Boat rules to save lives

By Rebecca Fraser
IT IS all about staying alive.
That is the message from Cranbourne boat shop manager David Avard following the introduction of new regulations by Marine Safety Victoria.
The regulations make the use of personal flotation devices (PFD) mandatory for all recreational boat users and, under the new requirements, a specified PFD type must be worn by all occupants of powerboats that are up to 4.8 metres in length while the vessel is on the water.
Mr Avard of the Cranbourne Boating Centre welcomed the new regulations, saying it was crucial that people wore life jackets at all times.
He said new regulations had also been introduced in relation to the use of flares and marine radios when boating.
During his past 20 years at the boat centre he said he had known of a few people who had drowned in boating accidents.
“It just happens so quickly,” he said.
“By the time you fall out (of the boat) you do not have time to grab a life vest.
“All you need is a freak wave or a rip and it is too late.
“By the time you take a breath you could be gone.”
Following the new regulations Mr Avard said the boat centre had introduced a new style of slim line PFD that automatically inflated when people hit the water.
“Some life jackets can be a bit of a hindrance but you can move easily in these ones.
“They are so low profile so that it just feels like you a wearing a vest.”
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan has also urged boat users to follow the new state regulations.
“Of the 40 fatalities resulting from boating incidents in Victorian waters between 1999 and 2002, 32 were not wearing PFDs,” he said.
“Most deaths are a combination of hazardous weather conditions, the sudden and unexpected entering of water by vessel occupants, and the absence of PFDs.
“The use of PFDs is already mandatory in Tasmania and the number of deaths has dropped from 12 to only two last year.”
All recreational boats must carry a PFD for every person on board.
Exceptions include boaters who are taking part in organised events or races and commercial trading and fishing vessels.
Any infringement of the new regulation will result in a $131 penalty, which will be enforced by the Victorian Water Police.
All Victorian boat licence holders and recreational boat owners will shortly receive a bulletin in the mail advising of the changes.
Details will be available on the Marine Safety Victoria website www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au.
Alternatively, phone Cranbourne Boat Centre on 5996 2206 for more details.