Carrying the right safety equipment and knowing how to use it is essential. The list below outlines the minimum equipment requirements for recreational ships set by legislation. This depends on the size of the ship, whether it requires registration and the areas of operation.

Safety equipment requirements are divided into three areas

• compulsory equipment for all ships operating in certain areas
• compulsory equipment for all registrable ships
• equipment recommended to satisfy the general safety obligation.

While boats that do not require registration are not obliged to carry compulsory safety equipment, it is strongly recommended appropriate equipment is taken in the event of an emergency. Lack of preparation could lead to a breach of the general safety obligation. Carry enough safety equipment to be prepared for the unexpected.

It is compulsory to wear a life jacket

• When crossing a coastal bar in an open boat that is less than 4.8 m in length
• If you are under the age of 12 in an open boat that is less than 4.8 m in length, while it is under way.

Some safety equipment types include components that can deteriorate over time. This can decrease their effectiveness or in some cases render them inoperable. This equipment includes:

• fire extinguishers
• EPIRBs
• flares
• inflatable life jackets
• smoke signals
• inflatable life rafts.

This equipment must be serviced by the manufacturer or an authorised agent by the expiry date, which must be clearly marked on the equipment.

Equipment that can not be serviced or no longer works must be replaced if it is to be carried as part of the safety equipment requirements.

Source: http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/