Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code

ANNEX 5

BEACHCRAFT GUIDELINES

1. General

1.1       Section 2.3 and 2.4 recognise that variations to the standards recommended by the Code may provide equivalent standards of safety, taking into account specific local conditions which are certain to exist. This Annex is intended to assist in assessing equivalence for small vessels with a very limited area of operation, which may be unable to meet the certain of the recommended standards laid down by the Code. It provides Local Authorities performing licensing for beach/harbour operations, with a checklist of operational safety management practices for their consideration.

1.2       Variations may be either a direct alternative to a measure specified in the Code or a reduced measure based upon factors that compensate for the reduction.

1.3       Although not an exhaustive list, factors which may be considered include:

1.            restricted area of operations [in an area where operating conditions are the least severe that may be expected within the relevant Category of Waters];

2.            a guaranteed control of the vessel which restricts operations to conditions such that there is a very low risk of an accident;

3.            the certainty of readily available means of emergency rescue;

4.            operations wholly within constant sight of the supervising body and means of emergency rescue;

5.            seasonal operations only, such as between 1 April and 31 October or some lesser period, or favourable weather restrictions;

6.            vessels operating in close proximity to one another and equipped to provide efficient safety back-up to each other in an emergency;

7.            provision/wearing of additional (special) individual personal survival equipment/clothing which will protect lives in an emergency;

8.            enhanced communications between the vessel(s) and constantly attended shore base with readily available emergency rescue craft at the base;

9.            the nature of the sport or pleasure activity involves very low risk of participants accidentally entering the water or causing the vessel to capsize;

10.          inherent safety of the vessel by design, test and experience, (not applicable as an equivalent for stability standards or a specified level of life saving equipment);

11.          the ratio of suitably trained crew to the number of other persons onboard;

12.          the number of safety craft provided to protect the vessels operating commercially for sport or pleasure;

13.          enhanced provisions for distress alert and rescue;

14.          means provided for "dry" rescue from a vessel in emergency situations.

2.      Guidelines for the Safe Operation of Commercially Operated Pleasure Craft Used for Leisure Activities from a Beach or Harbour

2.1       Where the operator wishes to operate a vessel under alternative arrangements, for the provision of activities involving the towing of persons such as water-skiing, parascending, etc. the following guidelines should be followed.

2.2       This is not considered an exhaustive list, nor are they relevant to all situations.

.1      All boats should adopt appropriate safety standards or equivalencies set out in the Small Passenger Boat Code for the relevant Category of Waters.

.2      If life saving appliances, recommended under section 13, cannot for practical reasons be carried on the vessel, suitable equivalencies from the section above must be employed.

.2      All tows should be considered part of the towing vessel, and are to be fit for purpose.

.3      Boats are to be capable of accommodating all persons they are intended to support including those contained on board the tow, if applicable. [Methods of assessing the number of persons suitable to be carried are contained in the text of this Code of Practice. In general, vessels operating under this Annex should not carry more than 4 persons.

.4      Towing craft should have a minimum crew of two at all times – one to drive, and navigate, the other to watch the tow.

.5      Craft should be fitted with an engine stop cord, to be used at all times.

.6      Operating procedures, and equipment where applicable, are to be in place for recovery of persons from the water, including measures to avoid injury from the boat and machinery. For vessels fitted with conventional propellers, consideration should be given to the fitting of a propeller guard, especially where recovery of persons is commonplace.

.7      Children under the age of 8 should be accompanied by an adult at all times, including when on a tow.

.8      Inflatable tows should be capable of supporting 110% of the maximum manufacturers weight limit, with any one separate inflatable compartment punctured or deflated.

.10    In Category C and D waters, lifejackets are to be worn at all times. For operations where buoyancy aids may be considered more practical, their use may be accepted based on equivalencies stated in section 1 above.

.11    Towlines should be approximately 25 to 30 metres long. A method of quick release in the event of an emergency is to be available.

.12    Parascending lines, harnesses and parachutes are to be inspected daily by the operator, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.

.13    Operating areas and any associated channels for slow speed transit to and from the shore, should be clearly marked.

.14    Operating areas, trading dates and daily hours for operation are to be defined.

2.3    Additionally the operator will:

.1      hold a nationally recognised qualification for the activity concerned, i.e. water sports instructors certificate.

.2      hold a Local Authority licence/concession to operate, where applicable.

.3      maintain visual contact with the vessels at all times, and provide a means of immediate rescue in the event of an accident.

.4      ensure that vessels and associated equipment are maintained in proper state;

.5      report and record to the Local Authority, where applicable, all incidents which have, or could have led to injury.

.6      ensure a procedure is in place for immediate contact with the emergency services in the event of an accident or incident.