Boats Involved In Competition

Requirements for Boats Involved in Competition

If you use your boat for racing you may be allowed to carry alternative safety equipment during:

• formal training;
• an official competition; or
• final preparations for an official competition.

Some Useful Definitions

• Formal training
  Practice for an official competition under the supervision of a coach or official certified by a governing body.
• Official competition
  Competition or regatta organized by a governing body or by a club or an organization that is affiliated with a governing body.
• Final preparation for an official competition
  Activities scheduled by the event organizer to prepare for the competitions at the competition venue.
• Safety craft
  Vessel, aircraft or other means of transport with a crew on board for watch and rescue activities during formal training, final preparation or official competitions.

Racing canoes, racing kayaks and rowing shells involved in competition

Racing canoes, racing kayaks and rowing shells do not have to carry the equipment listed in this guide if they are in formal training, in an official competition or in final preparation for an official competition and:

• are attended by a safety craft that, in addition to its own safety equipment, carries a lifejacket or PFD that fits, for each crew member of the racing boat with the biggest crew; or
• if they carry:
  –  a lifejacket or PFD that fits, for each crew member;
  –  a sound-signalling device; and
  –  a watertight flashlight if operated after sunset, before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility.

Racing Pleasure Craft (other than Canoes, Kayaks and Rowing Shells) Involved in Competition

Racing-type boats do not have to carry the equipment listed in this guide if they:

• are engaged in formal training, in an official competition or in final preparation for an official competition;
• are operated under conditions of clear visibility;
• are attended by a safety craft; and
• carry the safety equipment required by the rules of their sport’s governing body.

Sailboards or Kiteboards Involved in Competition

Sailboards or kiteboards do not have to carry the equipment listed in this guide if they are engaged in an official competition where an attending safety craft carries lifejackets or PFDs that fit the sail/kite boarders and that can be put on in the water (It is not recommended that lifejackets or PFDs be fitted with an automatic inflator).