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Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association
           
 

SAFETY

 

We believe in safety first. Always have a float plan (USCG float plan, or FWC float plan) filed with someone who knows where you are going and when you plan on returning. Make sure you have checked the weather, tides, and water conditions for the area you are planning your outing.

At all times ensure you are in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard and State rules and regulations for the area that you will be kayaking.

Florida Required Safety Equipment

 

In Florida, non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet in length are not required to be registered or titled. If the non-motorized vessel is 16 feet or more in length, it is required to be titled.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

One approved Type I, II, or III for each person on board or being towed on waterskis etc.
Must be USCG approved. Must be in serviceable condition. Must be properly stored.
Every person on board under the age of six (6) must wear an approved Type I, II, or III while the vessel is underway

Visual Distress Signal

Required on the high sea and coastal waters only, Must carry visual distress signals for nighttime use.

NOTE: Coastal waters means the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and all bays, sounds, harbors, rivers, inlets, etc. where any entrance is over two (2) miles wide to the first point where the distance between shorelines narrows to 2 miles.

If you are going to be out on the water at night or in low-light conditions you are required to have a light that is bright enough so that others can see you (1 mile). Many of us use a hands free style light or head lamp. If you do a lot of night fishing, may want to invest in the suction cup style navigation lights that use a single "D" cell battery and are waterproof. I would recomend that you place a leash on them.

Sound Producing Device (bell, horn, whistle etc.)

Every vessel less than 12 meters (39.4 ft) in length must carry an efficient sound producing device. The sound producing device need not meet any particular specifications, as long as the vessel can produce signals required by the navigational rules.

 

The waterways, river, and ocean can be a dangerous place so please make sure that you take the proper precautions to ensure you have a safe adventure and obey the navigational rules of the water.


Florida Minimum Required Safety Equipment

for Class A Recreational Vessels

(less than 16 ft / less than 4.9m) or Canoes and Kayaks)

 

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

One approved Type I, II, or III for each person on board or being towed on waterskis etc.
Must be USCG approved. Must be in serviceable condition. Must be properly stored.

NOTE: A Type V hybrid may substituted for any Type I, II, or III device, but must be worn whenever the vessel is underway and the person is not in the cabin or other enclosed area.
Class A: Every person on board under the age of six (6) must wear an approved Type I, II, or III while the vessel is underway


Visual Distress Signal

Required on the high sea and coastal waters only

Must carry visual distress signals for nighttime use.

NOTE: Coastal waters means the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and all bays, sounds, harbors, rivers, inlets, etc. where any entrance is over two (2) miles wide to the first point where the distance between shorelines narrows to 2 miles.

Sound Producing Device (bell, horn, whistle etc.)

Every vessel less than 12 meters (39.4 ft) in length must carry an efficient sound producing device. The sound producing device need not meet any particular specifications, as long as the vessel can produce signals required by the navigational rules.

NOTE: Coastal waters means the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and all bays, sounds, harbors, rivers, inlets, etc. where any entrance is over two (2) miles wide to the first point where the distance between shorelines narrows to 2 miles.

Fereral Regulations USCG

 

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/equipment.htm

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/vsc/vsc_a.html

More Safety Items of Intrest

Learn about the dangers of Hypothermia

Check out the 10 Kayak Fishing Accessories you should have written by www.kayakfishingstuff.com

The waterways, river, and ocean can be a dangerous place so please make sure that you take the proper precautions to ensure you have a safe adventure and obey the navigational rules of the water. As the reader you recognize this, assume all risks of property damage, personal injury, and death, and agree to hold the publishers of this site and our staff harmless from any liability as a result of your use of the information provided in these pages.
 

GCKFA copyright © 2006