When you’re out on the water, safety comes first. One often-overlooked but mandatory item for boat owners in NSW is the safety label. This small but vital sticker provides critical information about your boat’s capacity and load limits, ensuring a safe and compliant boating experience.
What is a NSW Boating Equipment Safety Label?
A safety label displays:
- The maximum number of people (capacity) your boat can carry
- The maximum load, including gear (bags/personal items), passengers, and fuel
- Other important safety details to alert everyone aboard regarding safety
This label must be placed in a location where it is clearly visible to everyone on board. For powered vessels (excluding sailing boats with engines or Personal Water Craft (PWCs), displaying a safety label is a requirement.
Determining Capacity and Load via the Safety Lable
The capacity and load limits shown on your safety label are determined by:
- The Australian Builders Plate (ABP)
- The manufacturer’s specifications
- The table printed on the back of the safety label
By adhering to these limits, you’re not only ensuring compliance but also significantly improving safety on the water.
Where to Get Your Safety Label
If you’ve just registered your boat, you’ll receive a safety label as part of the process. If you need a replacement or haven’t yet received one, visit your nearest service centre to obtain it. You get a safety label when you register your boat or from your nearest service centre
Stay Compliant and Safe with NSW Boating Safety Equipment: Safety Labels
Displaying a safety label is more than just a requirement—it’s a commitment to safe boating practices. By keeping this information visible and adhering to the limits, you’re helping to create a safer environment for everyone on the water.
Take a moment to check your boat today: is your safety label in place and easy to see? If not, make it a priority before your next trip!
Find out more about our Boat Licencing Courses – we are the only local provider in Southern NSW (Bega Valley), and offer the best value (we also have a combined 50 years on the high seas and 40 years of maritime training! (Plus we have lots of fun in our classes).
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