Inflatable rules, regulations

[weafza]

Does the same rules and regulations that apply to boats also apply to inflatables with a trolling motor?
Is an inflatable considered to be in the same class as a kick boat?
Where do one get a fresh water fishing licence?

[SG]

Hi weafza

have a look at this link to SAMSA website regards what the requirements are.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://samsa.org.za/sites/samsa.org.za/files/national_small_vessel_safety_regulations_2007.pdf">http://samsa.org.za/sites/samsa.org.za/ ... s_2007.pdf</a><!-- m -->

Did you get my message?

[Riprap]

There was a question the other day in this regard and specifically buoyancy for an inflatable. Please find below a summary also from updated legislation:

Here is an example of what ARK inflatables do for the sea going inflatable vessels which requires 60% buoyancy whereas for inland waters you only need 30%!

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.ark.co.za/downloads/DOCS_MINNOW.pdf">http://www.ark.co.za/downloads/DOCS_MINNOW.pdf</a><!-- m -->

Regarding category R vessels (inland waters) and the exempted vessels mentioned in regulation 27, SAMSA, in conjunction with the Boat Building Industry Association of South Africa (BIASA), has determined that sufficient buoyancy is provided to meet the requirements of the regulations when 30% of the vessel’s weight (weight of boat, engine, fuel, stores, equipment but not persons) is fitted as buoyancy. Once again, this refers to the common wood and GRP constructed vessels.

A different buoyancy requirement applies to inflatable vessels and the regulations require these vessels to have at least 3 compartments, the smallest of which must be able to keep the vessel afloat. Note, a rigid hull is not included in this calculation, and also that extreme uses of inflatable vessels for commercial use such as cargo carrying or the like may require additional buoyancy to the satisfaction of SAMSA, by way of foam filled hulls or additional compartments, as this was never the intention of this exception.
(Note that vessels described as personal water craft of less than 3 metres (ie. jetskis and other similar vessels), motor vessels of 15 HP or less, sailing vessels under 7 metres, and non-power driven vessels are exempted from certain safety requirements but are still however required to carry the safety equipment required by annex 2 as well as have sufficient buoyancy.)

All vessels must have sufficient buoyancy. In accordance with the regulations, vessel owners are required to be able to prove that their vessels have suitable and adequate buoyancy.

What is really important is that the regulations require that owners be able to demonstrate to a surveyor, safety officer or any enforcement officer (SAPS, municipal police or other designated enforcement officer) that their vessel complies with the regulations which include the buoyancy standards.

As the provision of adequate buoyancy aboard small vessels is so important, it is very likely that owners arriving at any launch site may be asked to show that their vessels comply before being allowed to launch.

The only way to do this at short notice, without a great deal of trouble, is by carrying and producing the valid buoyancy certificate required by Annex 1 of the regulations.
Buyers of vessels should be aware that they are not only ill advised to purchase vessels from sellers unable or unwilling to underwrite and certify their vessels by producing a proper buoyancy certificate, but that it is illegal for any seller, to sell a vessel that does not comply. However, a seller may sell a non-compliant vessel if they make a full declaration of the non-compliance.

So, the long and short of it is either ask the dealer who sold it to you to provide the buoyancy details or get a safety officer to do a buoyancy declaration for you.

[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.