The Small Craft Safety (SCS) component of the project was charged with developing safety initiatives for small craft with the specific aim of reducing casualties incurred by frequent boating accidents, many of which have resulted in preventable and multiple loss of lives to young and old alike.

Some of the initiatives being undertaken by the SCS component in conjunction with the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) are described below, in no particular order.

• Small Craft Safety Bill: Assistance and Technical input in drafting of the “Small Craft Safety Bill” and particularly the Technical and Safety Equipment Schedules annexed to the Small Craft Safety Bill. This component is still ongoing.
• Publications: Small Craft Safety: The CWTP Small Craft Safety component has also been working in conjunction with the NMSA in developing and assisting with the production of boating safety publications, safety posters and brochures of various types all related to promoting safety awareness, not only for boat owners and operators but also for the travelling public who generally suffer the highest loss of life in boating accidents. One of the major boating safety publications developed is “Basic Boating Safety in PNG Waters” which is in full colour. Also included as one of the publications is a laminated shirt pocket size card with a chart giving fuel consumption figures for trips of varying duration and common types of outboard engines in PNG. This should help prevent boats from going adrift for lack of fuel.
• Safety Awareness Programs: NMSA/CWTP have collaborated in development of a series of Safety Awareness Presentations, generally these are presented at cultural gatherings where it is possible to reach large numbers of the boat travelling public from the surrounding region. Safety publications are distributed freely along with slide and video presentations on safe boating practices. Schools in coastal and inland waterway regions are also targeted by these awareness programs, this helps spread the boating safety message even further than just adult audiences. This program has been successful in reaching large numbers of people during its operations over the last 2 years, the program continues.
• Small Craft Information/Registry System: The CWTP and NMSA are creating a small craft information and registry system that will be administered by the Provinces with reporting to NMSA who will maintain a central database of all small craft. The database will have utility for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations when boats are reported missing.
• Regional Co-operation: The NMSA assisted by CWTP have been able to establish contact with and cooperate with other South Pacific groups involved in Small Craft Sea Safety, specifically the Secretariat for the Pacific Community (SPC) based in New Caledonia and SAR operations based in Fiji. Other benefits of this cooperation are access to and sharing of Boat Safety publications and materials between NMSA / CWTP and SPC who have considerable experience over many years in Small Craft Safety issues in the South Pacific that can be availed of by PNG. 
• School Curriculum for Water Safety: In conjunction with the Department of Education PNG the CWTP and NMSA have been working with the Curriculum Development and Assessment Division (CDAD) in the production of a Teachers Resource Book (TRB) for the subject of Small Boat Water Safety to be used in Elementary and Primary schools nationwide for instruction of young children. This initiative is anticipated to have long term effect on acceptance of Boating Safety Regulations. The book is to be printed and distributed to schools in 2011.
• Technical Training, Fibreglass: In order to address the large numbers of fibreglass small craft in PNG that are being used without adequate built in positive floatation, and other craft that are damaged but repairable. The project is working with the Technical Vocational Education & Training (TVET) Division of Dept. Ed. PNG to provide Train the Trainers courses for Instructors from several Vocational and Technical Schools. Courses are both of “hands on” practical and theory based. In learning the techniques of Fibreglass Repair & Maintenance the participants will also learn how to install extra buoyancy chambers in existing GRP boats to keep them in “level floatation” when swamped with the standard engine attached. This will be a requirement when the Small Craft Safety Bill becomes law. Repairs to damaged boats will also have the effect of prolonging useful life span of many damaged boats. Economically benefits will also be apparent when damaged boats are repaired rather than replaced with new boats. Some support will be provided to schools in the form of tools, safety equipment and materials to keep courses operational after the initial training.
• Marine VHF Radio System: To enhance the safety of boat travel in PNG waters the CWTP / DoT is installing a Marine VHF Radio system with extensive coverage of PNG waters. This system will allow small craft equipped with portable or fixed VHF radios that find themselves in difficulty, to communicate with shore bases by relay and / or with other vessels in the area that are similarly equipped. Bids for this system have been received and installation of the system is anticipated to be complete by early 2012. NMSA are to assume responsibility for maintenance of the system after warranty period for last installation has closed.

Photos or printed Boating Safety materials are available for inclusion in articles that may be published.