Independent guide: Commercial obligations are set by AMSA and your survey authority. This page is not regulatory advice.
Quick answer
Charter boats sail far more hours than private yachts, often with inexperienced crews, so furlers, halyards, winches and reefing systems wear quickly and rigs see more accidental loads. Operators need a documented inspection and replacement schedule that fits their obligations under the AMSA National System for Domestic Commercial Vessels, and records that prove it.
Charter-specific wear
- furlers unfurled and furled under load
- winches overridden and sheets burnt
- halyards over-tensioned or left slack
- reefing done late
- mooring and anchoring loads on bow fittings shared with forestay bridles
A fleet rigging programme
| Interval | Task |
|---|---|
| Every turnaround | Visual deck check, furler function, lines and pins |
| Monthly | Detailed deck-level inspection and running rigging review |
| Six-monthly | Inspection aloft |
| Annually | Professional inspection report for the safety management system |
| On condition / schedule | Standing rigging replacement, mast-out service |
Records
Operators should hold records for every boat: rig installation dates, inspection reports, defects and repairs. See rigging records.
Where charter fleets are
Australian charter fleets are concentrated in the Whitsundays, Sydney, Pittwater, Hobart and other cruising grounds, with Leopard and Lagoon catamarans and production monohulls such as Beneteau and Jeanneau common.
Frequently asked questions
Do charter yachts need a rigging survey in Australia?
Vessels operated commercially fall under the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety administered by AMSA, which may require survey and a safety management system depending on the vessel and operation. Rigging inspection and maintenance usually form part of that system. Check current AMSA requirements for your operation.