Importance of Marine Safety
Safety on the water is one of the highest priorities for boat owners, boat operators and guests that are on the boat. Too often there are reports of boating incidents that have the potential for tragic outcomes. While many may think that safety is something to address when the time comes to head out, that consideration can start much sooner. Marine safety is an issue that can have relevance to boat selection and other aspects of the purchasing process and can even have.
National and State Regulations
Safety regulations can vary from state to state and some rules will be specific to operating a boat in certain areas. But other aspects such as capacity, ratings, lifejackets, rules for using waterways, safety beacons and devices cover most waterways nationally.
We provide several points to consider with information on how we can assist with the relevance of the safety of the boat to the boat loan.
Boat Buying and Safety
There can be a myriad of decisions to be made when selecting which particular boat to purchase. Issues around safety should be included on the checklist. For experienced boaters, many of these issues are well-known but first-time buyers may benefit from these prompts.
• Ensure the boat is rated for the conditions you intend to go to. This is particularly relevant for certain types of boats such as trailer boats. There is a rating panel on the hull which should indicate what type of water conditions the boat is rated to manage. Taking a vessel into waters that do not suit that design can be a risk.
• Ensure it is approved for the number of people you intend to invite aboard. This will also be noted on the boat itself or in the information from the dealer. Boats are rated or licensed to carry a certain number of people. Exceeding that limit can be a major safety issue as well as attract a fine from Water Police and Marine Authorities. So think about who you will want to take out for a day on the water and select a boat that can cater for that many people.
• Be confident you have the boating skills to handle the power of the engine on a powerboat or manage the sail configuration on a yacht. If you are new to boating and do not have extensive experience, select a boat that you know you can handle. If you don’t feel confident, seek out tuition. There are many boating educational courses available in all states.
• Check to see if the safety equipment required under the law is included already in the boat purchase. It is unlikely that new boats would be fully equipped with items such as lifejackets, beacons, etc. Make a checklist of what will be required to set up that particular boat. Details on how we may be able to assist with those purchases are below.
• If buying a second-hand boat, ensure it is structurally sound and safe. There are services available through marine survey companies to provide checks and reports pre-purchase.
To get across the broader scope of safety requirements, refer to resources that are available through the BIA and state government marine departments.
Children, Pets and Boating
If you plan to take children and/or pets on your boat, then additional considerations should be made. Primarily having the correct-sized lifejackets for them. Yes, there are life jackets available for dogs.
Make sure there are sufficient adults aboard to keep an eye on the children. The skipper needs to concentrate on operating the vessel so having at least one other person available is a key safety measure.
Select a boat that has sufficient undercover area or shading with covers for children. They can be more vulnerable in hot, sunny conditions than adults. And if it rains, you will want to keep them as dry as possible.
Most children constantly want snacks. So when selecting the boat, ensure there is sufficient or appropriate refrigeration to keep food and drinks. If not, add a cooler or portable fridge to your ‘must-have’ extras list.
Boat Loan Considerations
After considering the above safety measures, you may be wondering, ‘What has that to with my boat loan’. Jade Boat Loans may be able to assist when it comes to the costs of purchasing the safety equipment and other extras required.
We’re talking all the lifejackets, beacons, possibly additional covers or if you intend to have a lot of people aboard, even a bigger boat. The extra items to be acquired to meet safety regulations under the law may represent an added cost that you had not factored in. When purchased in conjunction with the boat, we may be able to include the cost in the overall collateralized boat financing.
For extras, accessories, upgrades and other items to be included in the boat loan, they need to be purchased from the same dealer so we can process the loan from the dealer invoice. If you have queries about this, please give us a call so we can clarify what may or may not be included before you commit to the purchases.
The extra items will increase the loan amount and hence the repayments. Use the Boat Loan Calculator to see roughly by how much to assist with your decisions.
To discuss the safety equipment that may be included in a boat loan, contact Jade Boat Loans at 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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