Requirements for the safety equipment to be carried on board recreational boats in various waters are issued by State and Territory Marine Safety Agencies. NMSC's role is to support the State and Territory agencies by providing access to useful information that applies nationally. This includes information relating to navigation lights, EPIRBs and PFDs.

The national standards and guidelines developed through NMSC provide a template to assist State and Territory Marine Safety Agencies in formulating local safety equipment requirements. Because conditions vary markedly around Australia and other local factors come into play, the equipment to be carried and the circumstances under which PFDs must be worn are not identical around Australia. Boaters should consult their local Marine Safety Agency for the safety equipment requirements applying in their State or Territory.