I think that (PFD must be worn from October 1-May 1)) is true now within the NPS Upper D Scenic & Recreational River boundary. You've always needed to have onboard one PFD for every passenger. Wearing one is no big deal to me, I've only ever taken mine off once while floating. Every guide I know makes their clients wear one at all times in the boat.
West Branch, Delaware River, NY 8/2-8/3
- Thread starter jerseygeorge
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I think that (PFD must be worn from October 1-May 1)) is true now within the NPS Upper D Scenic & Recreational River boundary. You've always needed to have onboard one PFD for every passenger. Wearing one is no big deal to me, I've only ever taken mine off once while floating. Every guide I know makes their clients wear one at all times in the boat.
TDB
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Wearing them is a pain in the a**.. It is not necessary on one of the placid rivers in the world (Delaware and branches)... I think the rule is dumb, if people aren't comfortable they can wear them, otherwise who cares. Kind of like a helmet on a motorcycle...
I've never seen a guided boat wearing PFD's from May to Oct...
I've never seen a guided boat wearing PFD's from May to Oct...
jdaddy
Active member
So what's the verdict? You have to WEAR a PFD if you are in/on a boat period? Waders have to wear a PFD? Couldn't a wader drown just as, if not more easily than a boater?
sight_nymph_17109
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I floated in April and just held up the one in the back of the pontoon when questioned by PFC guy. No issues.
jdaddy
Active member
Ya, but i think the conversation is more about the NY regs, not the PBFC. I know PBFC only requires one on board.
sight_nymph_17109
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Hey, all law enforcement guys understand the middle finger. "catch me pig" is the required phrase when they try to stop you. LMAO
jdaddy
Active member
I am not saying that to a enforcement agent while I am floating along in an inflatable raft at 6 mph.
You can drown in placid water too. It's not a dumb rule at all to have in the colder months and at all other times you better have one with you for each passenger within their reach and not tied to the vessel- the latter is the law at all times. Besides the SOSpenders type they make plenty of models that are pretty much just like wearing a flyfishing vest with gear in it. Plenty easy to cast or row with. As unlikely as it may seem all it takes is one awkward fall or something and say you hit your head and get knocked out, etc. even in placid water you're going to drown. But I guess I can see your point, WTF do I care if other people choose to make a decision not wear one and then drown. A few less tools on the water sounds good to me. :lol:
I think any guide that doesn't require his clients to wear a PFD onboard is taking an unnecessary risk. If they don't at least have one onboard for each passenger (including themselves) I'm pretty sure they are breaking the law. I've only been on a few guided floats, one on the Lehigh Gorge and one on a stretch of the Upper Conn that is "placid" like the West Br. and Upper D and if memory serves me correct both guides insisted we wear a PFD at all times in the boat. I know for a fact it was mandatory on the Gorge trip.
Here is the reg excerpt I got form when it was posted on the NEFF forum:
Beginning November 1, 2009, Section 40, Subdivision 1 of the Navigation Law shall be amended by adding new paragraph (e), which reads as follows:
No owner or operator of a pleasure vessel less than twenty-one feet, including rowboats, canoes, and kayaks shall permit its operation, between November first and May first, unless each person on board such vessel is wearing a securely fastened United States Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device of an appropriate size when such vessel is underway.
Failure to wear a lifejacket on such vessels will be considered a violation under Section 73-c if the Navigation Law and is punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $250, applicable to either the operator and/or the owner of the vessel.
I do recall there was some discussion on how licensed guide's driftboats/pontoon boats fit in. I'll keep digging.
After digging more it appears that guide boats may be exempted but as of the time this thread was hot (in 2009) there was no confirmation yet on that. There was also movement from the NPS superinitendent of that area to implement a reg making it mandatory to WEAR a PFD whenever the Barryville guage is 6ft or above. Nothing more on whether that ever got implemented though.
Beginning November 1, 2009, Section 40, Subdivision 1 of the Navigation Law shall be amended by adding new paragraph (e), which reads as follows:
No owner or operator of a pleasure vessel less than twenty-one feet, including rowboats, canoes, and kayaks shall permit its operation, between November first and May first, unless each person on board such vessel is wearing a securely fastened United States Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device of an appropriate size when such vessel is underway.
Failure to wear a lifejacket on such vessels will be considered a violation under Section 73-c if the Navigation Law and is punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $250, applicable to either the operator and/or the owner of the vessel.
I do recall there was some discussion on how licensed guide's driftboats/pontoon boats fit in. I'll keep digging.
After digging more it appears that guide boats may be exempted but as of the time this thread was hot (in 2009) there was no confirmation yet on that. There was also movement from the NPS superinitendent of that area to implement a reg making it mandatory to WEAR a PFD whenever the Barryville guage is 6ft or above. Nothing more on whether that ever got implemented though.
jdaddy
Active member
Between X-date and Y-date, if the flows are X at X station, if you are between X and Y border, if you are with a guide - no, without - yes.
Question: But what if it's sunny? That would completely change things right? I mean there needs to be more variables to complicate this stupid, idiotic regulation right? I say no PFD's if it sunny.
Question: But what if it's sunny? That would completely change things right? I mean there needs to be more variables to complicate this stupid, idiotic regulation right? I say no PFD's if it sunny.
I make it simple on my boat. My boat, my rules. If I tell you to wear an approved PFD at all times onboard my boat then you'll wear it at all times onboard. Otherwise I'll just drown you myself and let you float downriver as fishfood and added nutrients. ;-)
jdaddy
Active member
Chumming is illegal.
sight_nymph_17109
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OK. From what I'm reading, it's between 11/1 and 5/1 which means it's not a required thing while we're there in September. Also, it states "when such vessel is underway". Anchor up and there's the loop hole in that law.
Ryan / GOD,
You wrote: "WTF do I care if other people choose to make a decision not wear one and then drown. A few less tools on the water sounds good to me". It's not your decision. If said "tool" doesn't want to wear one and doesn't have to by law, his / her choice. I enjoy fishing. If that's how I go, so be it. No skin off your back or anyone else’s. I'm divorced with 0 kids and an employer I hate. If I could only be lucky enough to fall over and hit my head. I have my own boat with its own rules. I think you have every right to say "my boat, my rules" and I applaud you sticking to your guns. See you up there next month.
I also believe that jdaddy is correct on the chumming rule.
Ryan / GOD,
You wrote: "WTF do I care if other people choose to make a decision not wear one and then drown. A few less tools on the water sounds good to me". It's not your decision. If said "tool" doesn't want to wear one and doesn't have to by law, his / her choice. I enjoy fishing. If that's how I go, so be it. No skin off your back or anyone else’s. I'm divorced with 0 kids and an employer I hate. If I could only be lucky enough to fall over and hit my head. I have my own boat with its own rules. I think you have every right to say "my boat, my rules" and I applaud you sticking to your guns. See you up there next month.
I also believe that jdaddy is correct on the chumming rule.
jdaddy
Active member
Clearly your new signature line.
