Marine Safety and Compliance Officers call on water users to be boat smart

22 January 2021

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport is reminding boaties and holiday-makers to prioritise safety protocols and marine awareness this weekend and on Australia Day.

A surge in visitor numbers to regional and metropolitan coastlines has meant increased marine activity. Users and passengers need to stay boat and water smart.

Entering the holiday weekend, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is urging boaties to be responsible and ensure safety compliance before hitting the water.

DIT Marine Safety and Compliance  Officers are asking boaties to check that their vessel is registered, they have the required safety equipment and are aware of the laws relating to wearing lifejackets.

The call to wear lifejackets and check flare expiry dates follows safety check results that indicate some boat owners are not vigilantly checking registration or safety equipment on their vessels.

Before leaving for holidays this weekend and on Australia Day, boaties should follow the advice of Marine Safety and Compliance Officers to ensure safety out on the water.

Marine Safety and Compliance Officers will be inspecting local boat ramps, and will also be out on the water to help ensure people follow the rules. They are able to answer any questions about boating safety.

Penalties apply and Marine Safety and Compliance Officers may issue expiation notices to boaties who do not comply with boating regulations.

DIT Marine Safety and Compliance Officers want boaties and their families to have a great holiday break and return home safely, so please check your equipment before leaving. For further information please visit www.ondeck.sa.gov.au