I was speaking to a yakker the other day when I went for a 1st paddle on mine. He said if you go 400m offshore then you do. He said he gets fisheries asking him all the time.
You are also required to carry the same safety gear as any other water craft with in the relevant zones, ie protected waters etc. Obviously a skippers ticket is not required as it is an unpowered vessel, however, it is advised to get appropriate training and advice before heading to far offshore.
As soon as you step off the beach onto your kayak you need your inshore flares,suitable anchor and line,a suitable bailer or pump ,a PFD type 1 must be worn or carried on the kayak,you are allowed to wear a type 2 if you like (as long as the type i is onboard) your flares should be in a waterproof container.
Theres a lot of other things you should have that are desirable,high viz flag,tow rope and the list goes on ,check out W.A's kayak fishing group for all the details,,should be listed under the safety forum section (yakfishwest) and depending on what kayak you have or are getting you can check out how that one is set up for fishing.
Yes the law is 0-2 nautical miles,,none of this 400-500 meter stuff which is very common thinking by some people,,
The laws for vessels is the same one for kayaks,,Marine & safety turn a blind eye to most but check kayak fishes all the time as we are out further than most (they could fine 1000's in summer going to Penguin island but never do)
Thats a good question, i think theres lenght issues as well,,so wave skis might go under the legal defination of vessels,,
Certainly surf skis must be classed as vessels ,but being in a santioned club event they might be excempt,,but i am really not sure,,
I would imagine marine and safety would generally turn a blind eye if they are breaking the law,,it would be to hard to police and are busy enough with boats etc,,
Well i guess its like public drinking you can't drink in public but thousands have a glass of wine or a beer down the park and don't get arrested,,
But folks should be aware that once you put a rod on your kayak you attract marine and safety like bees and honey so it pays to have all the gear and you should whether its legally required or not its your life on the line.
Since looking at this thread, I've gone to the Department of Transport website to look for a specific definition of what constitutes a 'boat' and whether the laws therefore apply to kayaks. I'm not saying its NOT there, just that my brief looking did not convince me that a kayak is indeed required to carry these safety items.
I have also looked at a couple of kayak sites and while they SAY its law, no-one actually points to the source of their information.
I agree that we should carry out safe practices irrespective of if its legally required or not. But if that chart of safety equipment required, in the protected water column, really does apply to kayaks, that means I have to have a bailer at...Mindarie Marina..near the playground...where the water is knee deep...in a boat that will float even if its full of water??? If that is the case, the law is an ass!
Seriously, does this really apply to my kayak? If so, please can someone provide a link to a government website where I can know my obligations and adhere to them.
Check out the safety forum at yakfishwest it gives you the links to all the laws and what you need to carry by law.
I don't think you will have much grief in the marina but the requirements for sheltered waters are different ie rivers and different from beach, having said that i saw two folks the other day just 30 meters off the beach battling to get back on the kayaks and battling a strong offshore wind, no life jackets etc they were in they 20's so managed after a while, if they were kids it might have been a different story not having the strenght to get back in.
Thanks for that - I will certainly check it out. I have a trip to Dirk Hartog coming up in April and the intention was to use the yaks in Louisa, Withnell, Sammys and Turtle Bay (thought I think Turtle Bay is a sanctuary now so fishing close to shore may be out). The plan was to stay within a couple of hundred metres of shore in the safety of the bays.
Wind and waves are rarely an issue there in April and if they were an issue we'd just keep our feet on shore. I have PFDs for the kids, but will look at what my search turns up to see if I get a couple of adult ones also (the ones I have are seriously crappy!).
The last group of yakkers that went up there reported catching Pink snapper 50 meters from the Lodge, not sure what bay that might be, but sounds like it will be a trip to remember good luck,,
As a yakker I know first hand how uncomfortable and hot a PFD can be, BUT, I value my life a bit more than I value my comfort.
Anyone going out on the water in a kayak should wear at least a PFD 2.
On enclosed waters such as the Swan and Canning Rivers or inland lakes and dams, you could even use a type 3 pfd, but if you are not a strong swimmer - forget it!
Once you take your kayak off the beach, as mentioned so many times, the PFD1 is compulsory. Either worn, or carried whilst wearing a type2.
Common sense will tell you that an accident takes just seconds, but try putting on a PFD while you are floundering around trying to stay attached to your yak, your fishing gear, your other items carried and you will soon appreciate the old boy scout motto of "Be Prepared"
There are many different styles of PFD's and it is only a matter of getting one that fits comfortably and allows ease of movement whilst sitting in or on the kayak, not standing up twisting and waving your arms around like paddling. And of course budget is to be taken into account and you will find that the price tag is right up there with comfort and quality.
But what price do you put on your life.
Buy the best you can and then worry about all those other knick knacks for your yak!
It's a bit like wearing a seatbelt really. We do it for reasons not so obvious to some until something goes wrong. The same applies (or should) to Kayaks and other small vessels. Its so easy to tip one of those things or simply fall overboard. I know I would be much more comfy knowing I had something to keep me afloat and something colourful enough to attract attention if I were in the water.
hlokk
Posts: 4290
Date Joined: 04/04/08
If you have to ask you should
If you have to ask you should ;)
Just1morecast
Posts: 917
Date Joined: 04/12/09
I was speaking to a yakker
I was speaking to a yakker the other day when I went for a 1st paddle on mine. He said if you go 400m offshore then you do. He said he gets fisheries asking him all the time.
Forever learning with fishing
fishing addiction
Posts: 90
Date Joined: 05/12/10
i better get one then, cheers
i better get one then, cheers mate. :D
silly
Posts: 382
Date Joined: 02/01/09
i've got one for sale if you
i've got one for sale if you need one, its brand new with tags..
PJ64
Posts: 14
Date Joined: 09/10/10
As a sea kayak guide yes you are required to wear a PFD
You are also required to carry the same safety gear as any other water craft with in the relevant zones, ie protected waters etc. Obviously a skippers ticket is not required as it is an unpowered vessel, however, it is advised to get appropriate training and advice before heading to far offshore.
Cheers
PJ64
Posts: 14
Date Joined: 09/10/10
As a sea kayak guide yes you are required to wear a PFD
sorry pushed save twice.
Shorty
Posts: 1549
Date Joined: 10/05/08
As soon as you step off the
As soon as you step off the beach onto your kayak you need your inshore flares,suitable anchor and line,a suitable bailer or pump ,a PFD type 1 must be worn or carried on the kayak,you are allowed to wear a type 2 if you like (as long as the type i is onboard) your flares should be in a waterproof container.
Theres a lot of other things you should have that are desirable,high viz flag,tow rope and the list goes on ,check out W.A's kayak fishing group for all the details,,should be listed under the safety forum section (yakfishwest) and depending on what kayak you have or are getting you can check out how that one is set up for fishing.
MattMiller
Posts: 4171
Date Joined: 15/06/09
Really
that means there are 100's of people breaking the law everyday?
Shorty
Posts: 1549
Date Joined: 10/05/08
Yes the law is 0-2 nautical
Yes the law is 0-2 nautical miles,,none of this 400-500 meter stuff which is very common thinking by some people,,
The laws for vessels is the same one for kayaks,,Marine & safety turn a blind eye to most but check kayak fishes all the time as we are out further than most (they could fine 1000's in summer going to Penguin island but never do)
MattMiller
Posts: 4171
Date Joined: 15/06/09
So does that
include guys on skis in surf clubs and crew on wave ski's attempting to catch waves?
Shorty
Posts: 1549
Date Joined: 10/05/08
Thats a good question, i
Thats a good question, i think theres lenght issues as well,,so wave skis might go under the legal defination of vessels,,
Certainly surf skis must be classed as vessels ,but being in a santioned club event they might be excempt,,but i am really not sure,,
I would imagine marine and safety would generally turn a blind eye if they are breaking the law,,it would be to hard to police and are busy enough with boats etc,,
MattMiller
Posts: 4171
Date Joined: 15/06/09
Just another
dumb set of rules with no intention of policing them.
Shorty
Posts: 1549
Date Joined: 10/05/08
Well i guess its like public
Well i guess its like public drinking you can't drink in public but thousands have a glass of wine or a beer down the park and don't get arrested,,
But folks should be aware that once you put a rod on your kayak you attract marine and safety like bees and honey so it pays to have all the gear and you should whether its legally required or not its your life on the line.
GROGfish
Posts: 9
Date Joined: 31/12/10
Point me in the right direction?
Since looking at this thread, I've gone to the Department of Transport website to look for a specific definition of what constitutes a 'boat' and whether the laws therefore apply to kayaks. I'm not saying its NOT there, just that my brief looking did not convince me that a kayak is indeed required to carry these safety items.
I have also looked at a couple of kayak sites and while they SAY its law, no-one actually points to the source of their information.
I agree that we should carry out safe practices irrespective of if its legally required or not. But if that chart of safety equipment required, in the protected water column, really does apply to kayaks, that means I have to have a bailer at...Mindarie Marina..near the playground...where the water is knee deep...in a boat that will float even if its full of water??? If that is the case, the law is an ass!
Seriously, does this really apply to my kayak? If so, please can someone provide a link to a government website where I can know my obligations and adhere to them.
Feet in sand, rod in water, beer in hand - the perfect counselling session!
Shorty
Posts: 1549
Date Joined: 10/05/08
Check out the safety forum at
Check out the safety forum at yakfishwest it gives you the links to all the laws and what you need to carry by law.
I don't think you will have much grief in the marina but the requirements for sheltered waters are different ie rivers and different from beach, having said that i saw two folks the other day just 30 meters off the beach battling to get back on the kayaks and battling a strong offshore wind, no life jackets etc they were in they 20's so managed after a while, if they were kids it might have been a different story not having the strenght to get back in.
GROGfish
Posts: 9
Date Joined: 31/12/10
Will do...
Thanks for that - I will certainly check it out. I have a trip to Dirk Hartog coming up in April and the intention was to use the yaks in Louisa, Withnell, Sammys and Turtle Bay (thought I think Turtle Bay is a sanctuary now so fishing close to shore may be out). The plan was to stay within a couple of hundred metres of shore in the safety of the bays.
Wind and waves are rarely an issue there in April and if they were an issue we'd just keep our feet on shore. I have PFDs for the kids, but will look at what my search turns up to see if I get a couple of adult ones also (the ones I have are seriously crappy!).
Feet in sand, rod in water, beer in hand - the perfect counselling session!
Shorty
Posts: 1549
Date Joined: 10/05/08
The last group of yakkers
The last group of yakkers that went up there reported catching Pink snapper 50 meters from the Lodge, not sure what bay that might be, but sounds like it will be a trip to remember good luck,,
3Shoes
Posts: 5
Date Joined: 26/12/10
Wearing PFD's
As a yakker I know first hand how uncomfortable and hot a PFD can be, BUT, I value my life a bit more than I value my comfort.
Anyone going out on the water in a kayak should wear at least a PFD 2.
On enclosed waters such as the Swan and Canning Rivers or inland lakes and dams, you could even use a type 3 pfd, but if you are not a strong swimmer - forget it!
Once you take your kayak off the beach, as mentioned so many times, the PFD1 is compulsory. Either worn, or carried whilst wearing a type2.
Common sense will tell you that an accident takes just seconds, but try putting on a PFD while you are floundering around trying to stay attached to your yak, your fishing gear, your other items carried and you will soon appreciate the old boy scout motto of "Be Prepared"
There are many different styles of PFD's and it is only a matter of getting one that fits comfortably and allows ease of movement whilst sitting in or on the kayak, not standing up twisting and waving your arms around like paddling. And of course budget is to be taken into account and you will find that the price tag is right up there with comfort and quality.
But what price do you put on your life.
Buy the best you can and then worry about all those other knick knacks for your yak!
Good fishin'
Good yakin'
UncutTriggerInWA
Posts: 2692
Date Joined: 05/09/08
Common Sense.
It's a bit like wearing a seatbelt really. We do it for reasons not so obvious to some until something goes wrong. The same applies (or should) to Kayaks and other small vessels. Its so easy to tip one of those things or simply fall overboard. I know I would be much more comfy knowing I had something to keep me afloat and something colourful enough to attract attention if I were in the water.
Vince.
Work smart and fish often.
Member and die-hard supporter of the mighty West Coast Eagles.