compulsory wearing of PFDs..here it comes

[mangomick]

The NMSC (National Marine Safety Committee) is looking at forcing in the compulsory wearing of PFDs. Have your say at www.boatingoz.com.au.

Whats next the compulsory wearing of sumo suits and helmets when crossing the street?
I'm all for young kids having PFDs on when in a boat. And common sense dictates the wearing of PFDs when crossing bars or when conditions turn really bad when 20 miles out but the compulsory wearing based on somewhat dubious stats.Really
Might be nice and cosy fishing in one of these down south but in Central Queensland the heat generated while wearing the PFDs continuously would be unbearable.
Check it out and have your say to the NMSC and have your say here too.
Just remember NMSC wont read your comments here so have your say at the above linkso they get a true view of the boating public
Cheers
Mangomick

[scottym]

Well said Mangomick. These laws are ridiculous. If they want to rap themselves in cotton wool than thats fine but why should they enforce it on those who have enough common sense to dictate when to wear a PDF. We go boating at our own risk and If we take basic precautions these risks are small. No need for PDFs all the time. I've had my say.

Cheers

Scotty

[Fat Chilli]

I love how this is all geared toward the recreational boatie, what about ferries, cruise ships etc. they never have drownings do they? #:-X (did I hear you say "A Titanic proportion of historical drownings"...never) If preventing/reducing the risk of drowning is the ultimate goal with the NMSC as stated in their discussion paper then it should apply to ferries and cruise ships also..... ;) Lets see them tackle that one...Just wouldn't happen!

[seatime]

The NMSC doesn't have powers to implement any changes or enforce rules. The individual states enact changes depending on their own areas and special circumstances.
This discussion paper is about producing a nationally consistent standard regarding the carrying and wearing of PFDs.

NMSC has national standards for safety gear, nav gear, commercial ops and others, doesn't mean the states will strictly adhere to them, and in most cases they don't.

It should be a 'horses for courses' approach, issues like wearing PFDs in hot weather in the Nth will influence MSQ, NT and WA decisions, but not concern Tassie legislators as much. Whereas hypothermia is more of a problem in Vic and Tas. How they will end up with a nationally consistent standard will make for interesting reading.

regards
Steve.

[Cruize]

Lawn bowls and tea anyone? Woops don't hurt yourself with the hot water dear!

Safety first - yes
Common sence - bigger yes
To suit conditions - YES
In the Brissy, Logan or Pine rivers - Give me a break!

[stuart]

These w!nkers sit around all day thinking about what to do next in order to justify their overly high salaries. If they are going to try and impose this on us then it has to be across the bord, ferries, cruise ships, pro fisherman, water police, coast guard, the navy, customs, DPI fisheries, charter operators and their customers. Should be lots of fun especially in the middle of summer. They would be more of a hindrance in the course of a days fishing.
>:(
Stu

[Menion]

Why dont they just make it illegal to have a boat, im sure nobody will drown then!!! Im sure more people get injured on the way to the water with all the dodgy roads around, combined with idiots on the road who dont seem to see you with a large boat attatched to your ass!!! I havent been boating for long, but i am already sick of idiots on the forad.

[triman]

Here in our Glorious Socialist Workers Paradise South it is compulsory to wear a lifejacket at all times when under way in a boat of 4.8m or less in length.
Just as the rules for rail safety change when speeds top about 160kmh and this has set a tops peed for trains, so the 4.8m limit appears to have established a floor in the market, with sub-4.8m boats slowing in sales.
But there's more. People have queried why in the original regs as published for comment there was a requirement for boaties to wear a lifejacket while off the boat but launching or retrieving at the ramp, on the grounds that there is one recorded drowning at a ramp many moons ago.
Thank God these people aren't in charge of lowering the road toll, because just imagine what they could come up with

[kneebone]

Has anyone thought of the health risks involved by wearing a PDF all the time. Heat Stroke can set in very quickly. I agree that off shore can bar crossings can be hazardous and this comes down to the safety responsabilities of the boat owner, but as for us boaties that only go boating in rivers and esturies, give us a break. What next a smoking ban.

[sandsy]

This is one of those things where the authorities make it harder for everyone because of a minority who lack common sense. It happens with almost everything we do-someone ruins it for the rest of us.
On a different note, there are some jackets available in the US which are actually a spray jacket, with a built in inflatable life jacket triggered manually or with a co2 shot. They are awesome. I was going to import them and have them approved for use in Australia, but the authorities made it rediculkously difficult and expensive.
Someone will persevere, and they will be available. I have a sample from a meeting I had with the CEO in Florida, and they are awesome. They have zip off sleeeves and can be worn as a vest also. They would be hot in summer though. Hava a look at floattech.com

[triman]

Sandsy, MArine pilots in Australia, especially in the southern states, have these spray jacket/ inflato-pfd in winter. Cost plenty but for them it's a life-and-death decision.

[seatime]

Marine Pilots have been wearing the inflatable Musto/Burke type wet weather gear for at least 15 yrs.
Last price I heard for a Musto fully lined inflatable jacket was around $600 a couple of years back, also had a safety belt built in. Should be cheaper now.

rgds

[ribbit]

Guys we have it in Vic for months now and I have no problem with it. .
Vic laws are up to 4.8m at all times when moving and other sizes boat when dark, boating alone or over 20knots. Should have them on in those times anyway...
Think off it like this
1: Inflatables came down heaps, now $89 for inflatable yoke. even good in qld heat.
2: I am happy to wear it if I get to see my kids grow up instead of drowning.
3: How many idiots do we all see in 4mtr tinny, 4 guys in 1/2 mtr chop. Too many idiots.
4: I personally brought 3 inflatable yokes for mates to wear and minew is a $400 stormy seas which is great when cold and if hot I wear yoke.

If like vic laws you all must agree that on your own, at night or over 20 knots and bar crossings, we all should wear then then.
Same as in Vic, owners of boats under 4.8 will winge and owners of boats over 4.8 will be happy with boat being in bigger demand when selling......