All boats operating in South Australian waters are required to carry certain items of safety equipment.

Details vary according to the size of the boat and where it is being used. 3 separate levels of equipment are detailed, depending on whether the boat is being used in

• protected waters
• semi-protected waters
• unprotected waters.

Protected waters are all inland waters, excluding Lake Alexandrina, Lake Albert and any other waters subject to tidal influence.

Semi-protected waters are waters up to 2 nautical miles from the low-water mark of the coast and from the banks of Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.

Unprotected waters are waters beyond 2 nautical miles from the low mark of the coast and from the banks of Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.

All personal flotation devices (PFDs) required to be carried on a vessel must comply with AS1499, 1512 or 2260.

All distress flares and smoke signals required to be carried on a vessel must comply with AS2092 and be stamped indelibly by the manufacturer with its date of expiry and that date must not have passed.

A fire extinguisher is required to be carried on a vessel must comply with the applicable part of AS1841.

• Minimum safety equipment required for recreational boats under 8 metres in length
• Minimum safety equipment required for recreational boats 8 metres to 15 metres in length

Exemptions

The safety equipment requirements apply to the majority of boats. However, certain types of boat are either partially or totally exempt from these requirements. Some of the more common exemptions are summarised below.

Canoes, kayaks, sailboards and similar small, unpowered boats must have for each occupant

• PFD that complies with Australian Standards and worn at all times
• suitable bailer (unless the hull is permanently enclosed)
• waterproof torch or lantern while being operated during the hours of darkness.

Personal watercraft or PWCs (jet skis®, waverunners®, et.)

• All operators and passengers on PWC’s must wear a life jacket or a PFD that complies with AS1499, 1512 or 2260 at all times.
• A PFD (AS1512) must be worn in unprotected waters, i.e. beyond two nautical miles offshore.

Further information is available at Personal watercraft safety.

All safety equipment must be readily accessible at all times and kept in good working order.

• Emergency Position Indicating Beacon
• Marine Radio
• Changes to marine radio weather and safety services from July 1 2002
• Distress Call
• Safety Call
• Urgency Call
• Personal Flotation Devices