JimJones said...

juicerider said...
...
I take it you are aware of the requirements for safety equipment if >400 meters from shore.
...

I'm routinely more than 400m offshore during normal kiting, sorry for my ignorance, what is required?

Right at this present time - nothing. But of course common sense should always apply.
Won't be long before regulations will include kiters.
Join WAKSA and add your voice to our volunteer c'tee that is negotiating this issue on our behalf as you are reading. Without WAKSA intervention we may just find ourselves inappropriately classed as a power craft requiring all the safety & comms equipment boaties are required to carry on board.
It's a tough call for WAKSA to present as representing all when so many neglect to protect themselves & our sport.
C'mon all - it's miserly annual fee that may just end up saving you your financial future - not to mention our group freedoms.

JimJones said...

juicerider said...
...
I take it you are aware of the requirements for safety equipment if >400 meters from shore.
...

I'm routinely more than 400m offshore during normal kiting, sorry for my ignorance, what is required?

Well done with the FPA, looks like they are playing nice.
Its about 12 years since I had a meeting with members of the water police regarding the regs, so my advice may be out of date. This should be your first place to find out, they can be quite helpful, and their advice will be much more accurate than any you will receive on this forum.
Good luck and let me know how you get on.

Triggerhappy said...
All powered vessels must give way to sail. So there should not be a problem all the subs and boats will have to avoid you. That said you would be a little foolish to play chicken with them and lose but if you can catch a ride on a sub by hopping on to it we will all be duly impressed, make sure your buddy has a camera.

Nope - Ships must not cross a channel if to do so would impede another vessel which can navigate only within that channel. Smaller vessels must avoid bigger vessels which are restructed to shipping lanes. Trust me an oil tanker in Cockburn Sound can't stop if you stack it in front of him!

Good idea Brooksy. I had already queried DoT, and this was their response:

______________________________

Hi Jim

Kiteboard are not classed as vessels as described under the Western Australian Marine Act 1982. Therefore there are no safety requirements you need to adhere to under this legislation. If you were planning an aquatic event with these craft you would still require DoT's official approval as it is an organised event and we are giving permission for the use of that water space.

From what you have told me below it is a social event and you are taking safety precautions and have a communications plan with radios and mobile phones which is great to see. The department has no objections for this activity to occur and would recommend that you clearly monitor the weather and pick a suitable day to carry out this activity.

Good luck and I hope all goes well.

Regards

Simon Miller

Supervising Marine Officer | Marine Safety | Department of Transport