Stricter lifejacket regulations for SA boaters
Boaters and paddlers will have to wear a lifejacket more often in South AustraliaChanges to the lifejacket regulations in South Australia
The Boating Safety Unit from the South Australian transport department has launched a consultation on the proposed changes that will affect the way thousands of boaters and fishers head out onto SA waterways.
Currently, there is a requirement that lifejackets be carried on board vessels, but the requirement to wear them only applies in specific circumstances.
A range of options are now being considered to strengthen these SA boating rules to improve safety and align the requirements with other states such as NSW and Victoria.
Today's inflatable yoke-style lifejackets cost from about $70 certainly make it easier to wear one. Although regular servicing is an onerous requirement and with the cost it makes these popular inflatable likejackets a disposable items these days.
SA LIFEJACKET WEAR CHANGES
The consultation specifies some big changes for the operators of small craft and trailerboats including:
>> Lifejackets must be worn by all persons on vessels less than 4.8 metres in length and underway
>> Lifejackets must be worn at all times by children under 12 years of age when in an open area of a vessel 4.8-12 metres in length and underway
>> Lifejackets must be worn by persons over 12 years of age when in an open area of a vessel 4.8-12 metres in length and underway at times of heightened risk or as directed by the skipper.
The criteria for ‘times of heightened risk’ include:
>> Boating alone
>> Boating at night
>> Crossing a coastal or ocean bar (e.g. Murray mouth)
>> Operating in restricted visibility
>> When the vessel is disabled
>> Operating in an area where the Bureau of Meteorology has issued on of the following specific weather warnings — Gale, Storm force, Hurricane force wind, Severe thunderstorm or Severe weather.
Other proposed changes cover the requirement to wear a lifejacket when using SUPs and surf skis more than 400m offshore and at all times in a dragon boat.
The consultation survey is open until September 8, 2017. The Boating Industry Association will be discussing the proposals with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure directly and says it will make a submission in due course.
SA boaters should contribute to the discussion and consultation at
YourSA website.
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