[Paddlewise] FW: crossing ship channels safely?

Subject:	RE: [Paddlewise] crossing ship channels safely?

Jerry and Duane,

I am new to the list, recently retired professional boat
captain for over 35 years.  And, I have been following this
thread for a couple of days now.  I couldn't help but make a
comment, and a suggestion when I saw Jerry's questons.

1.> What are safety considerations on crossing shipping
channels?  Charts so you know where the channels are,
planning not to stay in a busy channel itself, but to one
side or the other. Larger vessels are restricted by 'draft',
he has to stay in the channel.  In addition, he has to
maintain speed in order to have 'steerage way'.  And, in
most channels a ship with 'speed on' can hardly stop ...
sometimes itr can take a mile or so to respond.

2.> How do you know when you are in the channel?  Charts and
bouys, and if you are smart .. a GPS.  Few handhelds have
bouys indicated, but they do have the shorelines.

3.> How can you tell if a large ship is going to cross in
front or behind?  If in doubt at all, you maneuver ... he is
very restricted.

4.> Do you VHF to large ships that you see to inform them of
your presence?  Bear in mind, in most channels, ships and
other large vessels do not 'monitor' channel 16, depending
on the water ... they might be on 12 or 13 .. but this is
not alway true.  If they are in waters that require a
'pilot', they may be on the pilots working channel for those
waters.  If you do not know these waters, as part of your
planning, call the USCG and ask them what channels the ships
and pilots use in any particular waterway.

5.> What do you do if it is foggy, just trust to luck that
no ship is bearing down on you?  NEVER TRUST IN LUCK!  And,
do not always expect that the 'ship' would be sounding his
'fog' signal.  It is a 'rule of the road' that he should,
but believe me, few do.  Remember, the pilot or captain of
the ship is up very high.  Many times he ses a 'ground' fog,
but is looking over the top of it.  He is looking for other
ships, not a sea-kayak or small private boat.

6.> In your night crossing, do you think that a large ship
would see your lights and avoid you? Not on your life ....

I worked for many years on the Amazon River (or the Rio
Para, part of the Amazon delta waterway).  In this area,
which has fog a great percentage of the year, and there are
literally hundreds of small artisanal fishing boats ..
canoes, small sail boats, etc.  In most cases, if we were to
hit a boat we would never know.  The river is full of logs,
crocodiles (some as big as your kayak) ... generally the
'pilot' is in the wheelhouse, closed, air-conditioned,
watching his radar.  Believe me ... a small boat or kayak
will not be seen on most radars.  And, no one uses 'fog
horns'.

I have thought about this same question many times over the
years.  Suggestions ....

Portable Radar Reflector ... used by sailboats, these fold
up and can be stored aboard. A small piece of hardware ...
like a mast socket or flag pole socket or even a fishing
pole holder might be installed on your kayak or small craft.
This reflector does not need to be installed high in the air
... mount it on a short pole about 2' in length.

Battery powered strobe light ... not so good in the fog ....
but, believe me, a strobe at night will catch their
attention.  Some of these, like the GUEST lite ... are quite
good.

Flares ... hand held, or small flare pistol .... do not use
RED ... that means you are in trouble ... use 'white' mag
flares.  If using a pistol, shoot it 'straight up' almost
... not at the ship.  It could be a tanker ... and if it
landed on his deck ... it might cause quite a show.  Mag
flares are quite 'hot' ...

If you are using a VHF ... don't just turn it on when you
see the ship .... leave it on anytime you are in the channel
or waterway ... carry and 'extra' charged battery if you
have too.  Pay attention to the traffic.  Most 'pilots' will
keep you informed ... just listening ... as to their
where-abouts. If you must talk to them, advise them 'your
location' exactly, and do not start idle conversations.
Actually, if I was 'onboard' and a 'sea-kayak' called me ...
I would probably start the conversation myself.  A handheld
will last for hours in the 'listen' mode, but long
conversations will drain your battery quickly.

Have a fun and safe trip .... just be aware of the
limitations og the 'big guy' ....

Regards,

Capt. Donald R. Reid - Master Oceans not more than 1,600
Tons (Retired)

Representative - Merchant Vessel Personnel Advisory
Committee (MERPAC) STCW work group (U.S. Coast Guard
Advisory Panel), as a representative of licensed Masters
above 500 Gross Tons.   Gulf Coast Mariners Association **.
Master Marine Surveyor - U.S. Surveyors Association -
Professional Mariners Association ..

USA
P.O. Box 52
Montegut, LA 70377
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> ----- Original Message -----
> From:	owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
> [SMTP:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net] on behalf of
> Gerald Foodman [SMTP:klagjf_at_worldnet.att.net]
> Sent:	Monday, June 26, 2000, 0:54:18
> To:	Strosaker_at_aol.com
> Cc:	paddlewise
> Subject:	[Paddlewise] crossing ship channels safely?
>
> Duane,
> What are safety considerations on crossing shipping
> channels?  How do you
> know when you are in the channel?  How can you tell if a
> large ship is going
> to cross in front or behind?  Do you VHF to large ships
> that you see to
> inform them of your presence?  What do you do if it is
> foggy, just trust to
> luck that no ship is bearing down on you?  In your night
> crossing, do you
> think that a large ship would see your lights and avoid
you?
> Jerry
>
>
>
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> ----- End Of Original Message -----



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