Safety equipment for ocean passengers and documentation

This section provides interim guidance on the safety equipment you should have for passengers on ocean journeys and the documentation you must carry. Regular checks, proper storage, and clear instructions help ensure safety at sea.

Safety equipment for passengers

    • Proper lifejackets or PFDs for all passengers: correct size, in good condition, easily accessible, and worn when conditions require.
    • Immersion suits or appropriate protective clothing for cold water, with proper fit and maintenance.
    • Liferaft or other approved rescue craft with current servicing, correctly stowed and accessible, including a survival kit.
    • Distress signaling devices: approved flares or signal devices, a whistle or horn, and an operational VHF radio with DSC capability.
    • Emergency equipment: throwable flotation devices, man overboard recovery gear, and fire extinguishers suitable for onboard fires.
    • A pre-departure safety briefing and clearly posted emergency instructions for passengers.

Documentation

    • Vessel registration or equivalent documentation as required, plus any safety/compliance certificates.
    • Up-to-date safety equipment service records (liferaft, EPIRB/PLB, flares, fire extinguishers, immersion suits) with expiry dates.
    • Passenger manifests or logs (where required) and reliable emergency contact information.
    • Radio operator certificates or licenses for the vessel’s communications equipment.
    • Any relevant survey or inspection certificates confirming seaworthiness.
    • Both physical copies on board and accessible digital copies.