New rules for boat operators

PLEASURE boats with engines stronger than 15hp will not be allowed to operate on Kouga rivers from August 8, 2009, unless they have a Certificate of Competence (COC) and Certificate of Fitness (COF).

According to Stanley Baartman, manager:Protection Services at the Kouga Municipality, “operators of pleasure boats with engines over 15 hp operating on inland waters already know SAMSA regulations have required them since March 1, 2009, to be in possession of a COC (Certificate of Competence)”.

“From August 8, 2009, said boats may also not operate unless surveyed by an accredited safety officer to ensure compliance with buoyancy and other safety requirements and will only be registered for Kouga rivers on presentation of a valid COF.”

He said these surveys would have to done annually.

“Other boats need not be surveyed, but must at least have a paddle or oars, one lifejacket per person, a suitable anchor and a bailing bucket on board.”

He said to avoid confusion boat registrations for the 2009 – 2010 season would not not begin on July 1, as usual, but on August 8.