Boat operators asked to stick to the rules

To promote safer boating on its rivers, the Kouga Municipality would like to call on the public to comply with all the relevant regulations that apply to boats and their operators.

According to Stanley Baartman, acting director: Community Services, there seems to be some confusion regarding boats with 15 hp engines due to the fact that there is an overlap of SAMSA requirements in respect of these boats.

"No COC (Certificate of Competence) is required to operate a boat with an engine of 15 hp, but the boat must be surveyed, display a marking (permanent registration number) and have on board all the safety equipment as do other category R boats," he said.

"Boats with engines of less than 15 hp need not be surveyed and registered or display a marking but 'shall have sufficient buoyancy to keep the vessel afloat when completely swamped' and carry the same safety equipment as other category R boats."`