Do i need a lifejacket?

[Guest mike2153]

Hi guys,

Im buying a little fibreglass boat not sure on length but its under 4.5 metres.

Ive read the laws but couldnt be sure, just the way they worded it is a bit hard to understand.

If i go out with a mate o we need to wear lifejackets if we are in Sydney harbour? I know we do if we go outside the heads and if im alone i need one.

Thanks guys.

[Blood Knot]

In a boat less than 4.8 meters long a life jacket must be worn when :

On open (ie coastal) waters, including when crossing a coastal bar; or

Boating alone; or

Being towed; or

Boating at night; or

On alpine waters; or

Directed to do so by the master of the vessel.

So if you stay in the harbour and you have a mate with you and its not night time you do not have to wear one. My advice for what its worth is buy a comfortable inflatable jacket and wear it all day (and suggest to your mate he does the same).Stuff can go wrong really quickly sometimes.

Cheers

[Guest mike2153]

Yea i have been looking at getting the 100 series of jackets, the self inflatable ones in case someone gets knocked out and also because they are more comfy.

[niicholas.nguyen]

Mate, definitely get one. I was out on a boat with my best mate, his dad and brother in law. Perfect day. No wind. The brother in law decided to cross the reef at Hill 60. A freak wave came out of no where and flip the boat over. We were so lucky at everyone put on a life jacket as we headed out. Though we were near land, i had heavy steel cap shoes on to keep my feet warm at night. It weighted me down and i couldnt take it off as it water logged. A fisherman on the rocks jumped in and help dragged me out cause i was too tired to swim. 10 minutes later and it was pitch black. My best mate initially didnt surface straight away and trust me its the worst feeling in the world. Buy a life jacket.