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What safety equipment do I need?
Find out what safety equipment you need for your vessel and type of activity.
Safety equipment changes
Changes are now in place for safety equipment requirements for recreational vessels. Visit the Safety equipment changes page to find out more.
You are required to carry safety equipment whenever you use your vessel.
The amount and type of equipment required depends on the type of vessel and the area you are operating in.
The safety equipment you may be required to carry includes:
Areas for vessel use
Protected waters
Protected waters includes rivers, lakes, estuaries, harbours and waters within 400 metres from the shore in unprotected waters but excludes the Cambridge Gulf and Lake Argyle.
Unprotected waters
Unprotected waters include waters beyond 400 metres from the shore.
Types of vessel
Registrable vessel
A registerable vessel is any vessel, including sailing vessels, that are or can be propelled by mechanical power. Registrable vessels must be registered with the Department of Transport (DoT).
Non-registrable vessel
Non-registrable vessels include tenders and sailing dinghies. These vessels do need to be registered with DoT.
Tender
A tender is a vessel that is:
- no more than 3.1 metres long
- has a motor no bigger than 5hp
- used only as a lifeboat or for ship to shore transport.
Tenders do not need to be registered with DoT but must display the registration number of the parent vessel on both sides forward of the transom. You can find more information on our water activity pages or in the Safety equipment requirements document below.
Required safety equipment documents
Download the matrix and requirements brochure for more information on the safety equipment you need.
| Safety equipment requirements | Kb | |
| Required safety equipment (Matrix) | Kb | |
Recommended safety equipment
Along with the required safety equipment you must carry on board, we also recommend you carry:
- anchor and line
- fire extinguisher
- bailer or bilge pump
- fresh water
- first aid kit
- torch
- rope
- heliograph mirror
- tool kit
- alternative power, oars or paddles
Maintenance and storage
All safety equipment must be:
- in good condition and meet appropriate standards or specifications
- maintained or serviced according to the manufacturer’s specifications
- replaced before the manufacturer's expiry date (if applicable)
- easy to find and access.
As skipper, you must ensure everyone on board knows how to use the safety equipment.
Take the 30 Second Challenge to test how quickly you can access your safety equipment.