✅ South African Boat COF Checklist (Pleasure Craft – Category R & E)


📅 Annual Renewal

  • [ ] COF valid for 12 months
  • [ ] Inspection by SAMSA or authorized agent

  • 📄 Required Documents
  • [ ] Skipper’s license (valid)
  • [ ] Buoyancy certificate (30% for Cat R, 60% for Cat E)
  • [ ] Previous COF (if renewing)
  • [ ] Proof of ownership
  • [ ] ID or passport

  • 🛟 Safety Equipment
  • [ ] Life jackets (one per person, with whistle, reflector, and boat name)
  • [ ] Fire extinguisher (serviced)
  • [ ] Sea anchor with hawser and tripping line
  • [ ] Kill switch (for each motor)
  • [ ] Emergency steering (if no tiller arm)
  • [ ] First aid kit
  • [ ] Sound signaling device (horn or whistle)

  • 🚩 Flags & Signals
  • [ ] Red flag (skiing)
  • [ ] “A” flag (divers)
  • [ ] “V” flag (distress)

  • 📦 Capsize Bottle (Cat E and above)
  • [ ] COF certificate
  • [ ] Buoyancy certificate
  • [ ] Emergency flares
  • [ ] Emergency contact info
  • [ ] Waterproof container, secured to bow

  • 📻 Radio Requirements
  • [ ] Cat R: Not required
  • [ ] Cat E: 29MHz radio
  • [ ] Cat D and above: VHF radio

  • ⛽ Fuel System
  • [ ] Approved fuel tanks (steel, stainless steel, or HDPF plastic)
  • [ ] No leaks or corrosion

💡 Tip: Keep a laminated copy of this checklist on your boat or in your print shop for skippers doing pre-inspection prep.