In April 2010, an incident in Port Philip Bay, Melbourne Victoria Australia resulted in a recreational SUP paddler clinging to a shipping beacon and having to be rescued. The issue was referred to Marine Safety Victoria.
News Article reference:
www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/paddleboarder-stranded-in-bay-sparks-safety-debate-20100424-tkm8.htmlThere have been discussions all over the world as to whether SUP boards are vessels and as a result, would fall into the same category as canoes, kayaks, etc, including wearing PFDS, carrying flairs, etc and therefore subject to "waterways" regulation.
Marine Safety Victoria is not interested in putting any legislation in place. They would like to promote industry safety guidelines and possibly publish them on their website and in a brochure with brochure distribution to places that sell SUP boards in Victoria.
A SUP Victorian focus group has been formed, to discuss some guidelines.
Marine Safety Victoria has identified the minimum safety equipment requirements for human powered vessels, including canoes, kayaks, rafts and rowing boats, categorised by operating environment, as follows:
CURRENT VIC MARINE SAFETY - OPERATING ENVIRONMENTs
1. Coastal Offshore (> 2 nautical miles from coast)
Required: legrope, PFD Typed 1,2, or 3 Safety Equipment Torch, Bailer, Bilge Pump, Oars, Orange Smoke signals, Red Distress Flares, Compass, EPIRB
2. Coastal Inshore ( 2 nautical miles from coast)
Required: legrope, PFD Typed 1,2, or 3 Safety Equipment Torch, Orange Smoke signals, Red Distress Flares, Compass, EPIRB
2. Coastal Inshore (400 metres to 400 metres from shore)
Required: legrope, PFD Typed 1,2, or 3
5. Inland (rivers, lakes and dams)
Required: legrope
The proposed SUP Industry guidelines are not legislation however there could constitute an "unwritten" requirement to abide by them.
SUP Australia is collating feedback from the SUP community on the above operating category classifications and the PFD/equipment requirements.
