Re: [Paddlewise] USCG Right-of-Way comments

-----Original Message-----
From: Marx, Barbara <BMarx_at_comdt.uscg.mil>
To: 'David Martin' <sunshin_at_mcn.org>
Date: Monday, June 14, 1999 7:03 PM
Subject: RE: Web Inquiry Email

>Regarding my comment about power-driven vessels staying out of the way of
>all other vessels. This applies under rule 18, Responsibilities between
>vessels, and is a blanket statement to indicate a blanket interpretation
>that power-driven vessels are more maneuverable. With all conditions being
>good, power-driven vessels must yield the right of way to all other vessels
>with less maneuverability, again a blanket statement.

Ah Ha! Now I understand our differences. They are in interpretation. The
ability of manually powered vessels to change directions, turn and stop is
excellent and although they are comparatively slow, I would never consider
them "Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver" as defined in Rule 3 of the
Navigation Rules. The definition of this term also states that it applies to
vessels when the ability to maneuver is a result of the nature of their
"WORK." Since paddle and rowing craft are used primarily for recreation and
even in that are in my experience and opinion, very maneuverable, I would
not have thought they would meet the criteria had I considered it further.

Ever the Prudent Mariner, I will continue to confidently believe that my
kayak is not entitled to any right-of-way privilege as a "Vessel Restricted
in it's Ability to Maneuver." I just can't seem to make the definition fit a
kayak.

>Perhaps I am not in full understanding of the magnitude of "paddling."  I
>never came across a paddler in a narrow channel or in a Traffic Separation
>Scheme.  I envision paddlers operating in areas with other recreational
>boats (jetskis to "cigarette" boats) and addressed my answer to that
>magnitude of traffic I envisioned rather than to the big picture of
>commercial traffic.  I sincerely hope this explanation meets more clearly
>your interest.

While you might not have seen paddlers operating in these areas in the past:
Seattle, San Francisco , Las Angeles and San Diego area Harbors are all
becoming ever more popular as paddling areas (as well as being the West
Coast's heaviest commercial vessel traffic centers.) My intent here is to
discourage any paddler from believing they might ever be entitled to or
expect to be given any priority for right-of-way.

Thank you for your time (and patience,)

Dave Martin

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