Yeh that's a surprise seeing as the RMS is a stickler for rules & mandatory ruled for boats.
But good on you for taking the initiative, on safety, I couldn't imagine not taking all that gear. Anything can happen including being hit by sealife.
Last time I went out to browns with mates there were that many dolphins flying across in front of us we had to slow right down for fear of being broadsided by one, that aren't small.
There were also whales breaching all over the place to.
I'd imagine there would be people that say nah I don't need that & there's no rules so if I get pulled up they can't do anything. They obviously don't value their life a great deal.
At the end of the day you have to respect the sea & mother nature otherwise it will chew you up & spit you out.
Look forward to hearing more offshore adventures 🙂