Ralph, I agree with you about the USCG but some states require that an approved PFD be worn in boats such as kayaks. Further, it was local law enforcement (Deputy Sheriffs?) that forced the 1998 West Coast Symposium to pull all demo boats (operating within 100 yards of the beach) off the water until someone could purchase and distribute whistles for all (even though there were rescue boats and expert/advanced paddlers swarming all over). The Coast Guard isn't likely to be the problem -- They have better things to do then enforce the letter of the law. Also, local cops might also insist that an approved PFD be "accessible" or on the deck so throwing a cheapie into a your kayak might not work... Eric -----Original Message----- From: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com [mailto:rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 1999 5:14 PM To: Paddlewise Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Reflective Tape This whole issue of putting reflective tape on a PFD or adding pockets or zippers or anything is a specious argument. Does anyone think for a second that USCG crew members are going to have any idea of what is original to your PFD? They are not exactly carrying around catalogs with pictures of all the models of PFDs past and present and specific specs.. However, if you are absolutely worried about a possible violation (which again I can't see happening at all), then get one of those cheapie orange horse collar PFDs that cost around 10 bucks and throw it into your kayak. Remember the only requirement is that you have an approved PFD accessible in your boat. Then wear the PFD you want with all the bells and whistles you want to add. The thing is that the Coast Guard will be so happy to see you wearing any PFD at all that they won't examine it nor will they press you to the point that you will need to whip out that "inspection" PFD. ralph diaz -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Oct 27 1999 - 14:59:52 PDT
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