Changes to legislation

Changes to Sea kayaking rules

 

All South Australian sea paddlers should be aware that as of the 1st of September 2009 you will require the written approval of the CEO of TransportSA to venture more than 2 nautical miles offshore in South Australian waters. This legislation has not been widely promoted or publicised and the process of application is not clear as yet but the actual clause is detailed documented below –

 

 

 

(1) A person must not, without the approval of the CEO, operate.

(a) a personal watercraft; or

(b) a canoe, kayak or other similar small human-powered vessel (other than a rowboat), in unprotected waters.

 

Maximum penalty: $1 250, Expiation fee: $160.

 

The full legislation appears in the pdf link below.

 

 

This is what you will have to do to secure a Permit to paddle in “unprotected waters”, i.e. being waters more than 2 nautical miles offshore.

 

Application can be made by letter to: Recreational Boating Unit

                                                      Dept of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure

                                                      PO Box 1

                                                      Walkerville SA 5081

or by email to dtei.recboating@saugov.sa.gov.au

 

They will require your name, address, type of vessel, length, safety equipment carried, when, where, how long, how far you want to paddle. There is no cost (at this stage) and you can ask for the permit to cover a 12 month period. Allow a few weeks for permit application to be processed