Re: [Paddlewise] PFD Debate (was other things)

ralph diaz wrote:

> Doug Lloyd wrote:
> > It is much easier in Canada, as Uliei (spelling, sorry) pointed out. We
> > don't have to wear them, just have them available.
>
> We don't _have_ to wear them in the States either.  While the US Coast
> Guard goes through great pains in its annual reports to stress that it
> is smart to wear one all the time, there is no regulation that says you
> have to. <snip>
>

As a few subsequent posts to yours pointed out, it is a state by state
situation in the USA. Here in Canada, home of the strong and free, we indeed
do have a bit of our freedom restricted by the CG's regulations pertaining to
PFDs. There are, however, no written specifics about where the PFD must be
located at this time. It simply says you must have one aboard for each person
on the vessel. This means you can carry it in your hatch. It must also be DOT
approved here in Canada, and must also be of appropriate size and fit - which
is a good regulation in my mind. There are no plans at this time, according
to my recent call to the CG in Ottawa, to change these requirements.

For those who paddle quiet waters who don't don their PFD, I'm not going to
argue with them. I know if I was down there, in a remote area on a calm
day/meandering river and or lagoon, my motto would be: "If a tree falls in
the forest, and no one is there, did it make a noise" :-)

BTW, the RCMP can issue us with up to a $200.00 ticket for not having a DOT
approved PFD present. I know a ton of paddlers who's PFD's don't fit the
regs, but most don't worry about that portion of the regs, as the authorities
are so glad to see you just having a PFD. I think the DOT regulation comes
more into play with the operators of larger boats and tour operators.

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd


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