Boating Safety Code - Coastguard New Zealand

Before you goKNOW THE BOATING SAFETYCODE5simpleBefore you go boating on our seas, lakesand rivers, get familiar with New Zealand’sBoating Safety Code.rulesto help you stay safe:

The BoatingSafety CodeBefore you go boating on our seas, lakes and rivers,get familiar with New Zealand’s Boating Safety Code.Five simple rules will help you to stay safe, no matterwhat kind of boat you use.12345Life JacketsTake them – Wear them.Boats, especially ones under 6m in length, can sinkvery quickly. Wearing a life jacket increases yoursurvival time in the water.Skipper ResponsibilityThe skipper is responsible for the safety of everyoneon board and for the safe operation of the boat. Staywithin the limits of your vessel and your experience.CommunicationsTake two separate waterproof ways of communicatingso we can help you if you get into difficulties.Marine WeatherNew Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable.Check the local marine weather forecast before yougo and expect both weather and sea state changes.Avoid AlcoholSafe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things canchange quickly on the water. You need to stay alertand aware.Make sure your boat is properly and regularly maintained, hasthe right safety gear on board and if it has a motor, that it hassufficient fuel.You should not expect good mobile phone coverage in remoteareas. For emergency communications a marine VHF radio isrecommended. Use channel 16 for emergencies.406MHz distress beacons can be hired or bought.Visit www.beacons.org.nzFor more information about safe boating educationand how to prepare for your boating experience,visit: www.adventuresmart.org.nz