New kayaking laws in SA

[fishnfreak]

Hi guys, apologies if im a bit blunt and pissed off, but i just got a letter in the mail from the Government of South Australia concerning new laws. These laws are introduced as of the 1st of September, and are because of, "changes to boating."

The one that concerns us is that now, "Canoes, kayaks or similar small human powered vessels (other than a rowboat) and personal watercraft (PWC, generally known as jet skis, are now restricted to semi-protected waters (that is less than two nautical miles from the coast).

How ridiculous is this? I am this weekend going to a place on the coast where i fish regularly, and have planned a mothership excursion 14km offshore to fish a reef that rises to about 4ft deep. This is now illegal. What is the friggin country coming to where we cant paddle a bloody plastic boat where we want?

[YakN00b]

There's those do gooders at work again. Gives me the screaming shits.

[fishnfreak]

is there anything we can do?

[blahger]

"Canoes, kayaks or similar small human powered vessels (other than a rowboat) and personal watercraft (PWC, generally known as jet skis, are now restricted to semi-protected waters (that is less than two nautical miles from the coast).

I see lots of kayaks being modded to have two oarlocks added. Is that enough to make it a row boat?

[leftieant]

Interesting that this has seemingly been done without consultation with the wider kayaking community. And bear in mind, it's not just us affected - think, for example, the sea kayaking community.

Would be interested to see if this has actually been gazetted via Act of Parliament.

Not surprised it has happened, there have been a couple of high profile kayaking deaths in SA, notably people trying to paddle across Backstairs Passage.

Check the 'semi protected' definition, as certainly when I was living there Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf were considered to be 'semi protected waters' pretty much in their entirety.

First call - local member of Parliament. I just hope to God for your sake it isn't Iain Evans.

[fishnfreak]

its bloody ridiculous.

[Feral]

If your state boundaries are similar to ours, (Qld) you only have to make it from the 2mile to the 3 mile line! Then you are in commonwealth waters! If your doing a "mothership" trip, as long as you launch the yak outside state controlled waters your sweet. You just need to find the extent of the state controlled waters down there. (As I said 3 nautical miles in Qld, It is likely to be the same down there)

Otherwise just tell em your name is Alex Downer when they pull you up!

[spooled1]

Which SA Government department did this?

[YakN00b]

is there anything we can do?

Get every kayaker in the area to paddle out past the "safe" point and dare them to arrest you all

[danfish]

You serious?? Thats a load of crap! Alot of people were predicting this, ie. regulations on kayaks, and it has begun. Its sad to see it happening, i doubt it will be long till the other states follow with similar, just as stupid laws.
What are the regs on your mothership excursion? If you launch from a boat 14km out, as soon as the yak hits the water technically you're breaking the law? What a crock!

No need to apologise for being pissed off...

Dan

[spooled1]

Screw your heads back on for a second.
Which SA Government department is responsible for this?

[fishsmith]

Personal Watercraft
A PWC is a craft that is propelled by a motor, has a fully enclosed hull, is designed not to retain water if capsized and is operated by a person who sits, stands or kneels on the craft.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) - often referred to as jet skis® - include

waverunners®
Sea Doos®
Wave Jammers®
wetbikes®
jetboards
other similar boats
Rules which apply to the operation of motor boats also apply to PWC

Other requirements that apply to PWC that you need to be aware of are:

PWC can only be operated by persons at least 16 years of age who hold an appropriate licence to operate the PWC.
the operator and any passengers onboard a PWC must wear a PFD Type 2 or 3 at all times
Unless engaged in water skiing on the River Murray, person must not operate a PWC on any State waters
after sunset or 8pm (whichever is the earlier) on any day
before 9am on a Sunday or before 8am on any other day
If a person operating a PWC is engaged in water skiing, the restrictions are those that apply to water skiing, that is the boat must only be operated between the hours of sunrise and sunset

Unless zoned otherwise a 4 knot speed limit applies to all PWC within 200 metres of the metropolitan shoreline (between Outer Harbour southern breakwater and southern end of Sellicks Beach) and the backwaters of the River Murray. Similar restrictions also apply to a number of other areas within South Australia; these areas are generally well signposted, however if in doubt you should check with the local Council or your local Transport Safety Compliance Officer - Marine
All operators and passengers on PWC must at all times wear a PFD that complies with one or more of the approved standards.
Note: From 1 September 2009 a PWC may not be operated in unprotected waters, i.e. beyond two nautical miles offshore, without the approval of the CEO.

A person must not operate a PWC without a code of practice (Ride Smart) sticker being correctly affixed. Ride Smart stickers are available free of charge from any Service SA Customer Service Centre.
Except for a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), there is no legal requirement to carry other safety equipment on your PWC.


This is all I can find on their website....Seams they are targeting PWC and not Kayaks...At this stage anyway......Scott.

[fishnfreak]

Screw your heads back on for a second.
Which SA Government department is responsible for this?

Spooled, the department is the Department for Transprort, Energy and Infrastructure.

This is all I can find on their website....Seams they are targeting PWC and not Kayaks...At this stage anyway......Scott.

Mate, i have a letter here that says otherwise, and from http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/safety/m ... /index.asp

Note: From 1 September 2009, the following vessels may not be operated in unprotected waters, i.e. beyond two nautical miles offshore, without the approval of the CEO.

Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Canoes, kayaks or other similar small human powered vessels (other than rowboats)

[fishsmith]

Exemptions

The safety equipment requirements apply to the majority of boats. However, certain types of boat are either partially or totally exempt from these requirements. Some of the more common exemptions are summarised below.

Canoes, kayaks, sailboards, kiteboards and similar small, unpowered boats must have for each occupant

a PFD that complies with the appropriate Standards and is worn at all times
suitable bailer (unless the hull is permanently enclosed)
waterproof torch or lantern while being operated during the hours of darkness.
Personal watercraft or PWCs (jet skis®, waverunners®, jetboards, etc.)

All operators and passengers on PWC must at all times wear a PFD Type 2 or 3 that complies with one or more of the approved standards. A PFD Type 1 is not suitable when operating a PWC.
Note: From 1 September 2009, the following vessels may not be operated in unprotected waters, i.e. beyond two nautical miles offshore, without the approval of the CEO.

Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Canoes, kayaks or other similar small human powered vessels (other than rowboats) Further information is available at Personal watercraft safety.

All safety equipment must be readily accessible at all times and kept in good working order.

Yep, you are on the money with this one FishnFreak, seems they have buried it under the saftey exquipment requirements section of their website.....This is nasty stuff that could go National before you know it..Can't believe they seaked that one in and its already the law...I'd all ring the CEO's home phone number and ask him for permission to go for a snapper fish or a paddle down at lake alexandra...Talk about big brother......Thanks for binging it to our attention FishnFreak.......Scott..

[spooled1]

OK, My interpretation says this is very bad news for SA yak anglers - As Fishnfreak said, you'll find it all here:

http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/safety/m ... /index.asp

I suggest all yak anglers in other states keep an eye out for any upcoming policy remotely related to yaks and make it known IMMEDIATELY on forums like this. Anything yak related is important to know about ASAP even if its just speculation or backroom talk.

When things are legislated, you're freedom is screwed! Sorry, but it looks to me as if SA yakkers have been well and truly, screwed mainly because (a) nobody said anything or (b) nobody knew what was going on or (c) yakkers and other stakeholders were complacent.

Here is my advice for SA open water yak anglers: Form a unified collective immediately, draft a formal letter to the CEO kindly requesting the named individuals be given an exemption by the CEO to fish in open waters. As part of your request, state your open water yak experience, and make sure you have individuals that can validate your open water yak experience. Be prepared to make it known that you accept all responsibility for your actions and your willingness to work with safety organizations to limit any possibility of imminent risk. Do not be aggressive or demanding. Follow through objectively and work within the constraints of due process. When that letter gets rejected, arrange a meeting with the CEO and base a robust agenda around your written request.

Unfortunately this legislation is currently effective, Jumping up and down while screaming will do absolutely ZIP to make your lives better. Your only other option is to fit rowlocks and see if that works in a test case.