Posted by Brook Burke I assert that it is the sea kayaker's responsibility to learn and abide by the regulations governing boat traffic in coastal waters, just as it is the responsibility of motor- and sail-boat operators to do the same. Regardless of the type of vessel, it is each operator's responsibility to know where the vessel is headed, and watch for anything in its path. Even the nighttime "Bass fishermen who charge all over the harbor and inlets in search of that big stripper" must not be so zealous in his stripper following (pun intended) to lose sight of his surroundings. For daytime sea kayaking, the only Coast Guard requirement is an approved Personal Flotation Device. At night the Coast Guard also requires kayakers to carry a solid white light capable of signalling other vessels of their presence- the same thing they require of other small non-motorized vessels like rowboats and dinghies. In my opinion these requirements do not fulfill the bare minimums dictated by common sense. For instance, I don't go sea kayaking without: clothing appropriate for the temperature of the water; self rescue tools; a signal mirror, whistle and horn; a bag full of aerial flares, handheld flares, and signal smoke; a small LED light (so my kayaking partners can keep track of me at night) attached to the shoulder of my PFD (life vest); and a C-cell, diver-style waterproof flashlight that I can turn on and swing across the line of sight of a motor boat if I am uncertain they see me. (By the way, quick flashing white strobe lights in coastal waters are distress signals- they should never be used as "running lights.") The Harbormaster is correct that kayaks, with decks only a foot off the water, are nearly incvisible. Especially headed downriver at dusk with the sun setting directly behind them. However, I do not think it is necessary to establish kayak transit lanes in our coastal waters. Besides the fact that in today's post- 9/11 world our under-funded and under-staffed Coast Guard already has enough to do without policing additional lanes, kayak lanes already effectively exist. Kayakers must learn the meanings of channel markers, buoys and lights and understand how they dictate boat traffic. In addition, kayakers must learn to read nautical charts in an effort to understand what the water is going to do in certain areas at certain times, and why navaids are placed to keep traffic away from hazards. I expect every motor and sail boat operator to have learned the same things. That is how we all make informed decisions about how to avoid obstacles (manmade and natural) and risky situations. One of the advantages of a kayak is the incredibly low draft- we can go places no other vessel can, like along the surf on the ledges of White Island Reef, and between South Beacon Shoal and Pierces Island at max ebb tide. So it should be easy to stay out of the way of other vessels. However, when we do need to cross the channel, or just plain get out on the water in the busy months of summer, it behooves us to know our limitations and stack the odds in our favor. Kayaks are low and easily obscured, so we can increase our odds of being seen by using bright colored kayaks. Retroreflective tape can be applied to the deck (and to paddle blades) to enhance both day and night visibility. More efectively, since the paddlers torso and head are the highest parts of the profile, bright PFDs and hats should be worn. In response to the Harbormaster's suggestion of balloons, guys in my wedding party attached mylar balloons to my kayak and my bride's for our paddle down Chauncey Creek and around Fort Foster to the Pavilion for our seaside wedding. From experience I can definitively state that balloons greatly detract from the paddling experience!!! They invariably manage to get wet, thereby heavy, and touch the waves, then stick to the water, and DRAG and DRAG. Don't use them. Flags also present be a self-rescue liability by inhibiting rolls. I have yet to see anything but common sense and good boating skills that keeps kayakers and other boaters safely enjoying the waters together. I hope this post spreads the word a bit. I'll see you on the Harbor.
on 2/28/2004, 9:25 am
In response to the Harbormaster's suggestions about increasing the visibility of sea kayaks, I'd like to share some of my many-times mulled over thoughts. I spend hundreds of hours every year in and around Portsmouth Harbor in my sea kayak, and often paddle at night, so the subject of collision avoidance is often on my mind.
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