Just like it is at your workplace, SUP safety starts with you…
In Melbourne and Victoria all users of boats and watercraft (including SUP) are governed by the Marine Safety Regulations 2012 (Vic). There are specific rules that apply to stand-up paddle boards (SUP) that outline the minimum requirements based on the waters you paddle in.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
The regulations distinguish between three types of Victorian waters:
Coastal Waters – In Victoria, this is effectively the coast – surf beaches and open ocean waters.
Enclosed Waters
- Port Philip Bay
- Corio Bay
- Swan Bay
- Western Port Bay
- Barwon River upstream from Ocean Grove – Barwon Heads bridge,
- Anderson Inlet,
- Gippsland Lakes,
- Mallacoota,
- Port Fairy
- Shallow Inlet
- Wingan Inlet.
Inland waters – lakes, rivers, estuaries, streams effectively landlocked, but excluding shipping ports
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Minimum equipment – Within 400m of shore and over 10 years old – no requirement.
10 years or younger – PFD type 1, 2 or 3 at all times.
More than 400m from shore – PFD type 1, PFD type 2 or PFD type 3 at all times
In coastal waters and are more than 2 nautical miles (3.7km) from the coast, in addition to the above you must carry:
- a compass,
- 2 hand-held orange smoke signals
- 2 hand-held red distress flares
- a buoyant waterproof torch
- an EPIRB that complies with AS/NZ 4280.1:2003, is registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and has an up-to-date registration sticker.
SUP Melbourne recommends all paddlers wear a leash at all times when paddling
USEFUL LINKS
https://transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety
https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/water-management/boating-and-swimming-zones
QUESTIONS?
We’re always happy to help. Just email us.
DISCLAIMER
This document is for your information only and nothing contained on this page is to be understood as providing legal advice on the operation of the safety laws in force in Victoria as they apply to SUP.