What is the basic safety gear needed on a small boat.

Safety gear in a boat is often overlooked and requirements do change from state to state, so it’s important to understand the bare minimum of PFD or emergency equipment you’re going to need before heading out on the water. Here at Outback Equipment, we have specialised marine experts dedicated to providing the best information possible to customers so check out this quick list of gear we’ve put together to help you get started. The following is standard QLD regulations for what’s required in a small boat, dinghy, ‘tinny’, sailboat or inflatable raft (under 4m).  

1. If you are going to have 4 adult passengers then you will need 4 adult life jackets. We do also carry smaller life jackets for children and one for the dog. We also chose to include on our boat a more discrete life jacket from Relaxn. We highly recommend these if you feel as though the other choices are too restricting or uncomfortable, as they are more low profile and inflate when activated.

2. V Sheet - A v-sheet is used to attract the attention of other boats or overpassing aircraft. In an emergency situation, if you find yourself stranded or in need of help slowly wave the sheet back and forth to signal for SOS.

3. Signalling mirror - A signalling mirror is also used to attract attention, but from much further away. On land a signalling mirror can reach up to 12km, and from sea to air it can be seen from up to 32km away.  

4. 2x Paddles - A telescopic paddle is a great addition to a smaller boat as it does not take up much room and is useful in situations where a motor will fail or run out of fuel. Although it is a much slower process getting back to shore, it will assist with how much you drift.  

5. Bailing scoop - Quite simply, a bail scoop gets water out of your boat, it’s specially designed to be flat and wide to mimic the shape of the bottom of the boat. 

6. 2x day flares and 2x night flares - Great as last resort, flares are ideal for signalling the attention of passing ships at night or lighthouses on land. Buy from a local dealer or marine chandlery store. 

7. Signalling torch - These waterproof torches are used to assist when signalling for help or if you need to see whats underneath the water at night.  

Safety gear does also change when you purchase a bigger boat, so be sure to do your research when upgrading, this may require something like a fire extinguisher and other fire prevention equipment. 

Optional extras we do highly recommend but are not regulation and really do help in any case of an emergency or injury: 

1. First aid kit - This should be considered essential as many accidents happen on unsteady surfaces. This marine first aid kit is splash proof and designed specifically for marine related accidents that require first aid.   

2. An air horn - Although it may be tempting to use this for fun, it is a great way to get the attention of passing vessels if they are not looking.  

3. Whistle - At a short distance a whistle will assist in getting the attention of other boats and won’t ever run out of steam like an air horn, so we see it as vital addition to any sea goer's kit.   

4. Safety grab bag – This one is great for when you are really in a jam and the boats sinking. Having all of your safety gear in a floating bag is extremely helpful in very unfortunate situations like having to abandon ship.  

It’s also good practice to be aware of what your Australian builders plate states is the maximum amount of people your allowed in the boat and the buoyancy of the vessel. If you are heading out over a reef or in shallow rocky areas, be mindful that the heavier the boat, the further it will sink into the water so bear in mind the progression of tides and what/who you are carrying when venturing out to areas like this, especially in areas where there is protected coral reefs. The max horsepower of your boat means how big your motor can be compared to the size and design of the tinny. It may be tempting to put a larger motor in your boat, but tinnies are not generally designed to go very fast or accommodate over the top horse power. 

Navigation lights are also a legal requirement. There are new requirements as to how far the light needs to shine, but if you pick yourself up a stock navigation light from any of our trusted brands you won’t fall short. It is standard to have a Port navigation light (Green) and a Starboard navigation light (Red) which must be seen from 180 degrees alongside the boat. You will also need to make sure you have a working Anchor light (White) that needs to be seen from a full 360 degrees from the highest point of the boat, which is why they are designed to be upright. These lights are for you own safety but mainly for others, as fishing/driving at night is riskier than heading out during the day. If an LED blows in one of these lights you must replace the entire unit before heading out again.   

For the complete safety package Relaxn has packed everything into one deluxe gear bag for your convenience, which includes everything you will need to head out safely. Be prepared for the next big adventure, as accidents do happen and it’s always better to every basis covered so you and the loved ones can get home safe.