The start of the new boating season has arrived! With that comes many new boaters getting out on the water in their new vessels and experienced boaters gearing up for their preferred water activities. Whether a new or long-term boatowner, an essential part of new season preparation is attending to the boating safety equipment.
Boating is a sensational leisure, recreational and sporting activity, but it does come with risks and responsibilities. Boatowners need to comply with regulations in having the required safety equipment on their vessel. For those buying a new boat, the additional cost of purchasing the necessary gear may be significant. For existing boatowners needing to replace or upgrade, the cost can also be sizable. To ensure the purchase of the necessary boating safety equipment is accessible to all boatowners, affordable loans options are available through Jade Boat Loans.
Why Boating Safety Equipment is Important
Boating involves numerous aspects – the vessel, the people onboard, the water, the weather, and the marine life. Aspects which are not always within the control of the skipper, especially weather. New boatowners especially should take note of the advice available through authorities in regard to safety on the water. It can be all too easy to take for granted calm conditions when heading out for a day on the water.
Calm conditions can quickly change with wind changes, sudden summer storms and temperatures. Tidal changes can create risks in both inland waterways and offshore. Conditions which may not suit the vessel and leave those onboard in risky situations.
Issues with motors can occur unexpectedly. Sudden breakdowns or running out of fuel can lead to extremely precarious scenarios. And while you’re having a whale of a time on the water, be mindful of the marine life. There have been a number of incidents in the current whale migration season of fisherman and boat sustaining damage and injuries from encounters with whales.
Having the right equipment may not prevent incidents, but may be essential in preventing serious injury and in receiving prompt assistance and rescue.
What You Need to Meet Boating Safety Equipment Requirements
There are state-based regulations in regard to what equipment is required on boats. Boatowners should check the requirements for their state with the relevant maritime department. Some regulations can vary depending on the type of waterways and the type of activities. Mandatory requirements can also vary with the type of vessel, with additional regulations applying to the operation of PWCs.
Different types of lifejackets are required for riverine compared with offshore boating activities. Lifejackets must be maintained, with inflatable types requiring mandatory servicing. A VHF marine radio is strongly recommended rather than relying solely on mobile phones. If heading over 2 nautical miles offshore, vessels need to have an EPIRB – Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. The device must be registered with AMSA – Australian Maritime Safety Board.
In addition to the mandatory requirements, there are many other items which boaters can have onboard to increase safety. Additional beacons, instruments, electronics to detect other vessel and marine life, additional fuel tanks, and many other items. If visiting a boat show, head to the equipment supplier stands to see what is available.
Financing Options to Set Your Boat Up with the Right Boating Safety Equipment
To assist boatowners to gear-up for the new boating season, financing options are available to cover the cost of purchasing both regulatory and additional boating safety equipment. When buying a new boat with finance, the cost of the gear may be included in the Secured Boat Loan.
For extras, accessories and equipment to be included in the same financing as the vessel, they must be purchased at the same time and through the same supplier. The costs can be included on the same invoice as the boat issued to the lender for settlement. Providing the one fixed repayment to cover the entire boat package.
When purchasing trailer boats, many dealers will also sell accessories. Making it a straightforward process for buyers to simply add the necessary lifejackets, EPIRB, beacons and extra electronics to their order.
If replacing, upgrading or adding extra boating safety equipment to an existing vessel, or purchasing separately from the boat, an Unsecured Personal Loan may be an appropriate loan type. Unsecured loans are a versatile form of financing where no collateral is available.
Our rates on both secured and unsecured loans are extremely competitive. Enabling boatowners to affordably ensure their vessel is fully equipped to comply and exceed safety regulations.
Expert Checks and Tips for Safer Boating
If you’re new to boating or an experienced mariner, referring to and heeding the advice of experts can be an important step in ensuring safer boating for you, your crew and your guests. Resources are readily available through marine rescue services, the Boating Industry Association, and state government maritime authorities.
Affordably set your boat up with the right boating safety equipment with financing options available through Jade Boat Loans 1300 000 003.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MISPRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
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