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Safety at Sea

The Dar es Salaam Yacht Club encourages members to uphold their responsibility to ensure Safety at Sea by taking sensible safety precautions, carrying proper equipment and maintaining boats and equipment in a seaworthy condition.

The DYC Safety Committee falls under the chairmanship of the Rear Commodore Power reporting to the Main Committee and works as an advisory board on general safety issues for water sport activities. The purpose of the Safety Committee is to recommend to those members who go to sea in any vessel from the Club, the minimum safety equipment to be carried on board, and the radio procedures. In 2007, the Safety Committee developed a set of Safety Guidelines which suggests basic equipment requirements and outlays various safety guidelines to enhance awareness pertaining to safety at sea for all aquatic activities.

Boats leaving the ramp or moorings must be recorded on the ‘Sign In/Out’ register and checked back in on return at the Bosun Office. This requirement does not apply to those taking part in organised events where details are captured via entry forms. Whilst DYC does not accept responsibility for the safety of Members or their guests, it has a limited rescue capability within the Msasani Bay area during daylight hours. Members with power boats are also willing to assist with sea rescues, but this is entirely voluntary. Key points to remember:

  • A member needing a rescue can radio for assistance to the Bosun on Channel 9. In the absence of a radio, the Bosun on duty can be reached on +255 782 622188. Additional Bosun contact details can be obtained from the Sign Out & In Register and members are advised to keep these numbers handy.

  • Unless the rescue is part of a Club event members will be charged for any rescue by the Club.

  • Voluntary rescue will emphasise saving lives, not property. It is to be expected that on being rescued by a fellow Member, his expenses be defrayed by the person rescued.

Members must respect the no wake zone within the moorings. Failure to comply with the maximum five knots speed limit may incur a penalty fee. The Ramp and environs are naturally dangerous and swimming, fishing and playing is forbidden on or from the Ramp. There is a demarcated area in front of the beach for swimming, and members are advised to avoid swimming within the moorings.

Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA)

All boats should be registered with the Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA), and are required to undergo a survey in order to ascertain the seaworthiness of a vessel. Upon successful registration and compliance with SUMATRA seaworthy standards, the issued TDAR number should be displayed on the vessel. Surveys shall be conducted on:

  • The hull and machinery;

  • Equipment, including tackle and appurtenances;

  • Lifesaving, firefighting and other safety equipment;

  • Radiotelephony and radiotelegraphy installation; and

  • The stowage and manner of loading of cargo and the stowage of dangerous cargo.

Information regarding SUMATRA, the contacts and necessary forms are available at the DYC Office. It should be noted that the responsibly to ensure registration and compliance to SUMATRA regulations lies with the member.

Other useful links:

  • Tanzania Sea Rescue – a volunteer operation based on emergency response (search and rescue) paired with prevention.

  • The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) – an international maritime treaty which requires Signatory flag states to ensure that ships flagged by them comply with minimum safety standards in construction, equipment and operation.