Practical marine and sea safety guidance for passengers, families and recreational users, covering preparation, life jackets, weather awareness, boat safety, emergencies, and what to do if someone falls overboard.
Introduction
Time on the water can be enjoyable and memorable, but marine environments can change quickly. Wind, waves, currents, weather and vessel conditions can turn a routine trip into an emergency.
Whether you are travelling by ferry, fishing boat, cruise vessel, speedboat or recreational craft, basic preparation and disciplined safety practices reduce avoidable risks.
Before You Go on the Water
1. Check the weather and sea conditions
Check a reliable marine weather forecast before departure and continue to monitor conditions during the trip when possible.
Do not ignore warnings about storms, high waves, strong winds, poor visibility or dangerous currents. Delay or cancel the trip when conditions exceed the vessel, route or operator’s safe limits.
2. Know your vessel and route
Before departure, understand the planned route, approximate travel time, destination, communication arrangements and likely hazards.
- Know where the emergency exits and muster points are.
- Know where life jackets and other safety equipment are stored.
- Know how to raise an alarm or contact emergency services.
- Tell a responsible person about the trip when appropriate.
3. Carry essential safety equipment
The exact equipment depends on the vessel, activity and local requirements, but appropriate communication, navigation, flotation and emergency equipment should be available and in usable condition.
Life Jackets and Personal Flotation Devices
4. Wear the right life jacket
A life jacket or personal flotation device should be suitable for the activity, fit the wearer correctly and be in good condition.
- Wear it as instructed by the operator or crew.
- Make sure straps and fasteners are properly secured.
- Children should use appropriately sized flotation equipment.
- Do not use damaged or unsuitable equipment.
Safe Behaviour on Board
5. Move carefully
Wet decks, vessel movement and sudden changes in balance can create slip, trip and fall hazards.
- Use handrails where provided.
- Keep walkways clear.
- Avoid running or climbing on unsafe areas.
- Keep children under appropriate supervision.
6. Avoid alcohol and impaired behaviour
Alcohol and other impairing substances can reduce judgement, balance, reaction time and the ability to respond to an emergency. Avoid impaired behaviour, particularly when operating, supervising or assisting on a vessel.
7. Follow crew and operator instructions
Passenger vessels and organised marine activities have established procedures for boarding, movement, emergencies and evacuation. Follow instructions promptly and do not enter restricted areas.
If an Emergency Occurs
8. Stay calm and raise the alarm
Panic can make a difficult situation worse. Alert the crew or operator immediately and follow their instructions.
9. If someone falls overboard
A fall into the water is a serious emergency.
Raise the alarm immediately.
Keep visual contact with the person if it is safe to do so.
Throw appropriate flotation equipment toward the person when available.
Do not jump into the water unless specifically trained and instructed to do so.
Follow the crew’s recovery procedure.
10. If evacuation is ordered
Listen to the crew and proceed to the designated assembly point or survival craft as instructed.
- Take your life jacket and put it on correctly when instructed.
- Do not push, run or create panic.
- Do not return for luggage.
- Assist children or vulnerable passengers when directed and when it is safe.
Children and Families
Children can be especially vulnerable around water and moving vessels. Adults should establish simple rules before departure and supervise children continuously where appropriate.
- Wear an appropriately fitted life jacket when required.
- Stay within designated safe areas.
- Do not lean over rails or climb on vessel structures.
- Know who to approach for help in an emergency.
Common Marine Safety Mistakes
- Going out despite unsafe weather conditions.
- Not wearing a life jacket when required or advised.
- Ignoring crew instructions.
- Walking carelessly on wet or moving surfaces.
- Allowing children to move around unsupervised.
- Entering restricted or unsafe areas.
- Jumping into the water during an emergency without proper training.
A Simple Marine Safety Checklist
Before departure
- Check weather and sea conditions.
- Know the route and expected travel time.
- Locate life jackets and emergency equipment.
- Understand how to raise an alarm.
During the trip
- Follow crew or operator instructions.
- Move carefully and use handrails.
- Keep children appropriately supervised.
- Continue monitoring changing conditions where possible.
If an emergency occurs
- Stay calm and raise the alarm.
- Put on your life jacket as instructed.
- Follow the designated evacuation or recovery procedure.
- Leave belongings behind if evacuation is ordered.
Final Safety Message
Water safety starts before the journey begins. Check conditions, use appropriate safety equipment, follow instructions and stay alert to changing circumstances.
Respect the water. Prepare before you go. Stay alert. Travel safely.
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