It’s time to sail-ebrate

To make things simpler, easier and more convenient boaters now have the option to transfer boat registrations online with a mySAGOV account.

The new time-saving online option will be similar to transferring a vehicle or boat trailer.

Previously, boat buyers were required to lodge a registration transfer notice in person at a Service SA centre.

When you buy a boat, simply:

1. log in to your mySAGOV account
2. select “Transfer boat to my name”
3. input the boat registration number, seller’s SA driver’s licence or client number and the seller’s last name.
   An option will appear at the end of this process to add a boat trailer if needed.

You cannot complete the transfer online if the boat:

• is not currently registered
• is from interstate
• requires Hull Identification Number (HIN) validation.

Learn more about transferring your boat registration online.

If you don’t already have a mySAGOV account, find instructions for how to create a new account.

Marine Safety Officer, Nash, sporting a mo alongside one of the mo boats

Marine Safety SA is supporting men’s health

Marine Safety SA have once again partnered with Movember Australia to help raise awareness for men’s health issues by growing some boat-staches.

Movember is the leading charity for men’s health, focusing on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer.

Checking in about new lifejacket standards

Marine Safety SA recently attended the 2024 Adelaide 4WD and Adventure Show and Club Marine SA Boat and Fishing Show at Wayville Showgrounds in Adelaide.

Marine Safety SA team members, Matt and Amy

A key topic of discussion was the upcoming changes to lifejacket standards which will be implemented in South Australia from 1 January 2025.

The change will see several old standardised lifejackets become non-compliant.

Check if your lifejacket is compliant before heading out on the water.

The team provided demonstrations on how to maintain and service inflatable lifejackets to ensure they are ship shape for the boating season.

Servicing your lifejacket could save your life

A recent compliance check discovered this punctured canister inside of the boater’s lifejacket

At a recent pre-launch vessel inspection, one of the eagle-eyed Marine Safety Officers noticed two boaters were about to head out wearing unzipped inflatable lifejackets.

The officer helped the boaters check them and found the canisters had been punctured, meaning they had previously been set off.

Since the canister had not been replaced, the lifejacket wouldn’t be able to inflate – a potential disaster if these boaters ran into trouble on the water.

A timely reminder for these two boaters, and all of us, to regularly check lifejackets.

You can maintain your own lifejacket by following the manufacturer’s instructions or outsource the servicing to a store or service centre.

Some handy steps to remember when servicing your lifejacket include:

1. check for visible signs of wear and damage
2. inflate the bladder, leave overnight, and check for pressure loss
3. deflate the bladder
4. remove and inspect the CO2 cylinder
5. repack the lifejacket
6. record the date.

Snake Season

As the weather starts to heat up, it pays to be extra cautious around boat ramps and the river this summer.

Keep a look out when heading back to your car and trailer— the last thing you want to do is step on a snake like the one that was enjoying the sun at Port Victoria recently.

Snakes also enjoy taking leisurely swims in the river. It is highly recommended to have a snake bite kit on hand when heading out on the river.

A snake spotted at the Port Victoria boat ramp

Snake swimming from one side of the River Murray to the other at Younghusband

NEW Don’t expire – Date reminder sticker

Do you need help to remember when your registration or safety equipment needs servicing or when it’s expiring? Marine Safety SA have you covered!

Order a new Don’t expire – Date reminder sticker from the Marine Safety SA online store to keep track of this essential information.

Don’t forget about the other free stickers that are also available:

• Safety equipment checklist – recreational vessels under 8 metres
• Safety equipment checklist – recreational vessels over 8 metres
• Quick link QR code set of three stickers – Know which lifejacket, Know your safety equipment and Report incidents or hazards
• Buoys, marks and beacons
• Phonetic alphabet for marine radio
• VHF marine radio channels
• 27 MHz marine radio channels

Marine Safety SA team on channel 7

On a recent Channel 7 news live weather cross, Simon from Marine Safety SA reiterated the importance of wearing your lifejacket, checking it’s in good working order and checking the expiry date on your flares.

Marine Safety SA patrols are ramping up ahead of summer. Knowing what safety equipment and lifejackets you need could not only save your hip pocket from a fine but, more importantly, could save your life.

Plan ahead, gear up and stay safe on the water.