Bushfire haze sparks life jacket warning
Smoke means reduced visibility, so boaters are being warned to heed on-water safety laws around life jacketsVictoria’s recreational boaters are being warned that thick smoke blanketing waterways throughout the state means they may be legally required to wear life jackets.
Under the state’s maritime laws, low visibility on the water leaves boaters at heightened risk compared with a normal clear, sunny day you would expect at the height of summer.
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Under maritime laws, it means it is mandatory for anyone in the open area of a boat up to 12 metres in length to wear a lifejacket open areas of the vessel while it is moving.
It also means boats should be operating with their navigation lights switched on, even in daylight hours.
'Hazardous' conditions
The smoke haze blanketing Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay was yesterday classed as "hazardous" – one of the highest ratings – with line-of-sight reduced to about a kilometre. Similar conditions, although slightly better, are affecting visibility today.
“Reduced visibility will impact your ability to see other vessels and bathers as well as navigational lights and marks,” Maroitime Safety Victoria said.
“Reduce speed and make sure you know your location and route at all times.
“Make sure you maintain a proper lookout at all times, have plenty of fuel for the whole trip, as well as all your safety gear and a means of raising the alarm.”
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