8 Boat safety equipment checklist You Should Know

Getting Started

A day on the water offers unparalleled freedom, but that freedom is built on a foundation of preparation and safety. Whether you’re a commercial fishing operator, a tourism provider, or a weekend adventurer, understanding your safety obligations isn't just about compliance; it's about ensuring every trip ends safely. This comprehensive boat safety equipment checklist is designed to provide clear, actionable guidance for New Zealand boaties. It moves beyond simply listing items and delves into the practicalities of selection, maintenance, and proper use.

We have organised this guide to be a definitive resource, covering everything from legally mandated gear like Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and fire extinguishers to life-saving communication tools such as EPIRBs and VHF radios. Each item on this list is crucial for creating a complete safety system on your vessel. For commercial operators in sectors like maritime logistics, tourism, or aquaculture, having the correct, well-maintained equipment is fundamental to managing operational risk and meeting your health and safety responsibilities.

This article will break down each piece of essential equipment, explaining its specific function and offering practical tips for its use in real-world scenarios. You will learn not just what you need, but why you need it and how to ensure it performs when it matters most. From choosing the right type of PFD for your activity to knowing the correct procedure for using a marine flare, this checklist provides the detailed knowledge required to equip your vessel for any situation. Let’s dive into the essential gear that keeps you safe on the water.

1. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), commonly known as life jackets, are unequivocally the most crucial piece of equipment on any boat safety equipment checklist. Their primary function is simple yet life-saving: to keep a person afloat if they end up in the water. Legally, Maritime New Zealand rules require every vessel to carry a correctly sized, serviceable lifejacket for each person on board. For boats 16 feet (approximately 4.8 metres) and longer, this often includes at least one throwable flotation device.

The importance of PFDs cannot be overstated. Statistics consistently show that the majority of boating-related drowning victims were not wearing one. This is a key reason why commercial operators, from fishing charters to tour providers, mandate their use. Modern PFDs are designed for various activities, ranging from traditional high-buoyancy foam jackets to sleek, lightweight inflatable models that activate automatically upon contact with water or are triggered manually. This variety ensures that comfort and mobility are not sacrificed for safety, a critical factor for workers or active sports participants.

PFD Types and Selection

Choosing the right PFD depends on your specific activity and the water conditions you expect.

• Traditional Foam PFDs: These are reliable, low-maintenance, and inherently buoyant. They are ideal for general boating, watersports, and for children, as they require no action to work. Look for models from brands like Hutchwilco, a staple in New Zealand, which offer excellent durability.

• Inflatable PFDs: Favoured by sailors, anglers, and maritime professionals, these are compact and comfortable for all-day wear. Automatic models inflate when submerged, while manual ones require the user to pull a cord. Brands like Baltic and Spinlock, available in NZ, are leaders in this technology. Remember that inflatable PFDs require regular maintenance, including checking the CO2 cartridge and firing mechanism.

The infographic below summarises the essential requirements for PFDs.

This quick reference highlights the fundamental legal and technical specifications, reminding you to match the PFD type and buoyancy to your needs. For a more detailed breakdown of legal requirements and types, you can explore this fact sheet about lifejackets from Mobile Systems.

Practical Tips for PFD Use

• Fit is Paramount: A PFD that is too large can slip off in the water, while one that is too small won't provide adequate buoyancy. Always try a PFD on before purchase. It should be snug but allow for a full range of movement. For children, a crotch strap is essential to prevent the jacket from riding up.
• Regular Inspections: Check your PFDs at the start of every season and before each trip. Look for rips, tears, or signs of degradation in the fabric and straps. For inflatables, check the CO2 cylinder for integrity and ensure the status indicator is green.
• Colour and Visibility: Always choose brightly coloured PFDs, such as red, orange, or yellow. These dramatically increase your visibility to rescuers in the water, especially in choppy conditions or low light.

2. Marine VHF Radio

A marine VHF (Very High Frequency) radio is an essential communication tool on any boat safety equipment checklist, far surpassing the reliability of a mobile phone. Operating on designated maritime frequencies, it enables direct communication with Coastguard New Zealand, other vessels, and marine services like marinas and lock operators. Its most critical function is access to Channel 16, the international distress frequency, which is monitored around the clock by rescue services, ensuring a call for help can be heard even when out of mobile coverage.

The value of a reliable VHF radio is proven time and again in real-world emergencies. From coordinating rescues, like the 2018 incident where 46 people were saved from a tour boat fire in Hawaii thanks to a VHF distress call, to the daily safety check-ins performed by commercial fishing fleets, this device is central to maritime safety. Its ability to broadcast to all nearby vessels makes it invaluable for communicating hazards, coordinating assistance, or simply requesting a bridge opening.

VHF Radio Types and Selection

Choosing the right VHF radio depends on your vessel's size and how you use it.

• Fixed-Mount VHF Radios: These are permanently installed on your vessel and connected to its power supply and a high-mounted antenna. They offer the greatest power (up to 25 watts) and range. Brands like Icom and Uniden, widely available in New Zealand, are trusted choices for their robust performance and features like Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

• Handheld VHF Radios: These portable, battery-powered units are perfect for smaller boats, as a backup to a fixed-mount radio, or for use in a tender. While their power is lower (typically 1-6 watts), their portability is a major advantage. Look for waterproof and floating models from brands such as GME, which are popular among Kiwi boaties.

For more information on VHF channels and procedures in New Zealand, Coastguard NZ provides an excellent resource on their website.

See Mobile Systems Limited for their product range of Marine safety equipment

Practical Tips for VHF Radio Use

• Get Your MMSI: Register your boat for a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. This unique nine-digit code enables DSC functionality on modern radios, allowing you to send a digital distress alert with your location directly to rescue services with the push of one button.

• Practise Makes Perfect: Familiarise yourself with your radio's functions and standard radio procedures, such as making a trip report or calling another station, before an emergency arises. Knowing the correct protocol for "Mayday," "Pan-Pan," and "Sécurité" calls is crucial.

• Optimise Your Antenna: For fixed-mount radios, the antenna's height is more important than the radio's power for achieving maximum range. Install the antenna as high as is practical and ensure all connections are secure and free from corrosion.

• Power and Channels: Ensure your radio has a reliable power source. For handhelds, carry fully charged spare batteries. Programme important local channels, such as your local Coastguard, marina, and weather channels, for quick access.

3. Marine Flares and Visual Distress Signals

Visual distress signals, including marine flares, are a critical component of any boat safety equipment checklist, designed to attract attention and summon help during an emergency. Their primary purpose is to make your vessel's position known to potential rescuers, whether they are on other boats, on shore, or in the air. Under New Zealand maritime law, while not mandatory for all recreational vessels, carrying them is highly recommended, and they are required for vessels operating commercially or proceeding more than a certain distance offshore.

The effectiveness of visual distress signals in life-threatening situations is well-documented. A notable example is the 2019 rescue of two boaters off the California coast, where a Coast Guard helicopter spotted their flare, guiding rescue crews directly to their location. This demonstrates why commercial vessels, from fishing trawlers to passenger ferries, are mandated to carry extensive inventories of pyrotechnics. For recreational boaters, having reliable signals on board can be the difference between a swift rescue and a prolonged, dangerous wait.

Signal Types and Selection

Choosing the right visual distress signals depends on your boating location, whether inshore or offshore, and whether you operate during the day or at night.

• Pyrotechnic Flares: These are the traditional and most widely recognised signals. They include handheld red flares for short-range pinpointing, rocket-propelled parachute flares for long-range alerting (visible from over 20 nautical miles), and orange smoke signals for daytime use. Brands like Pains Wessex, a global leader in marine pyrotechnics, are readily available in New Zealand and are a staple for both commercial and serious recreational mariners.

• Non-Pyrotechnic Devices (VDS): Modern electronic alternatives are becoming increasingly popular due to their reusability and long operational life. LED-based flares, such as those from ACR Electronics or Sirius Signal, can flash SOS patterns for hours and are a safe, reliable option. Other non-pyrotechnic signals include signal mirrors for daytime use and high-visibility orange distress flags.

Practical Tips for Signal Use

• Check Expiration Dates: Pyrotechnic flares have a limited shelf life, typically around three years. Check the expiry dates annually and replace them as needed. Expired flares can be unreliable and dangerous.

• Proper Storage: Store your flares and signals in a dedicated, waterproof container in a location that is both dry and easily accessible in an emergency. The cockpit or a grab bag are ideal spots.

• Safe Disposal: Never throw expired flares in regular rubbish or into the water. Contact your local council, police station, or maritime authority to find a proper hazardous waste disposal programme. Many chandleries also offer take-back programmes when you purchase new flares.

• Know Before You Go: Read the instructions for each type of flare before an emergency arises. Understanding how to activate them safely and effectively is crucial. Aim handheld flares downwind and away from yourself, the vessel, and other people.

4. Fire Extinguishers

A fire on board a vessel is one of the most dangerous emergencies a boater can face, leaving no escape route except into the water. Fire extinguishers are therefore an essential and legally required component of any boat safety equipment checklist. Marine environments present unique fire risks, primarily involving flammable liquids like petrol and diesel (Class B fires) and electrical systems (Class C fires). Marine-grade fire extinguishers are specifically designed with corrosion-resistant components and contain agents, typically a dry chemical powder, that can effectively combat these fire types without causing significant damage to sensitive electronics.

The necessity of having the correct, serviceable fire extinguishers is underscored by Maritime New Zealand regulations, which mandate their presence based on the vessel's size and potential fire hazards, particularly if it has an engine or cooking facilities. For commercial operators, such as fishing charters or tour boats, compliance is strictly enforced during safety inspections. A well-placed, properly maintained extinguisher can be the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic loss of the vessel and, more importantly, life.

Extinguisher Types and Selection

Choosing the appropriate extinguisher is vital for ensuring you can handle a fire effectively. In New Zealand, the most common type for recreational boats is the Dry Powder ABE extinguisher, which is versatile enough for most common fire types.

• Dry Powder (ABE) Extinguishers: These are the workhorses of marine fire safety. They are rated for Class A (carbonaceous solids like wood and paper), Class B (flammable liquids), and Class E (electrical) fires. They are a reliable, all-around solution for galleys, engine compartments, and general cabin areas. Brands like Quell and Firechief, readily available in NZ, offer marine-bracketed ABE models.

• Automatic Fire Suppression Systems: For larger vessels or those with enclosed engine rooms, an automatic system provides invaluable protection. These systems, from brands like Sea-Fire, detect high temperatures and automatically release an extinguishing agent (like FM-200 or Novec 1230) to smother the fire at its source, often before you are even aware of it. This is a critical safety upgrade for commercial and serious recreational boaters.

The video below demonstrates the proper technique for using a portable fire extinguisher.

Understanding how to react quickly and use the equipment correctly is just as important as having it on board. Regular practice with the PASS method can build the muscle memory needed in a high-stress situation.

Practical Tips for Fire Extinguisher Use

• Strategic Placement: Mount extinguishers in accessible locations near potential fire hazards, such as the galley or helm station, but not directly over them where a fire could block access. Ensure they are secured in a marine-grade bracket that allows for quick release.

• Regular Checks and Maintenance: Check the pressure gauge on your extinguishers at least monthly to ensure they are in the green, operational range. At the start of each season, inspect the canister for corrosion or damage. Have them professionally serviced or replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

• Know the PASS Technique: This simple acronym is the global standard for extinguisher use: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. Teaching this to everyone on board is a crucial part of your safety briefing.

5. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a critical life-saving device that functions as a final line of communication in a grave and imminent danger situation. It is an essential component of any comprehensive boat safety equipment checklist, especially for vessels venturing beyond reliable VHF radio or mobile phone range. When activated, an EPIRB transmits a powerful 406 MHz distress signal to the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. This signal contains a unique code identifying your vessel, which is then relayed to the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), automatically triggering a search and rescue response.

The importance of carrying a correctly registered and functioning EPIRB cannot be overstated for offshore voyages. There are numerous accounts of rescues made possible solely by an EPIRB signal, such as the 2020 rescue of a sailboat crew approximately 200 nautical miles offshore after their vessel was damaged in heavy seas. In commercial maritime operations and round-the-world sailing races, carrying an EPIRB is mandatory, a testament to its proven reliability in the most extreme circumstances.

EPIRB Types and Selection

Choosing the right EPIRB depends on your vessel and how you use it. All modern EPIRBs are GPS-enabled, ensuring rescue authorities receive your precise location, drastically reducing search times. The main distinction lies in their activation method.

• Manual Activation EPIRBs: These require a person to physically activate the beacon. They are suitable for smaller vessels or boats where the device can be stored in an easily accessible location, like a grab bag. Brands such as Ocean Signal offer compact, manually activated beacons perfect for this role.

• Automatic Activation EPIRBs: These are housed in a special bracket with a hydrostatic release unit (HRU). If the vessel sinks, the HRU automatically releases the EPIRB once it reaches a certain depth (typically 1-4 metres), and the beacon floats to the surface and begins transmitting. These are ideal for larger vessels and are often legally required for commercial boats. Leading brands like ACR Electronics and McMurdo, both available in NZ, provide robust, automatically deploying models.

Practical Tips for EPIRB Use

• Registration is Mandatory: Your EPIRB must be coded and registered with the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand. This links the beacon’s unique ID to your vessel and contact details. This information must be kept up-to-date, especially if you sell the boat. An unregistered beacon will still trigger a response, but it significantly delays the verification and rescue process.

• Correct Mounting and Accessibility: An EPIRB should be mounted in a clear, unobstructed location where it has a good view of the sky and is readily accessible in an emergency. For automatic models, ensure nothing can prevent the HRU from deploying the beacon. Avoid placing it where it could be accidentally activated or damaged.

• Regular Testing and Maintenance: Use the "self-test" function monthly to ensure the battery and transmitter are working without sending a false alert. Batteries and HRUs have a limited lifespan (typically 5-10 years) and must be replaced before their expiry date. For an in-depth look at what to consider before purchasing, you can explore this detailed EPIRB buyers guide from Mobile Systems.

6. First Aid Kit

A specialised marine first aid kit is an indispensable component of any comprehensive boat safety equipment checklist. Medical emergencies on the water present unique challenges, as professional help can be hours away. Unlike a standard household kit, a marine-specific version is curated to handle common maritime injuries like fish hook wounds, rope burns, severe cuts from equipment, and environmental issues such as hypothermia and severe sunburn. The kit itself must be stored in a waterproof, durable container to protect its contents from the harsh marine environment.

The importance of having a well-stocked and accessible first aid kit cannot be overstated, particularly for commercial operators or those undertaking extended voyages. In a scenario where a crew member suffers a deep laceration from a fishing knife or a severe burn in the galley, immediate and effective first aid can prevent infection, manage pain, and stabilise the patient until further medical assistance is available. It is a fundamental tool for risk management, ensuring you are prepared to respond to injuries promptly and competently, safeguarding the well-being of everyone on board.

First Aid Kit Types and Selection

Choosing the right first aid kit depends on the type of boating you do and the distance you travel from shore.

• Inshore/Day-Trip Kits: For short trips close to land, a basic but comprehensive kit is usually sufficient. These should contain essentials for treating common cuts, scrapes, stings, and minor burns. Brands like St John offer excellent vehicle and marine-oriented kits that are compact and suitable for small boats.

• Coastal/Offshore Kits: For longer coastal passages or offshore voyages, a more advanced kit is necessary. These often come in soft, waterproof packs or hard cases and include supplies for more serious injuries like fractures, severe bleeding, and prolonged illness. Look for kits that meet Maritime NZ guidelines, which specify contents based on the vessel's operational area and number of persons on board.

Practical Tips for First Aid Preparedness

• Training is Key: A first aid kit is only as good as the person using it. Enrol in a marine-specific first aid course, such as those offered by the New Zealand Red Cross or Coastguard Boating Education. This training provides the skills to confidently handle medical emergencies in a maritime setting.

• Regular Audits: Check your kit at the beginning of each season and before any long trip. Replenish any used items immediately and check the expiration dates on all medications and sterile supplies, replacing anything that is out of date.

• Customise for Your Crew: Supplement your kit with personal prescription medications for any crew members with known medical conditions, like asthma or severe allergies. Also, include ample supplies of seasickness medication and high-SPF sunscreen.

• Accessibility and Communication: Ensure the first aid kit is stored in a clearly marked, easily accessible location known to all crew members. For offshore trips, pair your kit with a reliable communication device, like a satellite phone or EPIRB, to consult with medical professionals in an emergency.

7. Sound Signaling Devices (Horn/Whistle)

Sound signaling devices, such as horns and whistles, are a fundamental part of any comprehensive boat safety equipment checklist. Their purpose is to enable communication with other vessels, signal intentions, and alert others during emergencies, especially in situations with reduced visibility like fog or heavy rain. Maritime New Zealand rules mandate that all vessels carry an efficient sound signaling device. The type and power required depend on the boat's size, with larger vessels needing a horn audible from a greater distance.

The importance of these devices extends beyond simple legal compliance. They are your voice on the water, crucial for preventing collisions in crowded waterways or narrow channels. A short blast can signal a change in direction, while a prolonged blast can indicate your presence in thick fog. In a distress situation where visual signals might be missed, a loud, continuous sound can be the key to attracting lifesaving assistance. Brands like Fiamm and Kahlenberg offer robust marine horn systems, while simple air horns or a powerful safety whistle provide reliable backups.

Sound Device Types and Selection

Choosing the right sound signaling device is about matching it to your vessel size and operational needs.

• Air Horns: These are a popular choice for recreational boats. They are portable, loud, and do not rely on the boat's electrical system. Look for quality brands available at marine suppliers like Burnsco, which stock reliable, non-flammable propellant options. They are excellent as both a primary device on smaller boats and a backup on larger ones.

• Electric Horns: Typically installed on vessels over 12 metres, electric horns are permanently mounted and wired into the boat's electrical system. They offer convenience and powerful sound output at the press of a button. It is wise to have a manual backup, like a whistle or handheld air horn, in case of electrical failure.

• Whistles: A high-quality, pea-less safety whistle, such as the type made by Storm, is an essential personal piece of safety gear. It should be attached to your lifejacket. While not sufficient as the primary sound device for a vessel, its high-pitched, piercing sound can be crucial for attracting attention if you are in the water.

Practical Tips for Sound Device Use

• Learn the Signals: Familiarise yourself with the basic sound signals outlined in maritime collision regulations. Knowing the signals for "I am altering my course to starboard" (one short blast) or a distress signal (continuous sounding) is non-negotiable for safe skippering.

• Regular Testing: Before every trip, test your primary horn. For air horns, ensure the canister has sufficient pressure. For electric horns, check the wiring and listen for a strong, clear sound. This simple check ensures it will work when you need it most.

• Accessibility is Key: Your primary horn's control should be easily accessible from the helm. You should not have to move or look away from your course to activate it. Keep any backup devices, like a handheld air horn, within arm's reach of the skipper's position.

8. Emergency Lighting (Flashlights and Lanterns)

Emergency lighting, including waterproof flashlights and lanterns, is a fundamental component of any comprehensive boat safety equipment checklist. When darkness falls or a vessel’s primary electrical system fails, reliable illumination is not just a convenience; it is a critical safety tool. Its primary purpose is to provide light for navigation, onboard repairs, and signalling during an emergency. In the harsh marine environment, any lighting equipment must be robust, waterproof, and dependable.

The importance of having multiple, powerful light sources cannot be understated. Imagine your boat losing all power at night in choppy seas. A reliable torch becomes your only means to inspect the engine bay for a fault, check bilges, find other safety gear, or signal to a passing vessel. For commercial operators, from night-fishing charters to transport services, having dependable emergency lighting is a non-negotiable part of their safety management system, ensuring they can operate safely and respond effectively to any situation after dark.

Emergency Lighting Types and Selection

Choosing the right emergency lighting involves considering brightness, durability, battery life, and specific use cases.

• Waterproof LED Flashlights: Modern LED technology has revolutionised marine lighting. These flashlights are incredibly bright, energy-efficient, and durable. Look for models with a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating, such as IPX7 or IPX8, ensuring they remain functional even if fully submerged. Brands like Pelican and Streamlight offer rugged, high-lumen torches that are trusted by maritime professionals in New Zealand.

• Hands-Free Headlamps: For situations requiring both hands, such as engine repairs, untangling a fouled prop, or managing sails at night, a headlamp is invaluable. They allow you to direct light exactly where you are looking without occupying a hand. Petzl is a leading brand in this category, offering models with various brightness settings and red light modes to preserve night vision.

• Emergency Strobe Lights: While not for general illumination, personal strobe lights, often attached to a PFD, are powerful signalling devices. Brands like ACR Electronics specialise in these compact, high-intensity strobes that can be seen from miles away, drastically increasing your visibility to search and rescue teams. You can learn more about the advantages of modern LED technology for marine applications.

Practical Tips for Emergency Lighting

• Distribute and Multiply: Never rely on a single flashlight. Keep multiple lights stored in different, easily accessible locations around the vessel, such as the helm, cabin, and in your grab bag. This redundancy ensures you can find a light source no matter where you are on the boat during an emergency.

• Battery Management: Use high-quality lithium batteries, as they perform better in cold temperatures and have a longer shelf life than alkaline batteries. Test all your lights monthly as part of your regular safety checks and consider replacing the batteries annually, regardless of use.

• Secure Your Gear: Choose flashlights and headlamps with lanyard attachment points or secure clips. This small feature can prevent you from losing your only light source overboard at a critical moment.

• Hands-Free is Key: Always include at least one headlamp in your kit. The ability to work with both hands free during a nighttime repair or emergency procedure is a significant safety advantage.

Boat Safety Equipment Comparison Table

Final Thoughts

Navigating the waters around New Zealand, whether for commercial operations, recreational fishing, or adventurous exploration, offers unparalleled experiences. However, the beauty and power of the sea demand our utmost respect and preparation. This detailed boat safety equipment checklist is more than just a list of items to tick off; it's a foundational framework for a culture of safety that should permeate every aspect of your maritime activities. Moving beyond simple compliance, a well-organised and thoroughly understood safety kit transforms from a regulatory burden into your most reliable crew member, one that stands ready to act when the unexpected occurs.

The items we’ve explored, from the humble whistle to the sophisticated EPIRB, each play a critical role in a layered safety system. Think of it not as a collection of individual tools, but as an interconnected network designed to prevent, manage, and resolve emergencies at sea. Your PFD is your personal lifeline, your VHF radio is your connection to immediate help, and your flares are your voice when all else is silent. Mastering the use of each piece of equipment is as crucial as having it on board. A flare that you can't operate in the dark or a fire extinguisher located in an inaccessible spot is of little use when seconds count.

From Checklist to Habit: Making Safety Second Nature

The true measure of a skipper’s proficiency isn't just their ability to handle a vessel in ideal conditions, but their readiness to manage a crisis effectively. This readiness is built on a foundation of preparation and practice. The real goal is to internalise this boat safety equipment checklist so that it becomes second nature.

Here are your actionable next steps to turn this knowledge into ingrained practice:

• Conduct a Full Vessel Audit: Don't wait for your next trip. This week, take this checklist and physically go through your vessel. Lay every piece of safety gear out on the deck or a pontoon. Check expiry dates on flares and fire extinguisher service tags. Inflate your life raft if it’s due for servicing. Test your bilge pumps, radios, and emergency lighting. This hands-on audit will reveal gaps you never knew you had.
  
• Create Customised "Grab Bag:": For smaller, more portable items, organise them into dedicated, waterproof "grab bags." You could have one for distress signals (flares, mirror, dye), another for first aid, and a third for communication and navigation backups (handheld VHF, portable GPS, power bank). Label them clearly and store them in an immediately accessible location.
  
• Schedule Regular Drills: Knowledge without practice is only half the solution. Once a quarter, run a "man overboard" drill. Practice making a distress call on your VHF radio (using the appropriate non-emergency channels for practice if needed). Have your crew locate and activate a fire extinguisher. These drills build muscle memory, ensuring that when adrenaline is high, your team’s response is calm, efficient, and correct.

The Broader Impact of Diligent Preparation

Ultimately, being diligent about your boat safety equipment is about more than just protecting yourself and your vessel. For commercial operators in fishing, tourism, or transport, it is a cornerstone of your professional responsibility and business reputation. It safeguards your crew, your clients, and your livelihood. For recreational boaties, it’s about ensuring that a day of adventure doesn’t turn into a tragedy that impacts your family and the volunteer services who may be called upon to rescue you.

Every trip you complete safely reinforces good habits and contributes to a safer maritime culture for everyone on the water. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you are fully prepared, with reliable and well-maintained equipment, allows you to focus on the task at hand or the sheer joy of being at sea. It’s an investment that pays the ultimate dividend: a safe return to harbour, every single time.

For those looking to equip their vessels with the most reliable and technologically advanced safety and communication systems, from EPIRBs to marine VHF radios, ensuring you have the right gear is paramount. Mobile Systems Limited offers a comprehensive range of high-quality marine electronics and safety equipment tailored for New Zealand's unique maritime conditions. Explore their solutions at Mobile Systems Limited to ensure your vessel is equipped to the highest standard.