Marine News

The captain of the yacht ShockWave 5 wasn’t wearing a lifejacket when he was swept overboard in last weekend's tragic accident during the 92 mile Flinders Island Race in south-east Australia. Survivor, Matt Pearce, described 'a set of about four waves in a row that were solid green water, sort of two metres over the top of the boat. When we turned around, he was gone'.

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) racing rules state that 'each competitor is individually responsible for wearing a personal flotation device adequate for the condition'. However, in the ISAF Offshore Special Regulations Handbook, states that lifejackets and harnesses are to be worn between the hours of sunset and sunrise, the time the accident happened.

This tragic event stresses the importance of personal floatation devices (PFD) especially in open waters, its obvious that no matter how much boating experience or sea knowledge you have, the sea can be cruel and unforgiving.
 
Remember its not a life jacket unless its on!