John Winters wrote: > > Philip wrote and attached a message on Canadian Coast Guard regs etc. [big snip; see below for comment on Philip's post] > Here I am playing devils' advocate. While I am not happy with the idea of > licensing I have to wonder if the arguments being used to oppose it are > valid and persuasive. This is a worthwhile subject for Paddlewise to > discuss in detail. In the States, I suspect that this is a moot issue. I do not think the public is about to fund such a mandate. Licensing requires enforcement to be effective, and I do not see folks here as willing to up the budget for the USCG to go check *paddle-driven boats* to see if they are licensed. (In some states, paddle-driven craft are licensed by the *state,* not the Federal government.) Where I paddle, there is a *substantial* USCG presence, owing to the difficult sea conditions on the Columbia River bar and in the adjacent ocean. Even so, one NEVER sees a USCG patrol vessel, except on/near the bar, a place only the demented would take a sea kayak (MAX did, however!). Now and then, there is a County Sheriff Marine Patrol officer at the local boat ramp, checking for PFD's, whistles, and (on power boats) fire extinguishers, etc. FWIW, places I have paddled on the coast of BC had essentially NO Canadian CG presence -- no patrols, and nobody at launch points to enforce PFD requirements (etc.). Is it plausible Canadian citizens will agree to increase funding of the CCG to allow enforcement? I wonder. On a related subject: can someone verify the interpretations in Philip's message? If the 15 meter "throw bag" rule is truly to be enforced, I think I'll go buy stock in one of the firms which makes these things. I'd like to see an "official" interpretation of the rules before I went out and acquired any gear. Any Canadian Coast Guard folks on the list who can help out? Thanks. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu May 14 1998 - 05:27:23 PDT
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