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Just a heads up, the NSW Maritime lifejacket reform begin 1/11/10
http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/wh/lifejacket_reforms_faqs.html#15
They begin this weekend and while there will be a 12 month advisory period its best to get it right the first time. For many of you this will may mean the purchase of a type 1 or 2 PFD will be required but it is the law and we should all respect that. For example many of my favourite haunts are known as 'Alpine lakes', including Lake Burrinjuck which I fish in the summer highs. While I am required to don a type 1 or 2 PFD when fishing from my kayak more than 100m from shore in enclosed water I am also required to wear one on all Alpine lakes at all times. Boaters in vessels under 4.8m will also be made to wear a PFD type 1 in enclosed waters at all times, a type 1 or 2 PFD if fishing Alpine lakes or a type 1 only if wearing waders. There are many other rules that may affect you, friends or family (Please click on the link).
I know that this has appeased a few in our fraternity but I cant really see the problem with it and will support it 100%. Sure most of my own lifejackets dont carry the AU approved rating but a personal flotation type 2 device that complies with European Standard EN 393-1993Lifejackets – 50N, as formulated, issued, prescribed or published by the European Union from time to time, will be permitted (Along with any standard or specifications approved by the Maritime Authority). There are way more permited types of PFD in the type 1 and 3 category (Such as 150N) so again I suggest having a read before hitting the panic button.
So this weekend I am off to Jindabyne to fish an Alpine lake during one of the busiest times of the year (Snowy Mountain Trout Festival) and I can safely say that Maritime and Fisheries officers will be in full force. Come NSW Cod opening weekend when I fish Lake Burrinjuck in the summer months the same rules apply and again, Maritime and Fisheries will be a visable entity. The Maritime trial 12 month advisory period should show they are fairly serious about encouraging safety without the initial police state but be warned, repeat offenders will be prosecuted. Some of these rules will affect me on a day to day basis and some wont, the great thing about this reform is it pats me on the back for always doning a PFD, be it down the coast offshore, visiting freshwater rivers or impoundments to freezing my but off at Jindabyne in the middle of winter.
The following links may help you with understanding this reform:
http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/docs/wh/Lifejacket_Reforms_Report.pdf
http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/docs/wh/Lifejacket_Reforms_Summary_of_consultation_and_recommended_action.pdf
