There’s nothing quite like a day on the water. The sun on the deck, the salt in the air, the quiet lap of waves against the hull. But whether you’re cruising Port Phillip Bay, fishing in Western Port, or paddling down the Murray, every captain, from weekend sailors to seasoned skippers, has a responsibility to keep themselves, their passengers, and the waterway safe.
Think of boating safety like navigating a ship: a steady course, clear rules, and a cool head at the helm.
Plot Your Course: Preparation Before You Launch
Before you cast off, know the conditions:
- Check the weather forecast, tide, and wind. A calm morning can turn into high chop by afternoon.
- Inspect your vessel. Fuel, engine, anchor, bilge pump; treat this like your pre-flight check.
- Make sure required safety equipment is on board and working, including:
o Approved lifejackets in the right sizes for everyone onboard
o A waterproof torch
o Marine radio (for coastal or offshore trips)
o Flares (if travelling more than 2 nautical miles from shore)
o Fire extinguisher, if you have an engine or gas stove
And just like any good voyage, tell someone where you’re heading and when you’ll return.
Lifejackets: The Captain’s Code
Seasoned sailors love to say, “I know these waters like the back of my hand.” The ocean, of course, couldn’t care less.
In Victoria, it is mandatory to wear a life jacket in specific situations:
- Everyone must wear one on all vessels under 4.8 metres, including tinnies, dinghies and paddle craft.
- Children under 12 must always wear a lifejacket on any open deck.
- If conditions worsen, heavy swell, poor visibility, nightfall, lifejackets should be on, no excuses.
A lifejacket only works if you’re wearing it. Stow it under a seat and it’s just a cushion…
Stay in Command: Operating a Vessel Safely
Every vessel has a captain, even if that’s you and your mate Dave in a kayak.
Your responsibilities include:
- Keeping a proper lookout (no scrolling, filming, or drifting off)
- Travelling at safe speeds, especially near other boats, swimmers, and marinas
- Knowing the navigational markers; red to port (left), green to starboard (right) when returning to shore
- Understanding give-way rules:
o Power gives way to sail
o Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are considered vulnerable craft…treat them with caution - Not drinking while in charge of a vessel. The same limits apply as for driving:
0.05 BAC for adults and 0.00 for under 21s and learners. - Licences and Endorsements:
o If you are operating a powered vessel capable of more than 10 knots (18.5 km/h), you must hold a valid Marine Licence. This applies to recreational powerboats and to anyone aged 16 or older.
o Operating a jet ski or similar personal watercraft also requires a Personal Watercraft (PWC) Endorsement on your Marine Licence.
o These requirements exist to ensure that anyone handling powerful vessels is trained, capable, and prepared to operate safely on Victoria’s waterways.
When you are at the helm, stay sober, stay licensed, and stay alert. The sea demands respect.
Sail Smart. Sail Safe.
A day on the water should end as calmly as it began. Know the rules, respect the conditions, and keep safety front of mind. Stay steady, stay prepared, and keep that lifejacket on. The sea is beautiful, but she always demands respect.