Lifejacket rules strengthened
New rules governing the use of lifejackets came into effect 1, November 2010 and apply to all boaters operating on NSW navigable waters.
Currently, it is compulsory to wear a lifejacket when crossing a coastal bar, when more than 400m from shore on a canoe, kayak, sailboard, or kiteboard, or when operating a jetski (PWC) at any speed. (both driver and passenger).
New minimum requirements for wearing a lifejacket are as follows:
- By children less than 12 years of age when:
In a vessel less than 4.8 metres in length;
When in an open area of a vessel less than 8 metres in length that is underway.
- By all the occupants of a vessel less than 4.8m in length when the vessel is being operated in any of the following situations:
At night;
Open (ocean) waters;
On alpine lakes;
When boating alone;
As a tender more than 400 metres from shore.
- At any time, and in any type or length of vessel, when the skipper judges that the situation is one of heightened risk (as defined below) and he/she directs that all occupants are to don a lifejacket.
- By all persons being towed. (this includes people who are waterskiing, wakeboarding or parasailing and those being towed on tubes, sea biscuits or similar towable devices)
- By all occupants of a canoe or kayak on:
Enclosed waters when more than 100 metres from shore;
Ocean waters.
- A person kitesurfing alone more than 400 metres from shore; and
When in an off-the-beach sail vessel in ocean waters.
It is now also a requirement to carry lifejackets for each person on board an outrigger canoe.
Skippers Responsibility
The new laws also give Skippers the legal authority to require passengers put on a lifejacket in risky situations such as in rough water or after a break-down. While boaters get used to the new rules there will be a 12-month advisory period where warnings will be issued for first offences.
More information is available on the NSW Maritime website