Safe Boating

The Boating Safety Code

Before you head out on the water, take time to familiarise yourself with these five simple rules in the Boating Safety Code – they could save your life!

1. Life Jackets

Take them – Wear them. Boats, especially ones under 6m in length, can sink very quickly. Wearing a life jacket increases your survival time in the water.

2. Skipper Responsibility

The skipper is responsible for the safety of everybody on board and for the safe operation of the boat. Stay within the limits of your vessel and your experience.

3. Communications

Take two separate waterproof ways of communicating so we can help you if you get into difficulties. Whakatāne Coastguard has moved to a new trip reporting system so you will need to use your Call Sign.

4. Marine Weather

New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the local marine weather forecast before you go and expect both weather and sea state changes.

5. Avoid Alcohol

Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change quickly on the water. You need to stay alert and aware.

Other Important Things to Remember Before You Head Out on the Water

Make sure your boat is properly and regularly maintained, has the right safety gear on board and if it has a motor, that it has enough fuel.

You shouldn’t expect good mobile phone coverage in remote areas. A marine VHF radio is recommended for emergency communications. Use channel 16 for emergencies.

406MHz distress beacons can be hired or bought. You can find out more about distress beacons on the Rescue Coordination Centre distress beacon website.

Find out more about safe boating education and how to prepare for your boating experience, check out the Coastguard NZ website.