HARBORS AND NAVIGATION REGULATIONS 2023

South Australian Current Regulations

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HARBORS AND NAVIGATION REGULATIONS 2023 - SCHEDULE 6

Schedule 6—Structural equipment and marking requirements for vessels

1—Hatches and exterior doors

All hatches and doors on a vessel constructed after 1 January 1996 must be able to be opened from both inside and outside.

2—No open exhausts

(1) A vessel with an engine must be equipped with an exhaust that complies with the requirements (if any) set out in this Schedule.

(2) An exhaust fitted in relation to an engine of a vessel must not be, or be capable of producing, an open exhaust from the engine.

3—Compliance plate—maximum load

A vessel constructed after 1 January 1996 must have affixed in a prominent position a compliance plate stating the maximum number of persons that the vessel may carry in accordance with AS 1799.1.

4—Life saving appliances, fire appliances and miscellaneous equipment

(1) Subject to these regulations, a vessel that is less than 8 m in length must be equipped with the following:

(a) while the vessel is operated in protected waters—

(i) 1 lifejacket level 100 or above, lifejacket level 50 or lifejacket level 50S for each person carried on the vessel;

(ii) 1 anchor;

(iii) either—

(A) 1 bailer; or

(B) such number of manual or electric bilge pumps as to be capable of draining each compartment of the vessel (other than airtight void spaces);

(iv) if the vessel has an engine or includes facilities for cooking meals—1 fire extinguisher (stowed so as to be readily accessible in case of fire);

(v) if the vessel is being operated between the hours of sunset and sunrise—1 torch or lantern;

(vi) 1 fire bucket (stowed so as to be readily accessible in case of fire);

(b) while the vessel is operated in semi-protected waters—

(i) 1 lifejacket level 100 or above for each person carried on the vessel;

(ii) either—

(A) 1 bailer; or

(B) such number of manual or electric bilge pumps as to be capable of draining each compartment of the vessel (other than airtight void spaces);

(iii) 1 torch or lantern;

(iv) 1 anchor;

(v) if the vessel has an engine or includes facilities for cooking meals—1 fire extinguisher (stowed so as to be readily accessible in case of fire);

(vi) 2 handheld red flares;

(vii) 2 handheld orange smoke signals;

(viii) 1 fire bucket (stowed so as to be readily accessible in case of fire);

(i) 1 lifejacket level 100 or above for each person carried on the vessel;

(ii) 1 two-way marine radio capable of communicating with onshore stations;

(iii) either—

(A) 1 bailer; or

(B) such number of manual or electric bilge pumps as to be capable of draining each compartment of the vessel (other than airtight void spaces);

(iv) 1 torch or lantern;

(v) 1 anchor;

(vi) if the vessel has an engine or includes facilities for cooking meals—1 fire extinguisher (stowed so as to be readily accessible in case of fire);

(vii) 2 handheld red flares;

(viii) 2 handheld orange smoke signals;

(ix) 1 compass (affixed to the vessel adjacent to the steering position in a manner and position that allows the operator of the vessel to determine, with reasonable accuracy, bearings and the vessel's heading from the compass while operating the vessel);

Editorial note—

This requirement is not satisfied by GPS or satellite navigation systems (or similar electronic devices) nor a handheld compass—see clause 6 of this Schedule.

(x) 4 litres of fresh water;

(xi) 1 fire bucket (stowed so as to be readily accessible in case of fire);

(xii) while the vessel is operated more than 5 nautical miles seaward of the Low Water Mark of the coast in the waters of Spencer Gulf or Gulf St. Vincent (as defined in subclause (7)), or more than 3 nautical miles seaward of the Low Water Mark of the coast in the waters of any other area except Lakes Alexandrina and Albert (in addition to any other equipment required under this paragraph)—1 V distress sheet;

(xiii) while the vessel is operated more than 10 nautical miles seaward of the Low Water Mark of the coast (in addition to any other equipment referred to in this paragraph)—

(A) 2 distress rockets with parachutes; and

(B) 1 map or chart of the operational area.

(2) Without limiting subclause (1), a vessel that is less than 6 m in length must also be equipped with—

(a) while the vessel is operated in protected waters—1 pair of paddles or oars; or

(b) while the vessel is operated in semi-protected or unprotected waters—1 pair of paddles or oars or other means of auxiliary propulsion.

(3) Subject to these regulations, a vessel that is 8 m or more in length must be equipped with the following:

(a) while the vessel is operated in protected waters—

(i) 1 lifejacket level 100 or above, lifejacket level 50 or lifejacket level 50S for each person carried on the vessel;

(ii) 1 bailer;

(iii) such number of manual or electric bilge pumps as to be capable of draining each compartment of the vessel (other than airtight void spaces);

(iv) 1 anchor;

(v) if the vessel has an engine or includes facilities for cooking meals—2 fire extinguishers (stowed so as to be readily accessible in case of fire);

(vi) 1 lifebuoy with line;

(vii) if the vessel is being operated between the hours of sunset and sunrise—1 torch or lantern;

(viii) 1 fire bucket (stowed so as to be readily accessible in case of fire);

(b) while the vessel is operated in semi-protected waters—

(i) 1 lifejacket level 100 or above for each person carried on the vessel;

(ii) 2 bailers;

(iii) such number of manual or electric bilge pumps as to be capable of draining each compartment of the vessel (other than airtight void spaces);

(iv) 1 torch or lantern;

(v) 2 anchors (but if the vessel is less than 12 m in length, 1 anchor may be carried as a spare);

(vi) if the vessel has an engine or includes facilities for cooking meals—2 fire extinguishers (stowed so as to be readily accessible in case of fire);

(vii) 1 lifebuoy with line;

(viii) 2 handheld red flares;

(ix) 2 handheld orange smoke signals;

(x) 1 fire bucket (stowed so as to be readily accessible in case of fire);

(i) 1 lifejacket level 100 or above for each person carried on the vessel;

(ii) 1 two-way marine radio capable of communication with onshore stations;

(iii) 2 bailers;

(iv) such number of manual or electric bilge pumps as to be capable of draining each compartment of the vessel (other than airtight void spaces) (unless the vessel is constructed of permanently enclosed pontoon hulls);

(v) 1 torch or lantern;

(vi) 2 anchors;

(vii) if the vessel has an engine or includes facilities for cooking meals—2 fire extinguishers (stowed so as to be readily accessible in case of fire);

(viii) 2 handheld red flares;

(ix) 2 handheld orange smoke signals;

(x) 1 compass (affixed to the vessel adjacent to the steering position in a manner and position that allows the operator of the vessel to determine, with reasonable accuracy, bearings and the vessel's heading from the compass while operating the vessel);

Editorial note—

This requirement is not satisfied by GPS or satellite navigation systems (or similar electronic devices) nor a handheld compass—see clause 6 of this Schedule.

(xi) 4 litres of fresh water;

(xii) 1 lifebuoy with line;

(xiii) 1 fire bucket (stowed so as to be readily accessible in case of fire);

(xiv) while the vessel is operated more than 5 nautical miles seaward of the Low Water Mark of the coast in the waters of Spencer Gulf or Gulf St. Vincent (as defined in subclause (7)), or more than 3 nautical miles seaward of the Low Water Mark of the coast in the waters of any other area except Lakes Alexandrina and Albert (in addition to any other equipment required under this paragraph)—1 V distress sheet;

(xv) while the vessel is operated more than 10 nautical miles seaward of the Low Water Mark of the coast (in addition to any other equipment referred to in this paragraph)—

(A) 2 distress rockets with parachutes; and

(B) 1 map or chart of the operational area.

(4) Subject to these regulations, a vessel that is more than 15 m in length must also be equipped with the following:

(a) an additional lifebuoy with line;

(b) a life raft.

(5) Subject to subclause (6), a bailer and a fire bucket are not to be used for a purpose other than bailing water and fire fighting respectively.

(6) A fire bucket carried in accordance with this clause and complying with clause 6—

(a) may be used as a signalling device in an emergency (whether by making smoke in the fire bucket or otherwise); and

(b) will be taken to satisfy a requirement under this clause that a vessel be equipped with a bailer; and

(but if the vessel is required to be equipped with multiple bailers, the fire bucket will only be taken to satisfy the requirement in relation to 1 of those bailers).

(7) In this clause the waters of Spencer Gulf or Gulf St. Vincent means—

(a) for Spencer Gulf—the waters in that gulf north of a line drawn from Cape Catastrophe on Eyre Peninsula to Waterhouse Point on Thistle Island and then to Corny Point on Yorke Peninsula (see following map);

(b) for Gulf St. Vincent—the waters in that gulf north of a line drawn from Troubridge Point on Yorke Peninsula to Rapid Head on Fleurieu Peninsula (see following map).

Note—

The following map is provided for convenience of reference only.

Waters of Spencer Gulf and Gulf St. Vincent

2023.84.un01.jpg

5—Exemptions from requirement for appliances and equipment

(1) A vessel that is a surfboard, surf ski, rowing shell or water ski is exempt from the requirement to be equipped as set out in clause 6.

(2) Subject to subclause (3), a canoe or kayak (including a motorised canoe or kayak), rowboat or other similar small human-powered recreational vessel may, instead of being equipped as required by clause 4, be equipped with the following:

(a) if the vessel is being operated in protected or semi-protected waters—

(i) 1 lifejacket level 100 or above, lifejacket level 50 or lifejacket level 50S for each person carried on the vessel;

(ii) unless the vessel is constructed of permanently enclosed pontoon hulls, a bailer or other suitable device for removing water;

(iii) if the vessel is operated between the hours of sunset and sunrise—1 torch or lantern;

(b) if the vessel is being operated in unprotected waters—

(i) 1 lifejacket level 100 or above or lifejacket level 50, with whistle attached, for each person carried on the vessel;

(ii) unless the vessel is constructed of permanently enclosed pontoon hulls, a bailer or other suitable device for removing water;

(iii) if the vessel is operated between the hours of sunset and sunrise—1 torch or lantern;

(iv) a spare paddle;

(v) a V distress sheet;

(vi) a tow line, at least 15 m in length, of sufficient strength to allow the vessel to be towed in any conditions;

(vii) 2 handheld red flares;

(viii) 2 handheld orange smoke signals;

(ix) 1 compass;

Editorial note—

This requirement is not satisfied by GPS or satellite navigation systems (or similar electronic devices)—see clause 6 of this Schedule.

(x) 1 map or chart of the operational area;

(xi) 1 litre of fresh water.

(3) A canoe or kayak (including a motorised canoe or kayak), rowboat or other similar small human-powered recreational vessel being operated in unprotected waters is exempt from a requirement to be equipped with any or all of the equipment referred to in subclause (2)(b)(vii), (viii), (ix) or (x), if—

(a) the canoe, kayak, rowboat or other vessel is in the company of—

(i) at least 2 similar vessels; or

(ii) a support vessel; and

(b) at least 1 of the other vessels referred to in paragraph (a) is equipped with all of the equipment referred to in those subparagraphs; and

(4) A monohulled sailing dinghy or a similar small multihulled sailing vessel may, whilst in protected or semi-protected waters, instead of being equipped as required by clause 4, be equipped with the following:

(a) 1 lifejacket level 100 or above, lifejacket level 50 or lifejacket level 50S for each person carried on the vessel;

(b) unless the vessel is constructed of permanently enclosed pontoon hulls, a bailer or other suitable device for removing water;

(5) A personal watercraft may, instead of being equipped as required by clause 4, be equipped with 1 lifejacket level 50 or lifejacket level 50S for each person carried on the vessel.

(6) A tender vessel, while it is being used in conjunction with another vessel, may, instead of being equipped as required by clause 4, be equipped with the following:

(a) 1 pair of paddles or oars or other means of auxiliary propulsion;

(b) either—

(i) 1 bailer; or

(ii) such number of manual or electric bilge pumps as to be capable of draining each compartment of the vessel (other than airtight void spaces);

(7) A surf rescue boat propelled by paddles or oars may, instead of being equipped as required by clause 4, be equipped with a suitable bailer.

(8) An inflatable surf rescue boat involved in rescue work within 1.5 km of the shoreline or patrol work within 1 km of the shoreline may, instead of being equipped as required by clause 4, be equipped with a pair of paddles or oars or other means of auxiliary propulsion.

(9) A vessel (not being a vessel referred to in a preceding subregulation or a vessel fitted with an engine) that can only carry the operator and no other person may instead of being equipped as required by clause 4 be equipped with a lifejacket level 100 or above, lifejacket level 50 or lifejacket level 50S.

6—Minimum standard of equipment

(1) Subject to this clause, the following standards are the minimum standards that must be satisfied in relation to equipment with which a vessel is required to be equipped under these regulations:

(a) in the case of a torch or lantern—the torch or lantern is waterproof and buoyant;

(b) in the case of a distress signal comprised of a pyrotechnic—the signal complies with AS 2092 and is stamped indelibly by the manufacturer with its date of expiry;

(i) complies with the applicable part of AS 1841 in respect of the type of fuel or fuels carried by the vessel; and

(ii) is maintained in accordance with AS 1851; and

(iii) is not less than the minimum approved size;

(d) in the case of an anchor—the anchor—

(i) is of a kind and size appropriate to the vessel (having regard to both the size and the area of operation of the vessel); and

(ii) is attached to a length of chain or rope or both appropriate (in respect of both length and breaking strain) to the waters in which the vessel is being operated;

(e) in the case of a compass—the compass—

(i) is a compass from which it is possible to determine, with reasonable accuracy, bearings and the vessel's heading; and

(ii) is a liquid damped magnetic compass or a gyroscopically controlled compass; and

(iii) is marked with the cardinal points;

(f) in the case of a bilge pump—the bilge pump—

(i) is of a kind, and has a pumping capacity, appropriate to the vessel; and

(ii) is fitted with a strainer on the suction pipe with mesh of a suitable size to prevent choking of the pump;

(g) in the case of a bailer—the bailer—

(i) is suitable for bailing water from the vessel; and

(ii) is attached to a lanyard suitable to prevent loss of the bailer from the boat;

(h) in the case of a fire bucket—the fire bucket—

(i) is of a kind and size suitable for the collection of water; and

(ii) does not distort, collapse or break when filled with water; and

(iii) is attached to a lanyard of a length and breaking strain sufficient to allow the fire bucket to be cast over the side of the boat and retrieved filled with water;

(i) in the case of a marine radio—the marine radio must be of a kind approved by the Australian Communications Authority;

(j) in the case of a pair of paddles or oars or other means of auxiliary propulsion—the paddles, oars or other means of auxiliary propulsion are of a kind and size capable of propelling and manoeuvring the vessel.

(2) For the purposes of these regulations, equipment of a kind referred to in subclause (1) will be taken to satisfy the minimum standards set out in that subclause if the equipment satisfies any relevant requirement under SOLAS in relation to minimum standards for equipment of that kind.

(3) Any equipment with which a vessel is required to be equipped under these regulations that is marked by the manufacturer—

(a) with a date of expiry; or

(b) with a date on or before which the equipment must be serviced, inspected or otherwise maintained in order to be safe or fit for use,

will be taken not to be in good working order if that date has passed, or if the equipment has not been serviced, inspected or otherwise maintained on or before that date (as the case requires).

Editorial note—

See section 65(1)(b) of the Act.

(4) For the purposes of this regulation, the minimum approved size of a fire extinguisher is—

(a) in the case of a vessel carrying not more than 115 litres of flammable liquid—0.9 kg;

(b) in the case of a vessel carrying more than 115 litres but not more than 350 litres of flammable liquid—2.0 kg;

(d) in the case of a vessel carrying more than 695 litres of flammable liquid—9.0 kg.

(5) In this clause—

SOLAS means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 , as in force from time to time.

7—Placement of equipment

The equipment required to be carried on a vessel must be suitably located and secured on the vessel having regard to the need for access to the equipment and the need to protect the equipment from accidental damage or loss.

8—Buoyancy requirements for certain vessels

(1) A vessel—

(a) that is constructed on or after 18 September 2014; and

(b) that is less than 6 m in length; and

must satisfy the buoyancy performance requirement set out in the relevant standard for vessels of a class to which the vessel belongs.

(2) For the purposes of this clause, a vessel will be taken to be constructed after the commencement of this clause if—

(a) the keel of the vessel (if any) was laid on a day on or after 18 September 2014; or

(b) less than 1% of the estimated total mass of the completed vessel had been constructed before 18 September 2014.

(3) For the purposes of this clause, the question of whether a vessel satisfies a buoyancy performance requirement of a particular standard is to be determined in accordance with that standard.

(4) In this clause—

ABYC means the American Boat and Yacht Council incorporated in New York State in the United States of America;

relevant standard , in relation to a vessel, means a standard from among the following which applies to vessels of a class to which the vessel belongs (and if more than 1 standard is applicable, the relevant standard will be taken to be the standard that requires the highest buoyancy performance):

(a) AS 1799;

(b) ISO 6185;

(d) ISO 13590;

(e) ABYC Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft ;

(f) any other standard approved by the CE for the purposes of this clause.

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