The following items are essential safety items as required by law under
instruction from SAMSA South African Marine Safety Association
www.samsa.co.za
To fish from a Kayak in South Africa you must adhere to
the following SAMSA minimum requirements...
Purchase a fishing licence from the Post Office or KZN wildlife office
Pay for the angling and skipper of a vessel on your licence
Kayak must be over 3 metres in length to go to sea (beyond the backline)
Kayak must have minimum 30% buoyancy
You must wear an approved PFD (personal flotation device)
Carry a 10 metre rope. (tow rope)
Pencil flares (not out of date)
Bailing device (bucket or collapsible bucket) You can use your tackle
box or a sponge
You must have 750ml drinking water.
You must not exceed 1.85km from land
(1nautical mile)
You can launch anywhere except if the launch site
is restricted by Port Authority, Private owner, Parks Board, or Municipality for which you may
be asked to pay a fee
SAKFA also recommend...
Paddle leash.
Attach your paddle to your ski via a leash (some
like to detach during launching and beaching)
Kayak
should display approved SAKFA identification number something like
KFSC69 which means Kayak Fishing (KF) Scottburgh (SC) and allocated number.
So if your Kayak is found out at sea NSRI or anyone who finds it can phone
SAKFA or the club which issued the number and get your details
Carry a cell phone in a waterproof pouch
programme in 082 911 SEA RESCUE
SMS your launch and return time or leave a float plan with someone
SAKFA recommend you join a local Kayak club
Always check the weather forecast before you
leave and keep checking when you are out at sea
Make sure you can turn over and climb on your
Kayak if it capsizes
Never paddle alone always paddle with at least
one person
If your Kayak capsizes stay with it and phone for
help
Tell someone where you are going and estimated
time due back
Complete a launch register at your launch site if
applicable
Check your Kayak before leaving for cracks and
leaks. Make sure the bungs are in!
Remember - know your own personal paddling
capabilities and do not exceed them
Don't forget your fishing licence and vessel
licence (both on the same licence)
Obey any Parks board or municipality launch site
rules and pay fees if applicable
A plastic whistle is also handy to have to
attract attention
A mirror to use for attracting attention (using
suns reflection)
Write your SAKFA number and cell number on your
paddle and equipment
![[Under Construction]](images/undercon.gif)
