Also see here http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/m ... d-kayaking
And read this http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/_ ... ochure.pdf
ELM wrote:With the 2011 - 2012 Snapper season falling quickly upon us, it is probably a good time to make sure you are well prepared. Last season there were a lot of reports pf kayaks on the water after dark with no lights, people not wearing PFD's etc.
Don't be inconsiderate of others, or ignorant of the regulations and more importantly, don't put yourself or anyone else at risk.
Governments impose stupid regulations, when people do stupid things. Don't be stupid and have stupid regulations imposed on this great, relatively free sport.
If you don't have lights, get them. While the regulations state all you need is a torch. A torch is not nearly enough to be seen and safe, get yourself some decent lights and reflective tape. The brighter the better. Will your lights survive a dunking and keep you illuminated after a capsize or signal help if needed. Even if you only plan to fish the evening and be off the water before dark, you never know what may happen, better to be safe than sorry.
Make sure your PFD is in good order, safety knife fitted, a torch or strobe or both, a whistle or horn, maybe a UHF or VHF radio, dry bag/case for your mobile phone?
Make sure your Mirage drive or paddle is in good condition, and how about a backup stored inside your hull?
Do you have a bailer of some type (required by law),small bucket, hand pump, electric bilge pump (is your battery big enough and in good condition)?
Do you have flares, are they still in date? No they are not a requirement, but handy to have all the same.
Are your kayak clothes up to scratch, will they keep you warm in an extended immersion and then once wet, protect you from the wind chill if you do go in. It also gets darn cold just sitting out there in the dark when you have baits soaking, will you be warm enough? Would be a shame to have to quit just as they come on and your toes are frozen and killing you.
Have you practiced re-entry yet, no good waiting for the water to warm up, half the season will be over by time that happens. Get out there and get wet with a buddy. Also practice saving others, how to approach, how to assist a recovery.
No booze, booze and kayaks don't mix. Save it for when you get home.
Remember to take some spare clothes and towel with you.
Make sure you have a good ruler and know the regulations. Measure fish from tip of snout with mouth closed, to tip of tail. 28cm - a Maximum of Ten (10) of which no more than 3 fish may be equal to or exceed 40cm in length.
Do you have an emergency plan ready, emergency phone numbers in your phone, emergency contacts listed and somewhere in or on your kayak in case it or you are found in trouble alone.
Make sure someone knows where you are going and an estimated time of arrival back.
By all accounts, it is going to be another cracking season. I hope you all get to make the most of it, but more importantly, do it safely year after year.
Guys/Gals, have a great Red season