Boat Safety

Minimum Safety Equipment for Exempt Waters

There is no requirement for safety equipment to be carried by pleasure craft operating on non-tidal inland waters in the Northern Territory.

The following safety equipment must be carried by pleasure craft operating in the partially exempt tidal waters listed below:

Equipment:

• One pair of paddles or oars fitted with rowlocks.
• One anchor and cable with an anchor cable of not less than 50 metres.
• Waterproof torch or lantern.

Partially exempt tidal waters:

• Liverpool River — upstream from north tip of Bat Island.
• McArthur River — upstream from junction of Batten Creek and McArthur River.
• South Alligator River — upstream from Munmalary Crossing.
• Roper River — upstream from South Point Green Island.
• Adelaide River — upstream from Castle Point.
• Victoria River — upstream from junction of Baines River and Victoria River.
• East Alligator River — upstream from Turkey Dreaming
• Daly River — upstream from Cleanskin Swamp
• King Creek
• Buffalo Creek
• Meckitts Creek
• Leeders Creek
• Saltwater Arm
• Howard River
• Sampan Creek — upstream from Old Barramundi Closure Line.

Safety Check for Pleasure Craft

• Check your safety equipment and carry as a minimum the required amount. Ensure it is in good condition, of regulation standard and stowed properly.
  
  
• Know your basic "rules of the road" at sea and International Signals of Distress and other basic signals.
  
  
• Tell someone where you are going. Before departing, advise a relative or responsible friend of your destination and expected time of return, and leave a description of boat and the people on board.
  
  
• Check the weather — if unsure do not go out, or ring the Bureau of Meteorology on 8982 2826 for weather forecasts.
  
  
• Before departing, check your boat and motor(s) and ensure they are in sound working order and drain plugs are tightly inserted. (Carry spare plugs)
  
  
• Check your fuel. Ensure you have enough for the trip with an adequate reserve for an emergency. Make sure your fuel lines and tanks are in good condition. It is advisable to use fresh fuel.
  
  
• Carry a chart of the area and study it — familiarise yourself with any navigational aids and hazards.
  
  
• Do not overload your boat — distribute the weight evenly and adhere to the supplier's recommendations for the carrying capacity of your vessel.
  
  
• Carry appropriate tools and spares in case of breakdown. A basic kit should include the following:
  • spark plug and spark plug spanners;
  • spare propeller;
  • penetrating fluid;
  • shear pins and split pins;
  • spanners, screwdrivers, pliers
    
    
• Keep a good lookout at all times. Proceed with caution in unfamiliar waters.
  
  
• Excess alcohol and boating do not mix. The person in charge of the vessel is responsible for the safety of the craft and the lives of the passengers.

Road Rules at Sea

1. When two power boats are approaching head on, or nearly so, each must alter course to starboard and pass on the port side.
   
   
2. When overtaking another vessel, the vessel being passed has right of way, and you must always keep clear of that vessel.
   
   
3. When a vessel is crossing your bow from starboard to port, that vessel has right of way and you should keep clear. Stop or reduce speed and pass under its stern. (Give way to the vessel on your right).
   
   
4. When a vessel is crossing your bow from port to starboard, you should maintain course and speed as you have the right of way. If the other vessel does not give way, you should take all action to avoid a collision.
   
   
5. When in a narrow channel, keep to starboard.
   
   
6. A power boat must give way to sailing boats, rowboats, ferries and craft under tow. This rule does not give a sailing vessel the right to hamper the safe passage of a power driven craft in a channel.
   
   
7. Do not moor or anchor in any recognised channel used by large or deep-draught vessels, as they have restricted manoeuvrability. Small craft must keep well clear of these vessels at all times and must not hamper a larger vessel's progress.
   
   
8. Vessels operating in billabongs and other enclosed waterways should proceed at a speed which does not inconvenience or endanger other vessels. A light or torch should be used to signal a vessel's presence after dark.

Futher Information

For further information contact the Marine Branch, NT Transport Group, or the Recreational Fishing section of this department.