Go Sailing

General Safety Information

Sailing and boating are safe sports - provided you use common sense.  

In Victoria people who go on the water are protected by two sets of regulations.

1. The Marine Safety Regulations - the Government regulation which prescribes the safety equipment you need to have on Board and if it's a powered boat the licensing requirements for the driver. To obtain your Victoria Power Boat License you need to have knowledge of these regulations - for more information see here http://www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au.

2. Yachting Australia Regulations and Policies- Yachting Australia sets out a range of regulations and policies for people participating at member clubs and training centers. In general clubs ands training centers provide a safe sailing environment because they have safety boats on the water and a safety tower with experienced personnel overseeing the on water activities.

Some general rules that you should think about before going out on the water:

  - Check the weather and particularly the forecast ...and watch for clouds and wind that foreshadow any changes 
  - Don't boat alone - and always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back
  - Check your boat and have all the right safety equipment and that it works 
  - In the event of a mishap - don't leave your boat. For more information see the emergency procedures