SAMSA Jetski Annual COF Checklist (Category D & E)

Introduction: Don’t Get Turned Away at the Launch Site

Passing your SAMSA Jetski Annual COF isn’t just about avoiding a SAMSA Surveyor Passing or Failing your Jetski; it’s about making sure you come home safely to your family when a launch goes wrong out at sea. Below is Category D & E Information.

• Every year, jetski anglers lose valuable fishing days because of expired flares, incorrect safety gear, or missing paperwork at their annual Certificate of Fitness (COF) inspection. Aim to have everything prepared and ready. You can download a Checklist
• Simplify the SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) regulations so you pass your inspection on the first attempt. Make sure the perishable items like Flares and Fire Extinguisher are up to date.
• We have all the required items if you need them. Check out our Online Store

Category E vs. Category D: What’s the Difference?

Breakdown:

• Category E: Vessels operating up to 1 nautical mile (1.85 km) from shore.
• Category D: Vessels operating up to 5 nautical miles (9.26 km) from shore.

Why it matters: Category D requires additional safety gear (like a fixed VHF radio instead of just a handheld, and different flare requirements as well as other items . You can see the full lists here).

The Core SAMSA Jetski Safety Equipment Checklist

These are some of the Safety Items required below. Full lists are HERE

Approved PFDs (Life Jackets): 1x Level 100 Minimum per person (SAMSA approved). Skipper can wear a PFD Level 50 in the surf zone especially.

The Capsize Bottle: Must be a highly visible Yellow Safety Capsize Bottle, waterproof, airtight, and secured to the ski via an elastic tie-down

🛒 Shop Safety Bottle

Emergency Drinking Water: Minimum 1 liter per person (must be sealed/unopened or specialized emergency water packets).

🛒 Shop Emergency Water ps Any water is ok in South africa

Orange ID Sheet / Signaling Sheet: Minimum 1m x 1m with a black “V” or “IV” or plain high-vis orange to signal for aerial rescue.

🛒 Shop Orange ID Sheet

First Aid Kit: Complete SAMSA-compliant medical kit in a waterproof container (check expiry dates on bandages/antiseptics).

🛒 Shop First Aid Kid

Anchor, Chain, and Rope: Correctly weighted anchor for your ski, with chain and at least 50m of marine-grade rope.

🛒 Shop Anchor

Tow Line: Minimum 10m of suitable tow rope.

🛒 Shop Throw Bag

Fire Extinguisher: 1x 1.5kg Dry Powder extinguisher SAMSA Approved(must be serviced annually with a valid service label).

🛒 Shop Fire Extinguisher

Secondary Propulsion: A heavy-duty collapsible paddle or oar securely strapped to the side.

🛒 Shop Paddle

Remember to check out our online store to replace expired or missing safety gear items before booking your next COF or trip to Mozambique.

Pyrotechnics (Flares) & Communications (Where Most Guys Fail the COF)

The Flare Kit: Ensure they are not expired (flares have a strict 3-year lifespan from manufacture).

• Category E Requirements: 1x Red Hand Flares, 1x Pencil Flare Kit.
• Category D Requirements: 2x Red Hand Flares, 1x Smoke Marker, 2x Parachute Rocket Flares.

Marine Radio Requirements:

• VHF Radios. 25w Fixed Mount Jetski VHF Radios are required on CAT D Jestskis and Handheld VHF Radios are accepted at most Launch Sites for Cat E Jetskis. We would always recommend checking Launch Site Requirements before you travel. Unfortunately relying solely on a cell phone in a Waterproof Pouch although very practical won’t cut it for a SAMSA Surveyor or appointed agent.

Essential Vessel Markings & Safety Equipment Markings

Approved Numbering: Your approved SADSAA or local club registration numbers must be clearly visible on both sides of the hull 75mm high, highly visible colour contrast. and above the water line!).

🛒 Maintenance Is the key to passing your annual COF and making sure you don’t break down on the water by doing an Annual Service at the same time…

Required Paperwork to Bring to Your Appointed Surveyer

Valid Skippers Licence (Certificate of Competence) Matching the category or above (E or D

🎓 Course Internal Link: Jetski Skippers Course South Africa / Jetski Fishing Clinics for guys who need to ctch a few more fish..

Your VHF Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate Short Range Certificate (SRC).

Proof of current boat club membership paid up subs & a Letter of Good Standing (e.g., Umkomaas Skiboat Club and you can have a W Number).

Previous year’s COF certificate (if you have available)

Buoyancy Certificate for the vessel (must be issued by a manufacturer or surveyor).

Summary

Passing your annual COF isn’t just about getting a piece of paper; it’s about making sure you come home safely to your family when a launch goes wrong out at sea.

Why not check out our online store to replace expired or missing safety gear items before booking their annual inspection slot.