Waterproof and Floating Torches for Boats: Australian Safety Guide

A reliable torch is one of the simplest pieces of safety equipment to keep on a boat. It can help you inspect the engine bay, find equipment after dark, illuminate navigation hazards or signal for assistance. For marine use, however, an ordinary household torch is not the best choice. Water resistance, buoyancy, beam distance, runtime and accessible storage all matter.

This guide explains when a waterproof buoyant torch may be required, why Australian boating rules must be checked by state or territory, and which Perfect Image models suit different jobs on recreational boats.

Is a waterproof floating torch legally required on every recreational vessel in Australia?

There is no single national rule stating that every recreational vessel must carry a waterproof floating torch in every circumstance. Recreational boating safety equipment is regulated by state and territory authorities, and the requirements can depend on the vessel type, operating area and time of operation.

In Victoria, the official safety-equipment checklist for powerboats specifies one waterproof buoyant torch for inland waters, enclosed waters, coastal inshore waters and coastal offshore waters. Victorian personal watercraft, including jet skis, must also carry a waterproof buoyant torch. See the Safe Transport Victoria powerboat checklist.

Requirements elsewhere can differ. Western Australia, for example, currently includes a torch among its recommended general safety equipment rather than presenting it as a universal carriage requirement for every recreational vessel. See Transport WA’s current guidance.

Before going on the water, check the latest requirements published by the maritime authority in the state or territory where the vessel will operate. This article is general information and does not replace the applicable legislation, safety handbook or directions from maritime authorities.

Why choose a waterproof buoyant torch for a boat?

It can be recovered if dropped

A buoyant torch is designed to remain at the surface rather than sink immediately. This is especially valuable when working near the gunwale, launching at night or using a torch from a small craft or personal watercraft.

It is better suited to spray and wet storage

Marine equipment is exposed to rain, spray, wet hands and damp compartments. A suitable water-ingress rating provides more useful information than a general claim such as “weather resistant.” Always check the product rating and instructions.

It can assist with emergency signalling

A bright beam or SOS/strobe mode can help attract attention, but a torch is not a replacement for required distress equipment such as flares, an approved electronic visual distress signal, EPIRB, PLB or marine radio.

It supports everyday tasks

A marine torch is useful for checking lines, locating markers, inspecting the deck, reading equipment, finding items in storage compartments and assisting with loading or launching after dark.

Waterproof does not always mean floating

These terms describe different features:

• Water resistant or waterproof: describes the product’s resistance to water ingress under stated conditions.
• Floating or buoyant: means the product is designed to remain at the surface if dropped in water.

A waterproof spotlight is not automatically buoyant. If a local rule specifies a waterproof buoyant torch, use a model that is expressly described as floating or buoyant. A powerful waterproof spotlight can be carried as an additional working light, but it should not be assumed to replace the required buoyant torch.

What to look for in a marine torch or spotlight

• Buoyancy: essential where the equipment requirement specifies a buoyant torch.
• Ingress rating: check the IP rating and manufacturer’s conditions.
• Beam distance: a longer beam helps illuminate markers, shorelines and distant objects.
• Low-output mode: useful for close work without excessive glare.
• SOS or strobe mode: useful as an additional attention signal.
• Runtime: compare runtime at the output level you expect to use.
• Battery type: decide between replaceable batteries and rechargeable models.
• Grip and lanyard: a secure handle and wrist strap reduce the chance of dropping the light.
• Accessible storage: safety equipment should be easy to reach, not buried beneath other gear.

Perfect Image floating torches for boats

HHSPT-300B Floating Marine Spotlight

The HHSPT-300B Floating Marine Spotlight is designed for boaters who want a buoyant handheld light with a longer spotlight-style beam.

• High mode: up to 300 lumens
• Low mode: up to 150 lumens
• SOS mode: up to 250 lumens
• Beam distance: up to 350 metres on high
• Runtime: up to 4 hours on high, 9 hours on low and 24 hours on SOS
• IP67 water-resistance rating
• Rubber-grip handle, wrist strap and whistle
• Three AA alkaline batteries included

This model is the most directly aligned with situations where a floating marine torch is required or preferred. Availability and pricing should be confirmed before ordering.

HHWFT Floating Waterproof Torch

The HHWFT Floating Waterproof Torch is a compact buoyant option suited to storage in a boat safety kit.

• High mode: up to 140 lumens
• Low mode: up to 40 lumens
• Strobe mode
• Runtime: up to 9 hours on high and 24 hours on low or strobe
• Three AA alkaline batteries included

Its replaceable-battery design makes it easy to keep spare batteries on board. Availability and pricing should be confirmed before ordering.

Perfect Image waterproof spotlights for additional marine lighting

The following models provide higher output and longer beam distances. They are useful working lights for boats, but their current product specifications do not state that they float. They should therefore be treated as additional waterproof or water-resistant spotlights—not automatic replacements for a required buoyant torch.

HHSPT-3000-R Rechargeable Waterproof Marine Spotlight

The HHSPT-3000-R combines a powerful spotlight with an area lantern.

• Turbo output: up to 3,000 lumens
• Spotlight beam: up to 420 metres
• Four spotlight output levels
• Three area-light output levels
• 5,000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Up to 10 hours on the spotlight’s low mode
• Up to 20 hours on the area light’s low mode
• USB-C charging cord and lanyard included

This is a strong choice for locating distant objects, illuminating a ramp or jetty, or providing area lighting around the deck.

HHSPT-1500R Waterproof Marine Spotlight

The HHSPT-1500R provides up to 1,500 lumens and a beam distance of up to 500 metres.

• High, low and SOS modes
• Up to 6 hours on high and 10 hours on low
• IP67 water-resistance rating
• 240V AC and 12V DC chargers included
• Direct 12V DC socket for continuous operation

P1600 Rechargeable Waterproof Spotlight

The P1600 offers up to 1,600 lumens and a beam distance of up to 600 metres.

• High, low and SOS modes
• Up to 8 hours on high and 16 hours on low
• IP66 water-resistance rating
• Red and green filter lenses included
• Tripod-mount fitting
• 240V AC USB and 12V DC chargers included
• Direct 12V DC socket for continuous operation

A sensible two-light setup for a boat

For many recreational boat owners, the most practical arrangement is:

1. A dedicated waterproof buoyant torch kept in an accessible safety-equipment location; and
2. A higher-powered waterproof spotlight for distance viewing, deck work, launching and general use.

This provides a recoverable emergency torch while also giving the boat operator the output and beam distance needed for routine marine tasks.

Before every trip

• Confirm the safety-equipment rules for your vessel and operating area.
• Test the torch and every output mode.
• Check seals, the lens, switches and battery compartment for damage.
• Charge rechargeable lights fully.
• Carry fresh approved spare batteries where appropriate.
• Store the torch where it can be reached quickly.
• Ensure everyone on board knows where the safety equipment is located.

Frequently asked questions

Does every recreational boat in Australia legally require a floating torch?

No single national rule applies to every vessel and circumstance. Requirements vary between states and territories and can depend on the vessel and operating area. Victoria requires a waterproof buoyant torch for powerboats across its listed water categories. Always check the current local rules.

Can a waterproof spotlight replace a waterproof buoyant torch?

Only if it meets the exact equipment requirement. A waterproof product is not necessarily buoyant. If the rule specifies a waterproof buoyant torch, the product should be expressly designed and identified as floating or buoyant.

Is an SOS mode the same as an approved distress signal?

No. An SOS or strobe mode may help attract attention, but it does not replace flares, an approved electronic visual distress signal, an EPIRB, PLB or radio where those items are required.

Should batteries be left in the torch?

The torch needs to be ready for use, but batteries and contacts should be inspected regularly for leakage or corrosion. Follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions and carry suitable spares.

Explore the Perfect Image marine range or contact us for help selecting a floating safety torch and a high-output waterproof spotlight for your boat.