[Jesse_Ape]

Hi,
This probably should go in the saftey thread but it will get more action here

What are the Laws on wearing a PDF when out on the ocean on a Yak? Do you have to wear it? Do you have to have one on board? Or is it simply a good idea?

Cheers

Jesse

 

[Peril]

Laws are set by State Governments. In NSW you must wear an approved PFD when in open waters or at night. It is easier just to wear one all the time, out of habit.

 

[Davey G]

I think each state has their own requirements. This is from the NSW Maritime website....

When do I need to wear a lifejacket?

It is not a lifejacket if you are not wearing it.

Do not wait for an emergency to wear your lifejacket. It is like wearing a seatbelt - not much use putting it on after an accident. It is important to remember that conditions on the water can change rapidly and in an unpredictable fashion.

In general, you should wear your lifejacket when:

Boating in poor weather conditions
Crossing a bar (a higher risk situation for capsize or swamping)
Travelling at night
When a squall or storm approaches
If you have children on board, or people who are poor swimmers encourage them to wear their lifejacket at all times. Ensure each person has a jacket of appropriate size and type - check with your local authority if unsure.

I only wear mine while 'offshore' or when conditions get lumpy. I'm a relatively strong swimmer and comfortable in the water having surfed, dived etc all my life. Others that aren't as comfortable should wear them at all times. which is probably a good habit to get into whilst yakking.

 

[Dodge]

Jesse your location is blank [think about adjusting your profile mate] but from memory you are a queenslander, so look at

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/qt/msq.nsf/index/lifejackets

To go offshore without one would seem a bit crazy even though not law up here, and if you go south you will be nailed by their rules.

Qld rates the EPIRB as must if 2NM offshore you will notice, all the regs are accessible at the above link

 

[Jesse_Ape]

Yeah I am a Queenslander...Ha ha to all the NSW people as we won the state of origin and the broncos won the premiership. Sorry I am a broncos fan and i have been waiting 6 years for them to win it again

So the general concensus is wear a PDF if you are going out in the ocean and I don't have to necessaraliy wear in QLD. I checked out the link thanks dodge . But I was a little unsure if i still have to carry one if i decide not to wear it?

ATM i am leaning towards not wearing on as I am jumping off the kayak and swiming round anyway. My Wettie is bouyant and i float like a cork without a weight belt. But I don't want to be on the wrong side of the Law so do i still have to carry one? If I was just fishing I would be all about wearing a PFD.

Cheers

 

[Dodge]

But I was a little unsure if i still have to carry one if i decide not to wear it?

Jesse I just re-read the rule, and I think you would satisfy the rule, by just wearing when in the surf and bar areas in Qld, and if you want to remove after that it's your business...so to wear on the bar you would have to carry one even if stowed away offshore under a bungee

Why don't you explain you circumstances to MSQ by email and get a ruling in writing from them and laminate it, and keep onboard the yak in case a officer gives you a hard time on the water

 

[Jesse_Ape]

Thanks dodge I read it too but still couldn't make sense of it. My brain is dead from to much study and this forum is great for procrastination. I am sitting here dreaming about the ocean and i should be studying

Maybey when I am no longer 21 and bullet proof I will be more sensible and wear a life jacket all the time. Wearing it in the surf probably isn't a bad idea in case i capsize and hit my head or something. I will have to go see if my PDF fits in the front hatch of the espri if not i guess it will be strapped on the front.

Cheers

 

[yakfly]

jesse
heard a rumour that soon the state government will try to make wearing a pfd compulsory at all times in craft under 4.8m,whether this applies to kayak/canoes as well remains to be seen.