Compulsory safety equipment for boats in Switzerland: full guide

Safety on Swiss lakes, an absolute priority

Navigation on Swiss lakes is governed by strict regulations designed to ensure the safety of all users. The Ordinance on Inland Navigation (ONI) precisely defines the equipment that must be carried on board each boat. This guide covers all the equipment required by Swiss law, the particularities of the cantons to be aware of, and advice on choosing equipment that is compliant and durable.

Compulsory safety equipment: the legal basis

National legal framework

In Switzerland, compulsory safety equipment is mainly defined by :

• The Inland Navigation Ordinance (ONI)
• The Ordinance on Exhaust Gas Regulations for Marine Engines
• Directives issued by the Federal Office of Transport

Requirements vary according to :

• Type of boat (motorboat, sailboat, inflatable boat)
• The size of the boat
• The navigation zone (distance from the shore)

Controls and penalties

Failure to comply with safety equipment requirements may result in :

• Fines ranging from CHF 100 to CHF 1,000
• Immobilisation of the boat
• In serious cases, the navigation licence may be withdrawn

Complete list of compulsory equipment by type of boat

1. For all boats (motor, sail, inflatable)

Bailing and rescue equipment

2. Special features for motorboats

Navigation and signalling equipment

3. Special features for sailing boats

Specific navigation equipment

Cantonal specificities: additional requirements

Lake Geneva (VD, GE, VS)

The International Commission for Navigation on Lake Geneva requires :

• Specific lifejackets (100N minimum)
• A first aid kit for passenger boats
• Distress flares for navigation more than 300m from the shoreline

Lake Neuchâtel (NE, VD, FR)

Additional requirements:

• 20m floating jet line for sailing boats
• Boarding ladder compulsory for all boats

Lake Zurich (ZH)

Special features:

• First aid kit compulsory for all boats
• Waterproof lamp required for twilight navigation

Recommended but not compulsory equipment

For optimum security, experts recommend adding :

1. Portable VHF (particularly useful on large lakes)
2. First aid kit complete
3. Survival blanket
4. GPS or navigation application
5. A change of warm clothing (hypothermia is a real danger even in summer)
6. Safety knife quickly accessible
7. Climbing ladder (compulsory in certain cantons only)

Where can I buy compliant equipment in Switzerland?

Specialist retailers

Certified nautical retailers guarantee equipment that complies with Swiss standards:

• French-speaking Switzerland Marine Pool (Geneva), Bucher + Walt (St-Blaise), Amiguet Marine (Lausanne)
• German-speaking Switzerland Bucher + Walt (Volketswil), Compass24, MarineCenter (Zurich)
• Ticino Nautica Bossi (Lugano), Cantiere Nautico Pippo (Caslano)

Points to watch when buying

Be careful when shopping online or abroad:

• Always check compliance with Swiss standards (not just CE)
• Make sure your equipment is suitable for freshwater navigation
• Check expiry dates (inflatable waistcoats, rockets, fire extinguishers)

Maintenance of safety equipment

Regular checks recommended

New technologies and connected equipment

Technological developments offer new security solutions:

1. Personal AIS beacons : for precise location in the event of a fall into the water
2. Smartphone applications to alert emergency services with geolocation
3. Connected wristbands : triggers an alarm in the event of a fall into the water
4. Automatic trigger waistcoats swell instantly on contact with water

Expert advice : "Connected equipment is an excellent complement, but it can never replace traditional mandatory equipment. Technology can fail, but a well-maintained lifejacket remains reliable." - Swiss Sailing Instructors Association

What should I do if I have a water audit?

Checks by the lake police are frequent in Switzerland. In the event of a check :

1. Reduce your speed and stop your boat
2. Prepare your documents (navigation and driving licences)
3. Facilitate access to safety equipment
4. Remain courteous and cooperative

For minor offences, a warning may be issued. For serious safety breaches, an immediate fine is usually imposed.

Conclusion: safety, a necessary investment

Investing in high-quality safety equipment is not just a legal obligation, it's above all a guarantee of peace of mind when sailing on the magnificent Swiss lakes. The sometimes capricious weather and rapidly changing conditions fully justify these requirements.

As the national prevention campaign reminds us: "On the water, safety is a top priority". Complete, well-maintained equipment can make the difference between a minor incident and a tragedy.

FAQ : Safety equipment for boats in Switzerland

Does equipment purchased in the EU comply with Swiss requirements?
Not automatically. Check that the equipment complies specifically with Swiss standards, which may be stricter than European standards.

How often should lifejackets be checked?
Automatic inflatable waistcoats should be checked annually and the CO2 cartridge replaced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations (generally every 3 years).

Can I be penalised if my equipment is present but not easily accessible?
Yes, the safety equipment must not only be on board, but also rapidly accessible in the event of an emergency.

What is the legal lifespan of a fire extinguisher on a boat in Switzerland?
Although the extinguisher itself may last longer, it is compulsory for it to be checked every two years by a professional, and replaced if necessary.

Do children actually have to wear their lifejackets or is it enough to have them on board?
In most cantons, children under the age of 12 must actually wear their lifejacket when the boat is in motion, not just have it available.