Personal Flotation Device
Have you ever had one of those moments when you didn’t want to ask a question because you were honestly a bit fearful of the answer?
In response to a number of queries regarding the wearing of pfds during paddling events and training the MCC-SA have attempted to clarify what the current Marine & Harbours rules are in relation to compulsory safety equipmentfor paddlers. In particular we have sought clarification on the wearing of pfds.
As a club we cannot simply run events or conduct training sessions however we as individuals or corporately as a club want. Our official events and training sessions are constrained by several levels of obligation to other institutions. Obviously we have an obligation to CanoeSA to uphold and adhere to their rules, by laws and policies. Likewise as a result of our affiliation with CanoeSA we have similiar obligations to our national peak body, Australian Canoeing. Additionally however we have an obligation to state and federal laws, for example in regard to the towing of trailers, transport of craft on roofs and of course Marine & Harbors legislation.
The legislated requirements for marine safety equipment in South Australia has been a much debated topic in recent years due to the revision in 2009 of the Harbors & Navigation Regulations. Thanks to the efforts of a CanoeSA subcommittee many of the ambiguous aspects of the regulations were clarified and or amended and the current version of the rules were subsequently released in December 2010.
The current rules can be downloaded from several government sources but essentially we as a club have been informed that the current rules require the wearing of a pfd by canoeists and kayakers in all South Australian waters including all waters that we currently train in such as West Lakes, Holdfast, Onkaparinga, Encounter Lakes, etc.
Exemptions to the pfd rules do apply but only for surf skis and presumably Ocean Racing skis but only when paddled in the ocean, not on inland water ways.
Caveat – the MCC-SA has prepared this information which to best of our knowledge is true and correct as at the date of publication. However as clarification has been sought on several points the cub reserves the right to amend or otherwise alter this advise should CanoeSA, Marine & Harbors, or other organisation informs the club that it has misinterpreted the rules as they apply to pfds.
The following AustCanoeing link talks about the new pfd national standards – New PFD national standards
Additionally a few relevant documents that may clarify things are available to download below.
NB – please revisit this page on a regular basis as clarifications regarding the wearing of pfds at other club events have been sought and are still pending.
