There’s nothing better than getting out on the water in Queensland. Whether you are boating in a dam, lake, river or the ocean, boating is sure to bring you and your family no end of fun. However, it is vitally important that you are prepared if something goes wrong. As with almost any activity, boating is not without its risks. When you hit the water, you need to have a plan to deal with any emergency that might arise. A large part of this is ensuring that you have the right boat safety equipment for your vessel.
Why Boat Safety Equipment is so Important
Boat safety equipment is the most important thing to remember when you hit the water. Your safety equipment can save your life and the lives of your passengers if something goes wrong. Because of its importance, boat safety equipment is mandatory in Queensland. There are a few basic items of safety equipment that all boats must carry. For larger boats, you will need additional items on top of these. But mandatory items are not the only important ones.
The legal guidelines for boat safety equipment provide a baseline of preparedness for emergency situations. It is always a good idea to carry a few extra items on top of these. Some such items could include first aid kits, emergency bottled water and even something as simple as an extra length of rope. Think about where you are taking your boat and what might be of use there, in an emergency situation.
Three Essential Items of Boat Safety Equipment
If you are taking your boat out to sea, then you need to be aware of the regulation surrounding your safety equipment. These regulations are extensive and strict, and they are put in place for your safety. Take some time to do your research and ask the experts at your local boat store for more advice.
#1 Flares
Flares are mandatory in vessels that are travelling in partially smooth waters and beyond partially smooth waters. Flares allow you to contact vessels, aircraft and even those on nearby land in the event of an emergency. This is invaluable and will ensure that you can be identified when you get into trouble. You should always check the regulations before leaving to confirm the safety equipment that you need because these laws are subject to changes.
#2 Lifejackets
Lifejackets are mandatory in all vessels, travelling in any waterways. Lifejackets are available in different designs or ‘levels.’ Each level is suitable for a specific application, which means that you might need different lifejackets depending on how far out to sea you are travelling. Each level has its own features, such as neck support. Lifejackets that are suited to offshore waters can support you comfortably for far longer than those designed for inshore or smooth waters. Again, it is important to check the regulations around this, in case there are any changes.
#3 EPIRBs
An EPIRB is an electronic position indicating radio beacon. As its name suggests, an EPIRB emits a radio beacon when activated that is picked up by emergency services on a certain frequency. Depending on the model of EPIRB in your boat, the signal allows authorities to pinpoint your location to within a radius as narrow as a few hundred metres. If you find yourself in serious trouble, an EPIRB is potentially lifesaving and help can arrive in a very short period of time, even in very remote locations. EPIRBs are mandatory in vessels travelling beyond partially smooth waters. While they are one of the more expensive items of safety equipment, they have saved countless lives and they could very easily save yours.
For more information on boat safety equipment and all your boating needs, get in touch with the experts at Holt Marine on (07) 3353 1928.