Spearing from a kayak / ski

landshark

Senior Member
I was at Buffels Bay the weekend before last and saw a guy spearfishing from his kayak. I was under the impression that it was not allowed in Cape Point yet there were quite a few MCM officials around and no-one questioned or stopped him.

Is it allowed or have they changed the rules regarding this?
 

Capespearo

Senior Member
I would assume it to be illegal,but there's probably a loophole as fishing ski's do not require to be registered with SAMSA to launch (maybe I'm wrong ?),and thus are not considered a "boat".
 

will101

Senior Member
Probably a loophole of some sort. In this case you could see the yak as a floatation aid, much like a buoy or a keepnet hanging from a tube or a boogie-board float? You are still essentially a shore-based diver. PM me your details dude long time no chat.
 

jensent

New member
Hi Guys,

There was a discussion on this a while ago here: http://www.sealine.co.za/view_topic.php?id=24744&forum_id=68

Maybe you can find somehtign useful in there, my recollection was that it is illegal.  However, it was only because of the perly diving ban, hwihc they have now revoked, so I guess they will also have to revoke the ban on diving in the perly areas so the commercials can legally dive there.

Cheers,

Tony
 

Eckart

Senior Member
I contacted Paul Seaburn (021 786 5656) who is an official and he said i is illegal. a kayak is conciered a "vessel" and if you look at the regulations it states that you cannot dive within 2 nautical miles from a vessel.
It's real rubbish but alot of the inspectors don't know that about the kayaks.... so you could get away with it...
just a warning
 

landshark

Senior Member
Thanks for the responses guys!

Unfortunately the regulations are as clear as mud and the conflicting information that the MCM officials provide does not help.

Either way, I think I’ll just not take the chance as with my luck I will be the one being made an example of if it is indeed illegal...
 

jensent

New member
Best way to go, I think.  And it should become legal some time this year when they repeal the diving ban they promulgated because they couldn't police the perly poachers (and still can't, for that matter).  On a more positive note, let's hope for big fish and diveable water soon.  Cape Maclears is a good area to dive wihtout a ski even, and you can get geelbek in the kelp and tail at the back of it.  Just a long swim.
 
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