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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Optimum running lights sought
Posted By: M.Hamilton In Response To: Re: Optimum running lights sought (Lee)
Date: Friday, 15 December 2000, at 1:32 a.m.
Lee, thanks, apparently not all understand my intent here. Regarding lighting, a kayak would be an oar driven vessel (for classification in both International and Inland Rules). As such Rule 25 states that for both International and Inland. Rule 25 d (ii) A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights described in this Rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision. The sailing vessel lights referred to are as follows, and they are an option for your kayak:
Rule 25 (a) A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit:
(i) sidelights
(ii) a sternlight
(b) In a sailing vessel of less than 20m the lights prescribed in paragraph (a)
of this Rule may be combined in one lantern at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen. (Same for both International and Inland)So regarding lighting for your kayak, I suppose you could mount a combined nav light on some sort of post affixed to the deck aft of your cockpit. You could purchase this from a boating store, and it should comply with the visibility requirements listed in Annex 1 of the Rules book. You'd need some sort of battery power. To answer your question of an all round white light while paddling, one aft and a flashlight forward, the Rules don't allow for this. Interestingly Rule 23 of International only allows for a power driven vessel less than 7 meters and travelling less than seven knots to display an all round white light!
As for bending the rules I think Rule 20 (b) states that the rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be mistaken for lights specified by those stated in these Rules or do not impair their distinctive character or interfere with the keeping of a proper lookout.Side note: Friend was paddling home a few weeks ago in the dark in Guemes Channel between Anacortes Wa. and Guemes Is. He was approached on the water by the Coast Guard and asked if he had a white light or torch. He did not, so they nicely informed him of the requirement and gave him a free ride across!
These Rules can be confusing! But it is our duty as Mariners to do our best to understand them and comply with them. The Coast Guard is a call away, and they are friendly. I am not an expert here, just willing to help. Take care MH
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