The law has changed!
You dont need to RIP UP THE DECK!!
"Documenting built-in buoyancy (Buoyancy certificates)
General
What is really important is that the regulations require that owners be able to demonstrate to a surveyor, safety officer or any enforcement officer (SAPS, municipal police or other designated enforcement officer) that their vessel complies with the regulations which include the buoyancy standards.
As the provision of adequate buoyancy aboard small vessels is so important, it is very likely that owners arriving at any launch site may be asked to show that their vessels comply before being allowed to launch.
The only way to do this at short notice, without a great deal of trouble, is by carrying and producing the valid buoyancy certificate required by Annex 1 of the regulations."
"The form of the Buoyancy Certificate
Wherever issued by a SAMSA officer, there is a prescribed way of certifying the buoyancy. (Attached as Annex 5).
Note that the example would have to be modified for different situations, for example where the vessel is an inflatable, or has watertight subdivision (i.e. has ‘one compartment’ flooding capability), or has complied with the passenger vessel buoyancy and stability requirements. But the layout and relevant sections must be kept intact.
Where SAMSA officers or Authorised Agency safety officers and inspectors are faced with alternative documentation produced by other parties, the following principles must be applied to all forms of buoyancy certificate.
It must be clear who the issuer is, for instance the boat builder, private surveyor, safety officer, owner etc.
The vessel itself must be clearly identified by photograph, serial number or similar.
The basic dimensions and build details of the vessel must be included to aid the reader with not only identifying the vessel but also making it possible to detect any major alterations which may affect the validity of the certificate.
The quantity, type and distribution of buoyancy must be described in detail.
The net weight (light weight) of the vessel must be noted, as this is the best method of monitoring absorbency or water retention of either foam or bottles.
The certificate must attest to compliance with the requirements of regulation 6 and Annex 1 or conversely state exactly what is in fact being certified.
Any limitations, conclusions or comments must be clearly noted, especially when bottles are used as they have a limited lifespan."
See:
http://www.samsa.org.za/content/buoyancy-small-vessels
http://www.africanangler.com/sb_article.asp?id=62
