Safety Reminder - Tinny Use

Published Fri 05 Nov 2021

It is great that we are all back on the water and getting back into our normal routine.

As it has been a while since we were last allowed at our sheds and on the water, we would like to remind you of the rules, regulations and common courtesy when in the tinny.

  • Lifejackets – must be worn on all boats less than 4.8m
  • Safety equipment – your tinny must carry the following
    • Lifejacket for each person on-board
    • Anchor with chain and line to suit vessel size/weight
    • Bailer/bucket with lanyard attached
    • Fire extinguisher – only for vessels with battery for electric start and lighting
    • Paddle/oars
    • Safety label
    • Sound signal
    • Floating waterproof torch
  • Lighting requirements
    • Rowing boats – two all round white LED lights, one attached to the vessel at or near the bow and stern – can be continuous or flashing and visible for 1km in clear conditions
    • Tinny – must have an all-round white masthead light, 1m above separate or combined bow/starboard sidelights.
  • Speed restrictions
    • The master of a coaching boat must hold a General Boat Licence to exceed 10 knots (18.5kph; 5.1m/s).
    • Any signed speed limit may only be exceeded when in the company of a crew being coached – NOT from the pontoon to crew or visa versa or from crew to crew.
    • Penalties for exceeding the signed speed by less than 10kn - $100; by more than 10kn - $250
  • Distance off
    • A powered vessel must maintain a speed of less than 6kn when operating within 30m of any vessel/wharf/structure/land
    • If that is not practical, travel at a safe distance and speed
    • A safe distance and speed is considered to be a distance and speed that the risk of collision/incident can be avoided
  • Keep right – a vessel shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel/fairway which lies on the starboard/right/bowside as is safe and practicable.
  • Ferries – when operating in the vicinity of ferries, maintain line of sight with the master of the ferry – if you can see them, they can see you.
  • Noise
    • Megaphones and loud hailers are not permitted before 0700hrs or after 1900hrs. if using a megaphone, try to position your coach boat so that you are not pointing/directing your voice towards residences.
    • Cox Boxes – coxswains should be mindful of the volume of the cox box in close proximity to residences during these times
  • Common courtesy
    • Please be mindful of other rowers/paddlers around you and try to minimise your wash/wake, especially in confined waterways. Everyone wants to have an enjoyable, productive session on the water and if coach boats are speeding across the waters trying to find their crews and then stopping in front of on-coming rowing boats, that is not fun for anyone and a disaster awaiting to happen. Lets try and show some respect for every water user.