SECTION NO: POM 0015 SURF BOAT OPERATIONS

MARINE INCIDENT REPORT, PATROL LOGS AND REPORT

SS05 – SLSQ USE OF EQUIPMENT POLICY

All clubs are responsible for operating within the Queensland Transport guidelines, regulations, Surf Life Saving Queensland policies, powercraft code of conduct and relevant procedures. Failure to do so can jeopardise marine safety, therefore causing grievous bodily harm or death and may result in the operator /club being liable to criminal prosecution and civil litigation. Breaches to the powercraft code of conduct, SLSQ’s Powercraft Safety Management System or SLSQ policies/procedures will result in a full investigation of the grievous bodily harm or incident as per the SLSQ Powercraft Incident and Investigation Guidelines.

The Queensland Boating and Fisheries division is the delegated authority to police Queensland’s boating and small craft rules and regulations and, as such, has the power to video tape and issue to any driver any of the following infringements:

The relevant statutes contained in the Transport Operations Marine Safety Act and Regulations (TOMs) can be explained to any interested club or branch Queensland Boating and Fisheries and how they apply to the operations of Surf Boats.

As a boat sweep, it is YOUR responsibility to ensure that you are abiding by the law. Any fines imposed will become the responsibility of the operator. Surf Life Saving Queensland will not be held responsible for unsafe operations conducted by any club member or cover any costs incurred through fines.

The following points shall be adhered to during the operation of all surf boats -

1. All sweeps shall be financial members of an SLSA Club, proficient bronze medallion holders, and accredited boat sweeps recognised by SLSQ.
2. All crew shall be financial members, proficient bronze medallion holders and 15 years of age to compete in Surf Boat Competition. (For General Use and Training see the Note at bottom of page.)
3. All crew must have been provided with initial safety training by an accredited boat sweep/qualified surf coach.
4. All boats in use between sunset and sunrise must be fitted with a white light that is clearly visible over 360 degrees. The boat must display a flashing white all-round light if the boat is used for training or competition, is not powered but is propelled by using oars or paddles and if the boat is operated on the Brisbane River.
5. All surf boats must carry an SLSA endorsed rescue tube at all times.
6. Surf boat sweeps must avoid unnecessary operations in close proximity i.e. less than 30 metres to swimmers/surfers and/or designated areas.
7. Warning (life saving training area) signage shall be erected where training activity is taking place.
8. Training shall be carried out a minimum of 60 metres from any designated swimming/surf craft flagged area (with appropriate warning signage erected).
9. Surf boat sweeps shall use the designated in/out zone for all surf boat launching from the beach.
10. Surf boat sweeps shall be aware of the current/sweep direction and ensure the placement of the surf boat is on the downward side of the current/sweep relevant to the flagged area.
11. Surf boat sweeps shall be aware of swimmers drifting from the flagged areas into training areas caused by the influence of currents and rips.
12. All surf boat trailers shall be removed from the beach once the surf boat is launched or unloaded.