Local skippers audit fitness of deep-sea fishing boats in Trichardt
Skipper and SADSAA safety surveyor, Jan Strydom, of the Taratibo Skiboat Club, did the yearly safety and seaworthiness audit.
TRICHARDT – With boats and personal watercraft (Jet Skis) hooked, local skippers went to Laerskool Trichardt on Saturday, October 15, for an annual audit.
A yearly audit must be done through certified persons on deep-sea fishing boats and PWC to ensure safety and seaworthiness.
Boats must go through an annual series of inspections to meet the minimum requirements.
Skipper and SADSAA safety surveyor, Jan Strydom, of the Taratibo Ski boat Club, did the yearly safety and seaworthiness audit.
Irrespective of the size of the boat, skippers must be issued a Certificate of Fitness (CoF) for deep-sea fishing boats and jet skis to touch the water.
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Audits are done on flairs (distress flares, rocket parachute flares, smoke marker flares), lifejackets, fire extinguishers (one per engine), two-way radios, compass, torch, sound signalling devices, radar defector, first aid kits, drogue anchors and chain, space blankets, spares and tools, rectangular sheet and water containers (1liter per person).
An audit is done on the marking of the boat and matching markings on its trailer.
For jet skis, there are the minimum requirements of a life jacket (per person), safety lanyard, whistle (or air horn), fire extinguisher, flair (size depends on the distance watercraft can go out to sea), and first aid kit.
For skippers who are not club members and want to know more about certification of fitness and auditing contact Strydom on 071 883 7190.
