Operating Requirements - Recreational Vessels

Marine Radios:  

The 27 MHz marine radios are being phased out hence a VHF radio will be required for all vessels travelling more than 4 nautical miles offshore.

Under the Radio Communications Act 1992 the installation of a VHF marine radio fitted to a vessel in Australia must be authorised by a licence.  The licence does not authorise the use of a home base.

Vessel Operation under 4.8 Metres:

When operating a vessel more than 400 metres from shore:

a)    A life jacket (level 100 or higher) must be worn by everyone on board.

b)   You must carry a GPS enabled EPIRB or wear a GPS enabled PLB (Personal Locator Beacon).

c)   You must carry at least two handheld red flares and two handheld orange flares. Parachute flares may be used in lieu of the red handheld flares but only until September 2026.

d)    Electronic Visual Distress Signal (EVDS) may be carried instead of flares, only if a GPS enabled EPIRB is carried, or a GPS enabled PLB (Personal Locator Beacon).

e)   You must carry a working marine radio when operating beyond 4 nautical miles from shore.

Vessels Larger Than 4.8 Metres:

When operating more than 400 metres offshore:

a)    A life jacket (level 100 or higher) must be carried for everyone on board.

b)    Children aged 1 to 12 years on board must wear a life jacket Level 100 or higher.

c)    You must carry a GPS enabled EPIRB or wear a GPS enabled PLB.

d)  You must carry at least two handheld red flares and two handheld orange flares. Parachute flares may be used in lieu of the red handheld flares but only until September 2026.

e)    Electronic Visual Distress Signal (EVDS) may be carried instead of flares, only if a GPS enabled EPIRB is carried, or a GPS enabled PLB.

f)    You must carry a working marine radio when operating beyond 4 nautical miles from shore.

Fire Extinguisher, Anchor/Line, Bilge Pump/Bailer:

Skippers are no longer required to carry a fire extinguisher, anchor, bilge pump or bailer.   However, it is recommended that you continue to carry this equipment and assess your individual circumstances in determining which anchor, fire extinguisher or bilge pump / bailer is appropriate for your vessel.

In addition to the above, have your safety gear easily accessible in case of an emergency!   It takes less than 30 seconds for a boat to capsize or sink and it happens without warning. Skippers are responsible for the safety of their vessel and passengers at all times.  Safety starts with you!

A reminder to please check your VHF Radio to ensure that you are operating on 25 Watts and not 1 Watt so that we can hear you properly.   You will need to press the HI/LO button on your handset to adjust.   25 Watts provides a much better reception for broadcasting.

BOAT MEMBERS:   Have you changed any of your details?  Maybe sold your boat, or bought a new one, changed cars or trailers, got a new mobile number, or do not wish to continue as a member, please let us know.  When a boat is overdue, we need to search the marina car park (or another launching site) to see if the vehicle or trailer are there and we do not want to be wasting valuable time searching for a vehicle or trailer with the incorrect details.  It is important that we have your correct details on file, so please help us to update our records.