Fishing

Always Fish with a Friend

Fish with a friend, potential danger can be obvious to one or the other. A split second warning could save you and your friend's lives.

 

 

Weather
Communication
First Aid
Clothing
Choosing a Fishing Location

Weather

• Weather reports are essential to all fishermen. Make sure you have the most up to date local information available and be prepared for sudden changes.
• For coastal locations take particular note of expected tidal and swell conditions. For details link to the Bureau of Meteorology. Also newspapers and on various marine radio frequencies see Marine Safety Victoria www.vic.gov.au
• The forecast will assist in determining the following:

- the type of clothing to wear and take along
- who can participate
- the most appropriate fishing location.

Communication

• It is imperative that someone knows where you are going and what time you are returning.
• Take a mobile phone and keep it turned on. Have family or friends check on you or report in occasionally throughout your trip.
• Tune into Marine Radio for emergency information

First Aid

First aid kits are essential for any fishing trip and are readily available from many stores. Choose one which suits your needs.

Alcohol

• Alcohol seriously hampers your chances of survival if you fall in the water.
• Revival procedures and techniques are dramatically less effective after alcohol has been consumed.

Hypothermia

• It is recommended that if anyone in your party is uncomfortably cold then they should retire to a warmer spot.
• Avoid getting to the involuntary shivering stage, this indicates hypothermia is progressing and immediate action is required.

What to do if you lose your footing?

• Try not to panic, roll on to your back and bring your knees up towards your chest using trapped air for buoyancy.
• Do not fight the current, point your feet in the direction of travel to protect yourself, steering as well as you can with your hands.
• Do not feel for the bottom with your feet, underwater rocks, tree trunks and debris are less likely to snare your trailing hands, try to steer towards a clear bank feeling for the bottom with your hands.
• Do not attempt to stand until you are confident of firm footing.
• If you are caught in a rip, point your feet in the direction of travel hold one arm in the air to indicate you are in trouble. When you feel you have stopped moving out to sea, wait for help to arrive. If you were unlikely to have been seen, carefully remove the waders.
• These are extremely dangerous situations, be over cautious how far you venture into fast flowing water, particular wearing waders.

Clothing

• Appropriate footwear is essential for all fishing environments.
• Wear an appropriate hat to avoid suffering from the heat or cold.
• Outerwear should be comfortable and warm. Lightweight garments worn in layers are highly recommended. Bulky woollen pullover's become extremely heavy and difficult to remove if you fall in the water.

Life Jackets (PFD's)

• When on a boat, ensure that there is one approved lifejacket (PFD1) for each person on board,People on Vessels upto and including 4.8m must wear an approved PFD at all times when underway.
• PFD's are recommended when rock, ledge and even riverbank fishing to make certain of safety.

Waders

• Do not wear waders on any vessel, even for a short trip.
• Avoid conditions that endanger firm footing such as strong river flow or surf conditions.
• DO NOT FISH IN RIPS.
• Do not wear waders when rock or ledge fishing.
• Wear a supplementary wide belt to seal your waders at the waist, velcro style is recommended.

Hooks and rods

• Hooks and rods by design can be dangerous if not handled with care. When fishing in close proximity to others extra care should be exercised.
• Exposed hooks on rods should be corked or placed in a hook safety cover when transporting.
• Instruct novices and children on safe rod and hook procedures.

Choosing a Fishing Location

• When choosing a site to go fishing, gather information beforehand.
• Local stores generally have coastal maps and pamphlets to guide you on safe locations.
• Talk to local people, they will know of the best places to fish as well as dangerous and hazardous areas.
• When choosing locations for rock, ledge or tidal estuary fishing, take extra care and time judging tidal, sea, access and escape conditions.

Rock and Ledge Fishing

• Seek out local advice on your intended fishing spot, tidal behaviour and accessibility to the area.
• Have an escape plan. If the swell threatens where you are standing, leave immediately.
• Always obey danger signs and never trust access and escape aids such as ropes and makeshift steps.
• NEVER turn your back on the sea.
• NEVER fish alone. One person must watch the sea at all times.

Surf Fishing

• DO NOT ENTER RIPS to fish.
• When choosing a fishing site pay careful attention to rips. Relatively calm surface and the absence of regular wave pattern will generally identify a rip.
• Gentle sloping beaches with a non-threatening wave pattern are ideal for safe surf fishing.
• NEVER go alone and always stay visible to other visitors to the beach.
• If you are wearing waders, be very careful that your footing is always secure.

(with thanks to the Water Safety Website for this information)

Boating

Important points

• Always check the weather forecasts, fuel, safety equipment, and other gear before a trip.
• Lifejackets, PFDs and buoyancy vests are a must. See the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook for information on choosing the correct lifejacket, PFD or buoyancy vest and other Recreational Boating safety information on the Marine Safety Victoria website.
• Remember that it's always colder on the water and the sun is stronger; extra jumpers, waterproofs and suntan cream are never a waste of space.
• Never go boating alone and if you do let someone know.

Power boating

Victoria boasts almost 2,000 km of coastline and more than 160 scheduled waterways, so it's no surprise that boating and watersports continue to be popular recreational activities.

With over 165,000 registered powered recreational vessels and approximately 300,000 licensed recreational boaters and PWC operators there is an ever growing demand for a slice of Victoria's spectacular waterways.

Before you go out Safe loading PFDs & life jackets Safety equipment Vessel maintenance Weather & tides Emergency procedures Distress signals Fire First aid Man overboard

Safety on the water Launching & retrieving Speed & distance Boat handling Ocean bars Navigational lights Buoyage system Anchoring Big ships & little boats Radio and communications Australian Builder's Plate

Personal watercraft (PWC)

What is a PWC?

PWC describes an aquascooter, jet bike, jet ski, wave runner, ski free, motorised surfboard and any similar vessel that has an engine used for propulsion. They are also known as 'powerskis'.

What rules apply to PWC operators?

PWC operators are required to be operated within the rules pertaining to 'powerboats'. Some points to consider:

· Make sure you know the boating rules applicable to any waterway you intend to use.

· Follow the general rules outlined in the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook.

· Always read signage placed at boatramps and on beaches.

· Check for local rules which may apply specifically to PWCs.

When being used to tow a waterskier/ aquaplaner/ wakeboarder/ paraflyer, the rules for waterskiing must be followed. In some areas, local waterway rules may apply. Before operating in an area, check local safety signage for local rules or have a look at the waterway listing in the vessel operating and zoning rules for Victoria.

Do I need a licence to operate a PWC?

Operators of PWC are required to have a Recreational Boat Operator’s Licence and Personal Watercraft endorsement.

Holders of a restricted Recreational Boat Operator’s Licence with a PWC endorsement may operate a PWC:

· At less than 10 knots

· At 10 knots and less than 20 knots between sunrise and sunset if accompanied by a person over 16 who is appropriately licensed to operate a PWC

· But must not operate a vessel that is towing.

Is my PWC required to be registered?

Owners of recreational vessels equipped with an engine that is capable of being used for propulsion are required to register their vessel with VicRoads.

· Minimum size of the registration numbers is 100 mm.

· Registration numbers must be attached on both sides of the PWC.

· Registration numbers must be in stark contrast to the background and be clearly visible at a reasonable distance when the vessel is operating.

· A current registration label must also be attached to the vessel.

What safety equipment am I required to carry?

See the Minimum safety equipment for Personal Watercraft.

All safety equipment required to be carried onboard must be:

· Placed or located in a conspicuous and readily accessible position at all times.

· Kept in good order at all times.

· Maintained or serviced in a way that ensures they are able to be operated at all times.

· Serviced on or before the date specified by the manufacturer for that item of equipment.

Where can I operate my PWC?

Specific operating rules can be found for each waterway in the Vessel Operating and Zoning rules

How many people can I carry? The PWC capacity plate will specify the number of people able to be carried. Generally for PWC, it is one person per seat eg. Three seater PWC = three people. Capacity plates can be found onboard your vessel and may look similar to the picture below.

Are there any speed limits?

5 knot speed limit applies, within:

All waters

· 50 metres from a person in the water.

· 50 metres from another vessel, including other PWCs.

· 100 metres from a diver's flag/ buoy/ vessel.

Coastal and enclosed waters

· 200 metres from the water's edge.

· 50 metres off a wharf, jetty, slipway, diving platform or boat ramp.

Inland waters

· 50 metres from the water's edge.

· 50 metres from a fixed or floating structure.

In particular, remember:

· In surf areas, swimmers may be hidden from view by waves and swell. Keep well away from areas where swimmers are likely to be present, or slow right down

· Do not cut blind corners – slow down

· If vision is affected by the sun or spray – slow down or stop

· Keep well clear of anchored or moored vessels.

· In channels and narrow stretches of water, you must drive on the right hand or starboard side.

· Navigation lights are required if your PWC is used on the waters between sunset and sunrise.

Waterskiing

PWCs are more often being used for waterskiing. Remember that the normal waterskiing rules apply to PWCs towing skiers, including the need to carry an appropriate observer on the PWC. The carrying capacity of the PWC must cater for the operator, observer and any person/s being towed.

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