1.0 Introduction

Small boats are used in a wide variety of activities, including collection of chemical, biological and geological samples, diving, teaching outdoor recreation and many types of survey. In some cases small boats are used to travel considerable distances along shore or through a river system, while in other cases use might be restricted to the close vicinity of the launching point. To allow flexibility and avoid impracticality we have two sets of standards for small boats (< 6m):

Dinghy Class: small inflatables and open dinghies (typically  4m long) used within one nautical mile (1.85 km) of the launching point or within sight of a support vessel, or in protected water (e.g. harbors, rivers, lakes, lagoons)

Runabout Class: more substantial vessels used to travel further afield or on open coasts.

In this document, as in all activities covered by the Heath and Safety in Employment Act, students are not considered as employees. They are considered as clients.

1.1 Management Chart: University of Otago Boat Operations

This code of practice has been approved by the Director of the Maritime Safety Authority, pursuant to Maritime Rule 35.10, dated 27 May 2004.

The following flow chart outlines the areas of responsibility for compliance with this code of practice. The Safe Boat Operation for Vessels under 6 meters policy further defines the responsibilities within the University for safe boat operation, and should be read in conjunction with this code of practice.

Boating activities must be planned and approval given prior to any boat trip taking place. The risk assessment tool attached as appendix 1 must be completed by the boat operator and forwarded to the Departmental Boat Officer for approval prior to any boat work commencing. The risk assessment must identify the potential hazards and the management of the hazards. The Departmental Boat Officer has the authority to stop any boat trip as required, and revoking individuals rights to operate small boats.

Central University Small Boat Co-ordinator Reports to the University H&S Committee Overall responsibility for compliance with the Boat Operation COP, policy and guidelines.

Departmental Boat Officers Commercial Ticket (LLO) Responsible for the management and operation of Departmental Boats to the COP requirements.

Staff Boat Operators Boat Master, NAUT 101 or working towards LLO ticket. Works under supervision of DBO and to the COP requirements.

Student Boat Operators Day Skippers for motorized dinghies, Boat Masters or NAUT 101 for runabout. Works under Supervision of DBO and to the COP requirements.

1.2 Suitable boat types

Stability and safety are the most important issues for all boats used in research. Because of their reserve buoyancy, inflatables made of hypalon-based fabric, rigid-hulled inflatables and pontoon vessels (similar in design to Rigid Inflatable Boats, RIBs) are considered especially suitable. These vessels must have multiple compartments (>2) to ensure stability in the event of puncture. Other vessel types must have sufficient freeboard to avoid swamping at maximum passenger load and all vessels must have sufficient buoyancy to support their maximum load when swamped. All vessels must be sufficiently stable to support their maximum passenger load seated on one gunwale in calm water, with the helmsperson still at the helm. Inherently unstable craft (e.g. open aluminium dinghies) should be limited to maximum loading of 3 people.

Open boats (<4m) other than inflatables, RIBs or pontoon boats are considered suitable only as Dinghy Class vessels.

University Departmental Boat Operators (DBO) will be appointed to be responsible for its overall upkeep and use. This staff member must be a full time employee, will be expected to have or gain professional nautical qualifications, and will be responsible for assessing the competence of prospective boat users. All University boats >6m will be designated to a Departmental Boat Operator.

Each University boat will have a Safe Ship Management Plan and operate within that plan.

Private and Non University boats must still be operated within this Code of Practice.