Product Overview

Summary: This Boat Launching and Recovery Safe Operating Procedure sets out a safe, step-by-step method for moving vessels between land and water using ramps, trailers, winches and associated equipment. It helps Australian workplaces control the significant risks around slipways and boat ramps, protect workers and the public, and demonstrate compliance with WHS obligations in marine and aquatic environments.

Launching and recovering boats involves a complex interaction of vehicles, trailers, winches, moving vessels, tides and weather conditions, often in crowded public spaces. Without a clear procedure, workers and volunteers are exposed to hazards such as slips on wet ramps, crush injuries between vessels and structures, vehicle roll-aways, and incidents involving members of the public. This Boat Launching and Recovery Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, repeatable method to manage these risks every time a vessel is moved to or from the water.

Developed for Australian marinas, boatyards, councils, clubs and commercial operators, this SOP details how to plan the task, assess ramp and weather conditions, communicate with skippers and crew, and safely operate vehicles, trailers and winching equipment. It clarifies roles, sets out mandatory PPE, and integrates WHS requirements with practical, on-the-ground controls such as traffic management, exclusion zones and spotters. By standardising your approach to launching and recovery, you not only reduce the likelihood of incidents and damage to vessels, but also provide clear evidence that your organisation is meeting its duty of care under Australian WHS legislation.

This document is particularly valuable for organisations that rely on mixed workforces—including casual staff, volunteers and seasonal workers—where consistency can be a challenge. It supports onboarding and refresher training, aligns with relevant Australian Standards and marine safety expectations, and helps you embed a culture of safe, efficient boat handling across your operation.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of crush, slip and vehicle-related incidents during boat launching and recovery operations.
• Ensure consistent, defensible work practices that align with Australian WHS legislation and marine safety expectations.
• Standardise training for staff and volunteers, reducing reliance on informal or ad-hoc methods.
• Protect vessels, trailers and equipment from avoidable damage through clear, step-by-step handling procedures.
• Improve efficiency at ramps and slipways by defining roles, communication protocols and traffic management controls.

Who is this for?

• Marina Managers
• Boatyard and Slipway Supervisors
• Commercial Skippers and Coxswains
• Marine Operations Managers
• Council and Parks Boat Ramp Operators
• Aquaculture Site Managers
• Rescue and Patrol Boat Coordinators
• WHS Managers in Marine and Maritime Operations
• Recreational Boating Club Committees
• Maintenance and Yard Crew Leaders

Hazards Addressed

• Slips, trips and falls on wet, algae-covered or uneven boat ramps and slipways
• Crush injuries between vessels, trailers, pylons, pontoons and other structures
• Vehicle roll-away or loss of control on steep or slippery ramps
• Drowning or immersion incidents when working near the water’s edge
• Struck-by hazards from moving vehicles, trailers and vessels
• Winch, cable or strap failure leading to sudden release of loads
• Manual handling injuries from pushing, pulling or lifting boats and equipment
• Exposure to adverse weather, strong currents, tides and waves during launching or recovery
• Public interface risks at shared ramps, including bystander entry into exclusion zones
• Noise and visibility issues during early morning, night or poor weather operations

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Vessel, Ramp, Slipway, Spotter, Skipper, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Skipper, Vehicle Operator, Spotter, Supervisor)
• 4.0 Competency, Induction and Training Requirements
• 5.0 Required PPE and Safety Equipment
• 6.0 Plant, Vehicles and Equipment (Trailers, Winches, Tow Vehicles, Chocks)
• 7.0 Pre-Launch Planning and Risk Assessment
• 8.0 Site and Environmental Assessment (Tide, Weather, Ramp Condition, Traffic)
• 9.0 Traffic Management and Public Safety Controls
• 10.0 Communication Protocols and Hand Signals
• 11.0 Step-by-Step Procedure – Boat Launching
• 12.0 Step-by-Step Procedure – Boat Recovery
• 13.0 Working Near Water and Drowning Risk Controls
• 14.0 Manual Handling and Use of Mechanical Aids
• 15.0 Winch, Cable and Strap Use and Inspection
• 16.0 Emergency Procedures (Person Overboard, Vehicle Roll-away, Equipment Failure)
• 17.0 Incident Reporting and Corrective Actions
• 18.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Housekeeping Requirements
• 19.0 Document Control, Review and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• AS 1742.3: Manual of uniform traffic control devices – Traffic control for works on roads (for ramp and access traffic management)
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices (where harness systems are used near water edges)
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment (for powered winches and associated equipment)
• Relevant state and territory marine safety legislation and guidelines (e.g. Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines