DUC Boating section:
DUC members of good standing are eligable to apply for DUC numbers for boats and jet skis (see Jet Ski conditions below) that will allow them to launch their DUC registered boats at the Vetch’s Beach Launch site without paying a launch fee. The launch site is controlled by the Durban Ski Boat Club (DSBC) but has to adhere to the Port Captain’s rules and regulations due to the proximity of the launch site to Africa’s busiest harbour entrance.
To apply for a DUC boat number the following is required:
* Current DUC membership
* In date and current Skippers ticket
* Proof of Boat Seaworthiness and that the form reflects that the boat owner is a DUC member.
For number allocation, please contact the DUC manager at the club during office hours or the DUC Boating Officer
Annual Boat Inspection dates and procedures:
Annual DUC Boat Inspections are usually held on the last weekend in November at DUC. The cost on the day is approx: R450.00 which includes the harbor permit if required. For inspections done outside of the allocated annual boat inspection weekend – you are welcome to take your boat to the DUC Boating Officer for inspection or make arrangements to meet him at DUC at a mutally arranged time but there will be an additional R150 levy for his time. The boat inspection fees that DUC sets for the annual boat inspection are calculated by the Boating Officer who will look at the costs involved (permit fees , registration with SAMSA authorized agency, etc) . The labour for the boat inspections on the inspection weekend is usually “donated” by the inspectors as a service to the club.
On the boat inspection day please proceed directly to the club office on arrival to:
* check current membership status
* complete the inspection and harbour permit forms
* make payment for inspection – proof of payment is required for the inspection can proceed.
Please ensure that all your safety equipment is in order and fire extinguishers in date. There is usually a fire extinguisher service available on the day. Should you require safety equipment lists for your category craft, please contact the DUC Boating Officer beforehand. You are also able to order new or missing equipment beforehand that can be delivered at the time of boat inspection if sufficient notice is given (7 days).
Harbour Permits
If you plan to use your boat in the harbour, harbour permit forms are required. These can be completed during the annual boat inspection in November each year, however the disc’s will only become available in April the following year as the validity period for harbour permits is from April to March. To apply for a harbour permit disc you will need to bring in a copy of your in date Certificate of Fitness for your boat so we can attach it the completed harbour permit application form.
Jet Ski’s
Only Jet ski’s equipped for fishing and are over 3m in length can use the launch facilities at DSBC base. Jet Ski numbers are obtained as per procedures outlined above.
Conditions of launching a Jet Ski are:
• That besides being longer than 3m in length, the ski is equipped for fishing
• That the jet skis will launch for the sole purpose of fishing
• No “joy riding” is permitted at any time – including wave jumping, erratic, fast maneuvers, etc
• If a jet ski owner wants to conduct the above maneuvers they must launch at Laguna Beach
• The skis must observe the “no wake” rule within Vetch’s reef – i.e proceed slowly and safely keeping a lookout for divers / swimmers.
• The skis must stay clear of the harbor mouth.
• That should these procedures / rules not be adhered to, the Port Captain is entitled to remove the launch rights for jet skis from Vetch’s.
Signing In and Out for launches and Radio checks
Both boats and Jet Ski’s are required to sign the launch register before heading out to sea. The register can be found on the table at the entrance to DSBC. The register must be completed in full with all details required entered – see regulations below.
Before launching, a radio check must be done with the control tower dury officer which is directly above the DSBC entrance. All craft are required to get permission to launch and beach from the control tower. Failure to do so will result in the DUC number being withdrawn without warning.
Marine radio frequencies: http://capespectrum.wordpress.com/vhf-marine-band/
The Merchant Shipping (National Small Vessel Safety) Regulations 2007,Regulation 12: Voyage Information
(1) Before a vessel goes to sea from a place in the republic, the owner and skipper must ensure that there is left behind, particulars in respect of-
(a) the identity of the vessel, including its name if any, official number, and or type or make;
(b) names of the occupants; and
(c) the intended place or places and expected times of departure and arrival.
(2) Where regulating authorities, authorized agencies or clubs affiliated to a governing body have implemented reporting mechanisms for sheltered waters or at harbours, fishing harbours and approved launch sites, owners and skippers must comply with those mechanisms instead of the requirements under sub-regulation (1)
In terms of the launch site permit issued for the purposes of operating a boat launch site issued in terms of Regulation 11 of the Regulations in terms of section 44 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998): Control of Vehicles in the Coastal Zone (Government Notice No. 1399) (“ORV Regulations”), as amended by National Environmental Management Act: Regulations: Amendment (Gazette 27066, Regulation Gazette 8113), 7 December 2004.
Permit Condition : 1.1.1 Launch Register:
1.1.1.1 All relevant users must complete the KZN Boat Launch and Catch Register, including commercial fishers, fishing skis and other paddle craft from which fish are caught.
1.1.1.2 The register shall be kept on site and be readily accessible.