Carrying well-maintained and serviced safety equipment is critical to staying safe on the water.
In Whanganui, all river users must carry the minimum requirements for safety equipment applicable to their water craft.
It is the responsibility of the skipper to prep the boat and check the gear before getting on the water.
Whether the boat is anchored on the river or crossing the bar, all crew members must be briefed on the location and use of all safety equipment on board before heading out.
Vessels not capable of carrying all of the necessary safety equipment (eg, kayak or waka ama) should be assisted by a support craft with adequate equipment on board.
All water sport organisations are encouraged to have a designated safety person who inspects the boat safety equipment used by the business. This person is accountable for the quality of the safety equipment in the event of a Maritime New Zealand audit.
Maritime NZ's Safe Boating advisers are also on hand this summer - carrying out spot checks, offering advice and informing boaties of their responsibilities.
Essential equipment
- PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) of the right size and type for everyone on board.
- Adequate navigation devices - at least a chart and compass (GPS and a depth sounder are also useful).
- Two means of communication that will work when wet - distress beacons (EPIRB or PLB), VHF radio, flares and cellphones.
- Alternative propulsion - a spare outboard motor, oars or paddles.
- Bailing system - bucket or bailer.
- Anchor (weighing not less than 1.5kg per metre of boat length).
- First aid kit - supplies for minor injuries, sun block, sea sickness remedies, emergency water/barley sugars.
- Fire extinguisher or bailer in smaller boats.
- Spare rope.
- Gaff/boat hook.
- Tools - spanners, screw driver, knife, pliers/side cutters.
- Protective clothing.
