10.2 Marina Safety

Chapter 10 provides basic guidance on safety and maintenance.

▪Tenders other than inflatable

types should have additional buoyancy fitted. This may be in the form of dedicated buoyancy tubes, polyethylene foam block or integral buoyancy chambers built into the boat.

10.1 Tendering operations to moored craft

There are instances where boats are moored offshore due to tidal or draft restrictions and access to them is achieved by the use of a smaller tender launched from shore. In such instances, where a tender is used to access and board a moored vessel, the following precautions should be taken:

▪All tenders should, if utilising an

outboard engine, also carry a set of oars or paddles and be fitted with a suitable painter.

▪The tender should not be

overloaded by either personnel or equipment. Many tenders are fitted with a manufacturer’s instruction plate on the transom identifying the maximum number of persons or equipment, or combinations of each, a tender may safely carry and the maximum power of any outboard engine that may be safely fitted to the boat – do not exceed these figures.

▪Crew must wear a PFD/lifejacket

at all times for the operation of boarding the tender, transit to and boarding of the moored craft.

▪It is recommended that operators

carry a waterproof handheld VHF radio.

▪Persons under the influence

of alcohol or drugs should not participate in tendering operations.

▪Suitable means of boarding the

moored vessel should be provided, e.g. boarding ladder, access gates on railings, etc.

▪Ensure the tender is in good

condition and suitably equipped. If using an inflatable dinghy type, check the tubes are correctly inflated and the dinghy is a multitube type capable of remaining afloat in the event of failure of any single tube.

10.2 Marina Safety

While the use of a marina facility offers benefits of increased convenience and comfort to boat operators, it should be noted that a marina is a potentially dangerous location. Many marinas are located in deep water that is subject to strong tidal streams, are exposed to strong winds and are fitted with a minimum of protective barriers. Strong tidal streams can present a danger in the event of an accident.

▪Be aware of tidal and wind

conditions prior to commencing any tendering operation.

▪If launching directly from shore,

ensure that the launch point is a safe departure point, can be safely accessed and is not subject to excessive surf.

crew members in the process of berthing the boat. A short step and not a long jump is the required transit from boat to berth.

Take note of speed limits and “no wake areas” in harbours, approaching marinas or near swimming areas.

Users are encouraged to observe the following precautions when using and moving about on marina installations:

▪Instruct all crew on deck to wear

a PFD/lifejacket when bringing a boat on/off a marina berth.

▪Do not leave children unattended

▪Wear suitable non-slip footwear.

on a marina facility.

▪Be aware of the surface condition

▪Ensure children are wearing a

of decks, particularly if wet.

suitable PFD/lifejacket at all times when they are on a marina.

▪Do not obstruct marina walkways

or finger berths with gear/trolleys.

▪Avoid wearing a knapsack,

haversack, ruck sack or back pack while on a marina as these can prove dangerous in the event that you fall into the water.

▪Ensure that boat operations

that involve coming alongside and departing marina berths are controlled, and do not jeopardise