Know what is expected of you in Victorian waters.
www.wearalifejacket.vic.gov.au/
VESSEL TYPE: Stand-up paddleboard
LOCATION: On coastal and enclosed waters
All people on board must wear Type 1,2 or 3 lifejacket (Level 100+, Level 50 or Level 50S)[b] when more than 400m from shore
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VESSEL TYPE: Stand-up paddleboard
LOCATION: On inland waters
All people on board must wear Type 1,2 or 3 lifejacket (Level 100+, Level 50 or Level 50S) when more than 400m from shore
Thanks for the info, not sure how I know I am 400m off shore but I don't go further out than Blairgowrie Marina at the moment, I guess that is about 400. I was told that as long as I have a leg rope technically I have a floatations devise strapped to my leg, I guess this PFD rule would be for down winders more than bus like me??
Select to expand quoteDaveSandan said..
Thanks for the info, not sure how I know I am 400m off shore but I don't go further out than Blairgowrie Marina at the moment, I guess that is about 400. I was told that as long as I have a leg rope technically I have a floatations devise strapped to my leg, I guess this PFD rule would be for down winders more than bus like me??
A leg rope attached to a board is certainly the best flotation device going around, but this doesn't cut the mustard when it comes to Marine Safety Victoria regulations. And while it makes sense that law enforcement should be monitoring the activities of the more adventurous downwind crew, the reality is they are more likely to see you close to a marina where they are checking up on the fishos. In terms of estimating 400 metres, my rule of thumb is that no marina or pier around Port Phillip Bay goes out much further than 400 metres, other than industrial piers like the one at Point Wilson. So stay in line with the piers and marinas, and you are probably within 400 metres.
^^^Bit extreme.
Don't go out if you arent competent I say in an ocean to swim, tred water or float for a long period of time with no assistance of a pfd or board.
Select to expand quoteAndyR said..
What is the fine for not wearing ?
That's a really good question, but typical of bureaucrats, the answer is not in $ but in some complex points system that only they can translate to $. Little wonder the enforcement officers they send out to police these regulations have no idea what the rules are. Last time anyone had a run in with an enforcement officer over PFDs was when a group was attempting a Yarra River paddle through the city. As mentioned above, you do not need a PFD within 400 metres from shore. The Yarra is no more than 50 metres wide. Why do you suppose anyone would need to wear a PFD when they are no more than 25 metres from the bank? This was an enforcement officer enforcing the wrong rules.
