From 21 October 2024, the legislation defining the new mandatory safety equipment on board motor vessels came into force. Let's see what changes for the yachtsman and how you can get in compliance on the safety front.

Since when are new on-board equipment mandatory?

It must be underlined that the decree provides for two deadlines: some of the provisions contained in the new Regulation come into force immediately, while others have a year to adapt.

Black ball, now mandatory in Italy too

The Black Ball to be shown when at anchor officially enters the safety equipment table. In reality this is not really new, as it was already foreseen by the International Regulations to Prevent Collisions at Sea (Colreg). However, it was often "forgotten" by boaters. So instead it becomes to all intents and purposes mandatory for all units (including rental ones) that exceed 7 meters in length and sail within one mile of the coast.

Life jackets, what changes

Some new features regarding life jackets are also immediately implemented. First of all, they lose the old “life belts” nomenclature, putting an end to possible misunderstandings. The life jackets must have the duration of validity established by the manufacturer stamped on them and must bear the initials and registration number of the boat or its identification number registered in the Central Telematic Archive of Pleasure Craft (ATCN). It therefore becomes more complicated to move them from one unit to another.

Furthermore, for life jackets of any type, both foam and inflatable, the obligation to equip them with an Automatic Activation Light has been introduced, an accessory that is already present on high-end self-inflating life jackets normally used for navigation or offshore racing.

The new regulation also prescribes for the first time when it is mandatory to wear a life jacket, specifying that "the life jacket must always be worn at night when sailing alone". Finally, the obligation to wear a personal flotation device (minimum 50 Newton) also extends to those who sail on sailing dinghies, regardless of the distance from the coast. Previously it was only intended for windsurfers, kiters and jet ski pilots (including passengers).

Visual cues table

The Table of Daytime and Nighttime Visual Signals of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (Colreg) must also be placed on board all boats and vessels sailing within 12 miles of the coast (including those rented).

Sounder

The sounder which can be electronic or manual and in the latter case must reach a depth of at least 20 meters is added to the mandatory equipment of all units sailing beyond 12 miles from the coast. For rental units, the sounder must always be on board, regardless of the distance from the coast, and if manual, it must reach a depth of up to 25 meters

Life raft, concessions

The new Regulation provides in some cases the possibility for the boater to choose which safety device to take on board. One of these is the Life Raft. The discounts are different depending on the navigation distance.

– Over 12 miles: pleasure craft that sail beyond 12 miles from the coast but within the “SAR” (Search and Rescue) zone, i.e. the one directly monitored by Coast Guard patrol boats, if equipped with a geolocalisation device (Epirb or satellite phone with distress call), can embark on the coastal raft, instead of the current ocean raft. Significant advantage in terms of dimensions, weights and last but not least, costs.

– Within 12 miles: the coastal raft, for those sailing within 12 miles, can in turn be replaced with an inflatable boat as long as it is CE marked (2.5 meters long) and complies with standards UNI EN ISO 6185. The service boat must also be approved to take on board all people on board and equipped with an ascent device (ladder) and survival kit provided for the raft coast of the same magnitude. Furthermore, the boat in question must be positioned on the boat deck, inflated, not upside down and ready for a quick and manual launch.

Epirb and on-board compass: what changes

Also included in the policy of equalization between devices and choice for boaters on what to take on board are the EPIRB and the on-board compass. The Epirb can now also be replaced by a satellite telephone, provided it is equipped with a device to send distress messages to the IMRCC, i.e. the National Sea Rescue Center of the Coast Guard, as well as compliant with a series of standards indicated in the table of equipment.

The same goes for the traditional magnetic compass which can be replaced with an electronic compass. It is also envisaged that the compass deviation tables of boats must be updated only in the event of modification of the equipment or structures that may produce electromagnetic differentials.

Lifebuoy, Clock and Sound Signals

Some updates of the new 2024 Nautical Regulations also concern lifebuoys, the clock and sound signals.

– Lifebuoy: the obligation to have a lifebuoy with rope on board moves to navigation beyond 1 mile from the coast while previously it was expected starting from 300 meters from the coast.

– Watch: the obligation to have one on board, until now foreseen from beyond 12 miles from the coast, extends to those who sail beyond 6 miles from the coast.

– Horns and sound signals: from the new safety equipment the item “sound signaling devices” disappears, replaced by that of “Whistle and Bell” (for units over 12 meters in length)”. The latter are mandatory for navigation from more than 1 mile from the coast. The bell can be replaced by a portable sound device.

Recommended and additional equipment

For the first time, the new Nautical Regulations, in addition to the mandatory minimum equipment, indicates further "recommended" equipment for boats and pleasure boats. Among these are:

– A suitable rope for towing the unit;

– At least 4 mooring lines;

– A second anchor for unlimited navigation from the coast;

– An additional lifebuoy or floating “man overboard” recovery system and safety equipment stowage table, for navigation beyond 6 miles from the coast;

– An alarm and/or man overboard tracking system for navigation beyond 12 miles;

– An additional magnetic compass (if there is an electronic compass on board)

– Additional VHF, also portable, for unlimited navigation.

Make Sure You Are Prepared

At Nautica Bibione, we offer raft overhaul services, specialized consultancy and updates to help you comply with all current regulations. We can assist you in adapting your boat, ensuring that every equipment complies with the required standards.

Our team is available to carry out comprehensive checks of your equipment, ensuring that you can sail safely and properly.

Don't wait any longer to upgrade your equipment!

Contact us today to receive detailed information or book a personalized check-up