University guideline for boats and boating activities

Introduction

Flinders University is committed to ensuring that staff and students engaging in boating activities have received all requisite training, are aware of the potential hazards involved in such activities and follow established procedures.

The Marine Group of Transport SA is currently reviewing the Regulations in relation to survey and training requirements for Class 2 vessels and is exploring the possibility of specifying restricted Class 2C vessels for use by various organisations, including educational institutions and Government Departments.

These Guidelines were compiled by the OH&S Unit in consultation with Faculty of Science and Engineering staff who have specific involvement with University boats and boating. Those staff have been involved in discussions with the Marine Group of Transport SA. When the Marine Group provides further advice we will be able to compile more detailed guidelines, and wider consultation (with the Faculty OH&S Committee) will be employed at that stage.

Until further advice is received from the Marine Group of Transport SA the following Guidelines will apply.

Academic Organisational Unit Rules

1. Any Academic Organisational Unit (AOU) that organises boating activities must establish local rules to ensure the safety of all participants.

2. The rules must be clearly documented and available to all participants.

3. The Head of AOU has the ultimate responsibility to approve particular boating activities.

4. Where an AOU has staff members who are qualified at Coxswain level or higher it is recommended that the Head of AOU designate one of those staff members as the Boating Liaison Officer.

   Note: a Coxswain is a person who holds a Certificate of Competency in accordance with Part 7 of the Harbors and Navigation Act (1993) and the associated Regulations, and Part 3, Section 2 of the Uniform Shipping Laws Code.

5. Where an AOU does not have staff members qualified as Coxswains another staff member may be designated as the Boating Liaison Officer.

Boating Liaison Officer

1. The Boating Liaison Officer will:

   1.1 coordinate any boats/boating meetings that are required within the School;

   1.2 ensure that Faculty/School procedures for boats and boating activities are prepared in consultation with relevant staff;

   1.3 ensure that all required Checklists and Forms (such as survey documents and registration papers) are completed;

   1.4 provide a brief annual status report to OH&S Committees of the School and Faculty and a copy to the Head of the OH&S Unit;

2. Staff and students should seek advice from the Boating Liaison Officer regarding all matters relating to boating in their School.

Topic Coordinator

1. A staff member designated by the Executive Dean of Faculty as 'topic' coordinator is fully responsible for planning and coordinating the topic, and for ensuring its appropriate assessment, in consultation with the Head of Faculty, School, Discipline or Centre, who has the final responsibility. Coordination may include arranging for the use of physical facilities, resources and inputs from other staff.

   (Reference: Flinders University Policy regarding Topic Coordination by Level A Staff.)

2. In each AOU involved in boating activities the relevant topic coordinator(s) must counsel students with regard to the following matters, amongst other things:

   2.1 their ability to swim;

   2.2 their comfort with specific tasks.

3. If counselling reveals difficulties with any matters the topic coordinator must ensure that consideration is given to the option of alternate arrangements being made within educational equity guidelines.

Supervisors and staff

1. Supervisors must ensure that all staff are aware that:

   1.1 they have an obligation under Section 21 of the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act (1986) to take reasonable care to "avoid adversely affecting the health or safety of any other person through an act or omission at work";

   1.2 neglect of the above duty may result in a negligence action and may also constitute a breach of the Act;

   1.3 all persons undertaking boating activities have obligations under the The Harbors and Navigation Act, 1993 and The Harbors and Navigation Regulations, 1994.

2. All staff involved in boating activities must ensure that they follow all relevant Legislation, Guidelines, Procedures and Rules.

Supervisors and students

1. Supervisors must ensure that all students are aware that:

   1.1 they have an obligation under Section 25 of the Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act, 1986, to not "(a) misuse or damage anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare; or (b) place at risk the health or safety of any other person while that person is at work";

   1.2 neglect of the above duty may result in a negligence action and may also constitute a breach of the Act;

   1.3 all persons undertaking boating activities have obligations under the The Harbors and Navigation Act, 1993 and The Harbors and Navigation Regulations, 1994.

2. All students involved in boating activities must ensure that they follow all relevant Legislation, Guidelines, Procedures and Rules.

On-line information relating to this topic

University Statutes: see Statute 6.4 (6)
The Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act, 1986:
The Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations, 1995:
The Harbors and Navigation Act, 1993
The Harbors and Navigation Regulations, 1994:
University Policy regarding Topic Coordination by Level A staff
University Field Trip Guidelines

 

Last updated: 8 March 2007