Inflatable rules, regulations

[Bass_Assasin]

Same rules for inflatables and normal boats in regards to seaworthying and skippers ticket requirements. a Seagoing boat can have any amount of horse power, but needs to be over 3m. on a dam under 3 is alowed.

AT SEA: if you're boat is >3m and have a motor >15hp, it needs to be surveyed, and you will need a skippers ticket. If you're boat has a motor smaller than 15hp or an eletric motor, you do not need a skippers ticket, and the boat does not have to have a seaworthy certificate. But you need ALL THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT that you will need to seaworthy the boat (anchor, chain, pencil flare, handheld flare, fire extinguisher if you use an outboard, lifejackets, bailing bucket, and ores). and you cannot go further out at sea than 1nm (1.852km).

On SAMSA's Page :

"All vessels excepting power driven vessels of 15
HP or less, sailing vessels of 9 metres or less in
length and vessels propelled by human power alone
must be inspected and certified as seaworthy
annually (i.e. obtain a Certificate of Fitness);"

"pleasure power driven vessels ≤15HP
do not require to be operated by a certificated
skipper in terms of these regulations."

To check my info, search "samsa small vessels" open the page, and click on the link "Safety Pamphlet - General Requirements for Pleasure Vessels ".

Hope this helps. I used to take a 3m inflatable with a 3.5hp motor out to sea, and i did my homework to avoid conflict with the water police here in mossel bay.