marine safety regulations for kayaks

[Babylon]

I think its time to move on .Babylon.

[Jenko]

I think its time to move on .Babylon.

Why? ......This is exactly what should be talked about, I see the points that Hvalross is trying to get across as Ive had a yak filling with water while out in Corio bay. I had problems peddling as it was so heavy and steering was all over the place the lower it got in the water the worse it was, but there was no way in hell I was opening a hatch to bail water, there would have been more water going in than coming out as the chop was coming over the side of the yak because it was so low. Lucky I wasn't very far out when it started to fill.
This is a forum for experienced yakkers to give out advice to help newbies, especially if they go out with all their gear thinking it will save them in every situation.
Besides, its been a civil discussion so far.

[oliverwatson]

Thanks a lot for sharing this valuable information with us regarding your marine safety website.It would definitely help the people who are interested in knowing about the fishing.

[maverick]

Proposals for Kayaks going forward - MSV Boating Safety Action Plan 2015-18

It is a 36 page document and I have cut & paste the relevant kayak pages.


VISIONS AND TARGETS:
PROBLEM 2
PADDLE CRAFT
BACKGROUND
Popularity: Kayak and other paddle craft sales
have expanded dramatically over the past five
years in line with the increasing popularity of these
craft in fishing and family recreation. Some of these
craft have a motor fitted which extends their range
and has contributed to a rise in the number of
paddlers represented in boating related deaths in
recent years on Victorian waterways. Over the past
five years, paddle craft were involved in 30 per
cent of fatal incidents, with ten drowning deaths
reported related to paddle craft.
Lifejackets: Despite laws requiring lifejackets to be
worn, their use in paddle craft is known to be poor.
In six of the ten paddler fatalities in the past five
years the deceased were not wearing lifejackets.
Knowledge and skills: Paddle craft are being used
in conditions beyond the capabilities of craft or
occupant. Incident data shows lack of training,
knowledge and experience in the use of safety
equipment is preventing people from remaining
in contact with, and being able to get back onto,
their craft.
Risk taking and perception of risk: New paddlers
are often not familiar with the vulnerability of their
craft to conditions larger vessels may more
easily withstand.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Improve the distribution of safety information at
point of sale by direct partnership with paddle
craft wholesalers and retailers.
Increase safety consciousness among the paddling
community through education and enforcement.


WHAT WE’RE DOING
Training adventure retail staff in paddle craft
safety equipment and how to use it.
Distributing
• paddle safety brochures and stickers to
retail outlets
• safety messages through web and print media,
and in partnership with Victoria Water Police and
paddling retailers.
Educating and an enforcement presence at
popular kayak sites, especially on waterways
highlighted in incident reports.
Conducting behavioural research into the habits,
attitudes and beliefs of people taking up paddling.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Always wear a lifejacket.
Fit a leash from your kayak to your paddle.
Get training to gain the right knowledge and skills
to use your kayak and safety equipment.
Practice your skills in good conditions before
setting out on open water. Know your limits.
Paddle in a group.
Have a method of raising the alarm if you get into
trouble. Carry a distress beacon.

BACKGROUND
Cold shock: More than one third of boating trips
occur in the winter months. Water temperatures
in the bays can be as low as 11 degrees and can
be much colder on inland waterways. Immersion
at these temperatures reduces the chances of
survival and has contributed to 15 deaths in the
past five years. Water is generally regarded as cold
at temperatures below 15 degrees, which is usual
for most Victorian waters from May to November.
Upon immersion in cold water, the body’s response
is to gasp, and breathing is uncontrollable.
Heart rate also increases during this time and
heart attack is possible. Dexterity, strength and
coordination deteriorate within ten minutes. Useful
consciousness lasts an hour. Hypothermia sets in
when the body’s core temperature falls below 35
degrees. This progression is commonly known as
the 1:10:1 principle.
Fatalities in the first few minutes of cold water
immersion are frequently caused by drowning. If a
lifejacket is not worn, it is difficult for a person who
falls into cold water to keep their mouth and nose
above the water while regaining control of
their breathing.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Educate all boaters about cold water immersion
and the risks associated with suddenly and
unexpectedly entering the water.

WHAT WE’RE DOING
Educating people about:
• the risk and likelihood of cold water immersion,
and how to avoid it
• ownership and use of distress beacons, radio,
and waterproof mobile telephones
• letting someone know before you go and
having a contingency plan.
Delivering safe boating seminars to clubs and
presence at public events.
Maintaining a presence at boat ramps and on the
water to enforce safety equipment requirements.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Train yourself for cold water immersion by trying it
in a safe environment and learn how to gain control
of your breathing.
Wear clothing appropriate for the conditions and
a lifejacket type 1; and dress for immersion.
Carry an emergency distress beacon.
Leave a plan with a responsible person ashore to
act on at an agreed time if you have not been
in contact. Let them know if your plans change

[happyas]

Sounds like all the boxes are being ticked. Still doesn't allow for stupidity, but how can you allow for that. Thanks for the detective work and finding the relevent info.

[Yako]

Sadly just as we have seen last year, blokes who go and get a boat licence (not even worth wiping your butt with in my opinion) and still drown, So too will you get this with kayakers across the country.
Some will get it, some won't and some couldn't give a stuff.
From what I've read it seems like TSV etc are on the right tracks.
For me personally I don't believe you can ever be TOO Saftey'd up.

[oliverwatson]

Wow these safety measures, which are advised in this website would help a lot while fishing .Thanks!!!

[Yakass]

because if I go drilling an appropriate size hole in my Hobie to plumb in such a device, my warranty is void...

Who told you that?

[Hvalross]

because if I go drilling an appropriate size hole in my Hobie to plumb in such a device, my warranty is void...

Who told you that?

Hobie !!! as recently as yesterday for my second go at their Warranty Terms and Conditions.


In Addition FYI Consumer Law is above Warranty, Warranty is a red Herring, a nothing at Law. However if I was to drill such a hole there is a VERY high chance that Consumer Law would fall with Hobie in that It ( Hobie) could be argued that my modification contributed to the Yak no longer being fit for the purpose intended, which is the pillar on which our Consumer Law rests.

Hope that clarifies for you.

[Yakass]

Sorry for the late reply on this, I don't keep up on the forums too well this time of year.

As someone who has worked in Hobie for almost a decade I have never once heard a warranty being denied because of a hole someone drilled into the kayak. Not a single time. Just don't be daft about how and where you do it, you should never have a problem. Also, FYI I know what consumer law is and how it works. Never once seen anyone resort to falling back on it with respect to Hobie warranty. Not a single one time. You're overthinking it.