equipment 56
dredges
D giving way to 80
lights 119
dams drinking water 49
alpine 132 driver, definition 7
safety 127 driver licence (car), combining with
water temperature 128 boat licence 15
Danforth anchors 46 drug testing 89
danger marks 107 dugongs 165
debris hazards 75
Deckee app 63
deckhouse, definition 8
E
depth finder 127 electric engines or starts 48
destination planning 61 emergencies 142–159
diesel engines 71 alerting search and rescue 143–
digital charts 47 144
digital licence 14 capsizing and swamping 156–157
digital vessel registration 22 fire 147–148
dinghies gas leaks 149–150
lifejackets 36 hypothermia 153–156
safety equipment 55 on open waters 124
directional lights 107 person overboard 151–152
distances preparing for 60
exclusion zones 135, 136–137 propeller strikes 158–159
from naval vessels 85 Emergency Position Indicating Radio
from other vessels 83–85 Beacon (EPIRB) 47–48, 143
from people 83 emerging technologies 16
from sea mammals 85, 165–166 enclosed waters
from structures and the shore 84 lifejackets 32–34, 36
when towing 85, 98 safety 127–128
when whale watching 162 safety equipment 52–53
distress beacons 47–48 engine noise control equipment 167
distress calls 143–144 engine water pumps 70
170
Index
engines fuel
fuel 71 biofuels 71
maintenance 69–70 checking 61, 70
environmental protection 160–167 fuel stoves 48
EPIRB (Emergency Position
Indicating Radio Beacon) 47–48, 143
estuaries 127 G
ethanol-blended fuel 71 gas installations 48
events 136 gas leaks 149–150
exclusion zones 135, 136–137 General Boat Knowledge Practice
experience requirement 12–13, 61 Test 13, 17
General Boat Licence Knowledge
F Test 13–14
giving way 9, 76–80
failing the test government use of vessel 26
General Boat Licence Knowledge grapnels 46
Test 14 green light 103, 107, 111, 117, 118
PWC Licence Knowledge Test 17 green marks 103, 104
fees gunwale, definition 8
boat licence 14
boat registration 21
ferries H
giving way to 80, 135 harbours 127
lights 119–120 hazards
safety regulations 26 alpine waters 133
fire 147–148 enclosed waters 127
fire buckets 47 keeping lookout for 75, 86
fire extinguishers 48–49 marks warning 105–109
first-aid kit 57 head seas 125
fishing equipment hazards 75 head torch 115
fishing vessels Heat Escape Lessening Posture
giving way to 80 (HELP) 154
lights 120 height of vessel 75
safety regulations 26 helm, definition 9
flags, ‘Alpha’ 74 HELP (Heat Escape Lessening
flares 49, 143 Posture) 154
floating hazards 75
following seas 126
freeboard, definition 8
171
HF (high frequency) radios
distress channels 143 K
operator’s certificate 50 kayaks
uses 49–50 lifejackets 34
weather warnings 66 safety equipment 55
high-speed ferries 135 kill switch
HIN (Hull Identification Number) checking 71
21, 22 lanyard for 57
hiring a vessel 26, 28, 29 operation (or use) 57
horns 121 kiteboards
houseboats 28, 162 exclusion zones 135–136
huddling for warmth 154 hiring 28
hull, definition 8 lifejackets 33
Hull Identification Number (HIN) safety equipment 54
21, 22 Sydney Harbour 136
hypothermia 132, 153–155 kneeboarding 95
knots, definition 9
I Knowledge Test
General Boat Licence 13–14
identity, proof of 14, 17–18, 21 PWC Licence 16–17
incidents 60, 145–146
inflatable boats
lifejackets 36 L
safety equipment 55 lagoons 127
inflatable lifejackets lakes
children 41 alpine 132
description 39 safety 127
PWC 32 water temperature 128
servicing 43–45 lateral navigation marks 103–104
insurance 21 lead marks 106–107
International Regulations for licences 10–20
Preventing Collisions at Sea aquatic 136
(COLREGS) 5 boat see boat licence
interpreter service 14 cancellation 20
interstate licences 12, 16, 19 carrying 20
irregular driving 85 driving without 20
isolated danger marks 107 hiring a vessel 29
interstate and overseas 19
mooring 139
172
Index
173
N oil discharge 161–162
open waters
name change (licences) 19 compass 47
National Standards for Commercial charts/maps 47
Vessels (NSCV) 26–27 EPIRB 48
National System for Domestic lifejackets 32–34, 36
Commercial Vessel Safety 26 safety 123–126
nautical miles, definition 9 safety equipment 52–53
naval vessels, minimum distance weather conditions 64
from 85, 137 operation, certificate of 27
navigable waters, definition 9 orange smoke flares 49
navigation lights 110–116 organised events 136
at anchor 112 other people driving your vessel 20
checking 70 outrigger canoes
commercial fishing vessels 120 lifejackets 36
dredges 119 safety equipment 56
ferries 119–120 overboard 151–152, 154
identifying 116–120 overseas licences 19
placement 112 overtaking
powered vessels 117 giving way during 78
types of 110–111 regulations 81
when underway 113
navigation marks 103–109
New Zealand licences 19 P
night, identifying vessels at 75, 86, paddle boards see stand-up paddle
116–120 boards
‘No Boating Zone’ signs 136 paddlecraft
noise 73, 163, 167 definition 7
non-inflatable lifejackets 39 getting on or off 68
NSCV (National Standards for giving way to 78
Commercial Vessels) 26–27 lifejackets 34–35, 36
lights 115
174
Index
175
PWC licence regulations 82
applying for 17–18 safety 127
combining with other licences 15 water temperature 128
exemptions 16 rocks 124
gaining 16–18 rolling 125
prerequisites 11 ropes, checking 70
restrictions 18 rough weather 124, 125, 126
PWC Licence Knowledge Test 13–14, rowing shells
16–17 lifejackets 36
safety equipment 55
Q rowing vessels
definition 7
qualifications recognised 14, 16 giving way to 78
lifejackets 36
lights 115
R safety equipment 55
racing shells see rowing shells rowlocks 50
radios 49–50, 143–144 Royal Yachting Association
27 MHz radio 49 qualifications 12
random breath testing (RBT) 89
red hand flares 49
red light 103, 107, 111, 117, 118
S
red marks 103, 104 safe water marks 108
reef anchors 46 safety
reefs 124 alpine waters 132–133
registering a vessel 21–24 anchoring 140–141
registration capsizing and swamping 156–157
renewing 24 crossing coastal bars 129–131
transferring 25 on enclosed waters 127–128
registration number fire risk 148
checking 69 hiring a vessel 29
displaying 22–23 mooring 139–140
renewing licences 19 on open waters 123–126
renewing registration 24 propeller strikes 158–159
research activities 26 Sydney Harbour 133–135
reservoirs 132 toxic gases 150
restriction zone 136–137 water temperature 155
rivers safety equipment 46–57
alpine 132 alpine waters 132
bends 74 anchors 46, 71
176
Index
177
spillways 128 third-party insurance 21
spoil grounds 108 tide poles 108
squalls 124, 126 tides 129, 130
stand-up paddle boards toolkit 57, 69
lifejackets 35 topsides, definition 9
safety equipment 55 torches 51, 110, 115
starboard marks 103, 104 tow ropes 95
starboard side, definition 9 tow-in surfing 54, 99
steering cables and connections, towing a trailer 101
checking 71 towing people
stern, definition 9 keeping a lookout 75
sternlight 111, 113, 114, 115, 118 lifejackets 32
structures, avoiding 75, 84 minimum distances 85
submerged hazards 75 regulations 95–100
sunken vessels 75 toxic gases 150
SUPS see stand-up paddle boards trailers, towing 101
surf rescue boats 56 training, vessels used for 56
surf skis transferring registration 25
lifejackets 35 transom, definition 9
safety equipment 55 Transport for NSW 6
surf zones 136 tricoloured light 111
surfing 54, 99 turning when towing 99
survey, certificate of 26–27
swamping 156–157
‘swim vests’ 41 U
swimming areas 136 underwater cables 140
Sydney Harbour 133–135, 136, 137 underwater pipes 108
Sydney Harbour Bridge Transit underway, definition 9
Zone 134 unique vessel identifier (UVI) 21
Sydney Vessel Traffic Services
(VTS) 135
V
T V sheet 51
vehicular ferries
temperature, water see water giving way to 80
temperatures lights 119
tenders Vessel Incident Reports 146
definition 7 Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) 135
safety equipment 56
terminology 7–9
178
Index
vessels waves
definition 7 coastal bars 130–131
hiring 28, 29 open waters 124, 125
keeping a lookout for 74–75 weather
maintaining 69–71 alpine waters 132, 133
paddlecraft see paddlecraft checking 59, 64–66
parts of 8 coastal bars 129
personal see personal watercraft on open waters 124, 126
powered see powered vessels Weather Warning Service 66
registering 21–24 weeds 163–164
rowboats see rowing vessels weight distribution 67, 68
sailboats see sailing vessels whales 85, 165, 166
VHF (very high frequency) radios wheel, definition 9
distress channels 143 whistles 121
marine radio channels 50 white light
operator’s certificate 50 navigation marks 107
uses 49–50 on vessel 110, 116, 118
weather warnings 66 wildlife see marine life
visibility 73, 86 windy conditions 126, 128
work barges 80
W workboats 26
wake 92–93
wakeboarding and wakesurfing
Y
95, 100 yellow marks 108
wash 92–93
waste disposal 161–162
water, drinking 49
water skiing 95
water taxis 26
water temperatures
alpine waters 132
lakes, rivers and dams 128
person overboard 153–155
planning for 61
waterproof floating torch 51
waterway safety apps 66
waterways 122–141
179
Disclaimer
Users are welcome to copy, reproduce and distribute extracts from this
work for non-commercial purposes only, provided Transport for NSW
is acknowledged as the copyright owner and the title of this work is
referenced as the source.
nsw.gov.au
13 12 36
ISBN: 978-1-922875-66-2
Pub: 23.018
03/2023