Legality of inflatable PFDs and self certification

Is this what you are looking for:

Marlin inspection and self certification

This issue of self certifying PFDs has been extensivly canvased on the various boating & fishing forums.

Yes indeed in QLD for you to self certify the manufacturer of the PFD has to provide instructions on self certifying that particular PFD.

It is considered that if the manufacturer does not issue instructions, the PFD is not suitable for self certifying....the truth however is the manufacturer is engaging in a restrictive trade practice and protecting its revenue from certification.

That be as it is, the rules are in QLD, as they are.

NOW
there is a problem with your self certified PFDs.....having them in the boat is an offence.

Like so many other safety items.... not compliant or non effecive safety items are forbidden to be carried........It does not matter how many compliant PFDs are on board, carrying a non compliant PFD is an offence.

A specific example that is often raised concerning this is people using old PFDs and cushions or fenders.....if an item could be mistaken for an operative safety item but is in fact not compliant......that represents a offence.

It may sound silly......but this matter has been well and truly canvased and the authorities have been very specific in their statements concering this.

SO...if you get a floating copper or boating & fisheries officer who is enforcing to the letter of the law.....your perfectly safe, non complaint, self certified PFDs could earn you a fine.

For anybody purchasing inflatable PFDs.....make sure what routes are open to you for recertification before you buy...and get it in writing.

Because of the way the recertification is specified, some of the cheaper inflatables can only be considered disposable, because it costs more to have them certified by the specified route than it does to buy a new one.

That is why I baught a "Stormy"....the local dealer recertifies at a reasonable price, you can self certify and every single part of the jacket or vest is available as a spare part.

cheers

Personally I would read the Marlin procedures in depth to make sure that I didn't leave anything out in my self certification. It's fine to legal but to forget or not do an important step could be deadly. Just watch the TV show about plane crashes and see what happens if the wrong certification procedure is used or a step omitted, all-be-it by accident or inattention. Okay it is a bit different but the outcome could be the same.

My safety is more important that just being legal.

Happy sailing

Phil