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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: I read the rules... and learned something
Posted By: haresfur In Response To: Re: I read the rules... and learned something (Shawn Baker)
Date: Wednesday, 4 August 2004, at 12:18 a.m.
Sorry, but I still don't read the rule this way. The rule says light or lantern and you must show it early enough to avoid a collision, not only just barely in time to avoid a collision. So how are you to realistically judge that time? The fact that a small power boat underway *may* exhibit a minimum of a 360 degree visible light tells me that when you see a visible single white light it does *not* mean a vessel at anchor but can also mean a slowly moving vessel:
"a power-driven vessel of less than 7 meters in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and shall, if practicable, also exhibit sidelights."
Yes that specific section of rule 23 relates to minimum requirements for power vessels but does not seem to preclude the continuous use of a light for a vessel under oars under rule 25.
Quite frankly it strains common sense to require kayaks to travel in stealth mode until it appears that someone is about to collide with you. Ok, we're talking government here, but really? "Sufficient time to prevent collision" doesn't IMHO preclude showing the light sooner - only that if you don't show any light until it is too late, it is your own d*mn fault. Don't forget a small power vessel traveling at speeds within the range of paddle speed will be showing a white light at a minimum. Why would it not be ok for a kayak? Why would it be more safe for a kayak to travel with no visible light? And I still think a lantern, which is allowed, can be a 360 degree visible light.
Respectfully,
-- Evan (who really is trying to understand this)
: Yes...but exhibited only before, and to avoid collision. Not a prophylactic
: light.: Shawn
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