Safety equipment
Every boat must carry safety equipment suitable for its size and the waters where it is used. On this page, the 'coast' means the coast of the South Australian mainland and Kangaroo Island.
The operator has a duty of care for their own safety, the vessel, and the safety of people who may be affected by their actions. This includes carrying additional safety equipment suitable for their boating activity, based on:
- the type of vessel they are operating
- the area of operation
- expected water and weather conditions
- the personal requirements of each passenger.
The safety equipment must be in good working order, readily accessible, and protected from water and weather.
Some items of safety equipment carried on the vessel have an expiry date as a renewal reminder to ensure the equipment will work when needed, which may include life-threatening circumstances.
Use our online safety equipment checker tool to find out what safety equipment you need for the size of your boat and where you are operating. The safety equipment listed is the legal minimum you must carry and includes the mandatory wearing of a lifejacket in some situations. Check which lifejacket you need here.