Lifejacket Reforms - Frequently Asked Questions
Vessel Safety Equipment
What safety equipment am I required to have on my boat?
Vessel Requirements
What are the requirements for off-the-beach sailing vessels?
How do I determine the length of my vessel?
What are the requirements for canoes and kayaks?
What are the requirements for kiteboarders?
What are the requirements for outrigger canoes?
What are the requirements for dragon boats?
Do I have to wear a lifejacket in my tender?
Do I have to wear a lifejacket in a rowing or sculling boat?
Do I have to wear a lifejacket on a surf ski?
When are people in small sailboats required to wear a lifejacket?
Do the rules apply to a school or ‘coach’ boat, even if it is commercially registered?
Am I still considered to be boating alone if I am accompanied by a small child, or a support vessel?
Definitions
What is “heightened risk” and what are the skipper’s responsibilities?
Do the changes affect commercial or recreational vessels?
What is the “open area” of a vessel?
Which waterways are referred to as the “alpine waters”?
Activity Specific Requirements
Do I need to wear a lifejacket when crossing coastal bars?
What are the requirements for people being towed?
What are the requirements for people involved in activities like diving and towing?
Will Children under 12 years of age have to wear a lifejacket on a tender?
General
What are the key changes which were made to lifejacket requirements?
Why were these changes introduced?
If they save lives, why not make lifejackets compulsory at all times?
Was there consultation with the public before the changes were made?
When will children have to wear a lifejacket?
When are Infants (under the age of 1) required to wear a lifejacket?
What are the penalties if I don’t comply with the new requirements?
What type of lifejacket do I need to wear?
Will a skipper be penalised for not directing passengers to wear a lifejacket?
Do I still have to carry a lifejacket at all times?
Why are vessels of less that 4.8m subject to many of these requirements?
Will people have to wear a lifejacket below deck or in the galley of my vessel?
How do I service my inflatable lifejacket?
Do the “belt bag inflatable” style lifejackets meet legislative requirements?
Where do I get my inflatable lifejacket serviced?
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