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Prepare and plan
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Before you go boating
From weather conditions and maintaining your vessel, to knowing the rules – be ready for a safe day on the water.
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Lifejackets and safety equipment
Know the safety equipment you must carry and how to use it. This includes approved lifejackets, handy checklists and flare disposal locations.
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Rules for using NSW waterways
Understand the key rules to keep you and others safe, and protect our waterways.
Stay safe on the water
Get the Boating Handbook
The NSW Boating Handbook is your practical and essential guide to safe and responsible boating on NSW waterways. Here's how to get a copy.
Navigation marks, lights and sounds
Understand navigation marks and how to pass them safely. Know your sound signals and what lights you must display on your vessel. Recognise other vessels at night.
Towing and boating
Rules and safety information for skippers who are towing, and for people being towed on NSW waters. Plus rules for towing your trailer on the road.
Know what to do in an emergency
Emergencies and incidents
How to prevent and respond to incidents and emergencies when you're on a boat or other vessel.
If you're involved in an incident
What to do during and after a boating or marine incident. How to respond and report on the incident or emergency.
More resources
Staying safe on the water
If you're new to boating or only get on the water occasionally, here's everything you need to know to stay safe, stick to the rules and enjoy your day out.
Emerging vessel types and safety technologies
New vessel types and technologies are continually emerging. Here's what you need to know before buying one to use in NSW.
Safety education
Our boating educators work with the community to encourage safe boating journeys in NSW.
Boating safety resources
Safety information and publications, including the Boating Handbook. Available for free download – or to order as free printed copies.