Väinö Online ticket, with one ticket

Net Flag – A reliable and visible way to mark fishing nets

A net flag is a must-have for net fishermen, ensuring that their fishing nets are clearly marked and easy to find on the water. Well-marked nets also ensure that fishermen do not damage their expensive fishing gear by boaters. The net flag is attached to the end of the net or at key points, and it improves safety and visibility for other water users. The net flag is made of durable and weather-resistant material that will last a long time even in demanding conditions. The frame of the net flag is made of aluminum, the float is polystyrene and the counterweight is metal.

Using net flags: Generally, water areas are divided into areas used by water traffic and other areas. Areas used by water traffic include waterways, but also other heavily trafficked areas. In these areas, the fishing gear must be marked with a square flag that is at least 20 cm wide and high, attached to a pole that extends 1.2 m above the water surface. According to the Fisheries Act, completely identical flag marks must be placed at both ends of the net. This way, boaters can determine which direction the net is moving. You can download the instructions for anchoring nets above the text if you wish.

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Single flag net flag: When the fishing gear is more than 1.5 m deep, the fishing gear must be marked with a single flag. The flag must be a minimum of 20x20cm and the flag must be 1.2 m above the water surface.

Double flag net flag: When the fishing gear is less than 1.5 m deep, the fishing gear must be marked with two flags. This way, boaters know that there is a net on the surface between the flags and that they do not drive into the net. The height of the flag must be 1.2 m above the water surface.

In Finland, the marking rules for fishing gear used in net fishing are strictly defined so that the gear is safe for other people on the water and can be identified correctly. Here are the key rules for marking gear:

Flag and buoy:

Each end of each net section must have a clearly visible marker flag attached to a float. The flag must be at least 1.2 metres above the water surface. If one end of the net is in shallow water, a flag without a handle may be used at that end, but a float with a flag is always required at the end in deep water.

Colors and materials:

The flag should be solid color and highly distinctive. Red, orange, or other bright colors are commonly used to make it clearly visible.

The elevations can be made of different materials, but they must be durable enough to remain on the surface and be clearly visible.

Naming:

The Väinö net tag has a card that can be used to identify the owner. Each fishing gear, or group of fishing gear (for example, nets), must be marked with the fisherman's name and contact information. This can be done, for example, with a waterproof tag that is attached to a marker or directly to the net.

Reflectors:

The Väinö net flag has a reflector so that it is noticeable. To improve the safety of those moving on the water in the dark or in poor visibility, it is recommended that reflectors or lights be used on the flag, which improve their visibility, for example when boat lights are reflected on them.

Installation location and distances:

The nets must be set in a way that does not pose a danger or inconvenience to water traffic. Marking the net is especially important in areas with heavy traffic, such as boat lanes.

The distance between nets and other fishing gear and channels must be sufficient. The exact distance is determined by local regulations and conditions.

Additional notes:

In some areas, such as protected areas or waterways with special regulations, additional markings or notifications to authorities may be required. These rules must be strictly followed.

These marking rules help ensure that net fishing is safe and responsible, and reduce risks to other water users and the environment.

Specifications:

Above-water part approx. 1.3m

Transport length 1.35 m.

1 flag (30x30cm),

contact card, red flag.

Sturdy aluminum handle with reflective strip.

The Väinö web flag is approved for 1 water traffic area and is a fishing gear mark in accordance with the new fishing regulations when there is water traffic in the area.