Re: [Paddlewise] Strobes are not running lights

Maybe the solution for HPW (Human Powered Watercraft) would be to
have a very visible and attention-grabbing lighting system that
is *outside* the regs.  Flashing lights are much better at
grabbing one's attention, so Ralph's point is a good one.  Jack's
post presents the regs, so why not make a flashing (dare we say
strobe?) light for HPW that flashes at a rate of 20-30 times per
minute?  Or maybe better yet - since white, red, and green are
colors normally associated with nighttime marine navigation, a
color or color scheme that is totally different could be used to
identify HPW - perhaps alternating blue/yellow,  purple/pink, or
whatever LEDs are commercially available in different colors.

If the flashing pattern (alternating colors, or alternating
colors with dark segments between each), duration (frequency of
20/min, 40/min, or ramping from 20 to 40 and back again, or
alternating 2 and 4 second 'on' cycles with 1 second 'off' cycles
in between), and color combinations (as noted above) for maximum
attention grabbing characteristics can be determined, then
perhaps, as Ralph suggests, a new 'standard' can be developed for
HPW - without making special exceptions from the already-existing
regs.

Of course, the question of how to deploy the light would still be
an issue - on the bow, on the paddler's head or back, or on the
stern?  Or in combination with the red/green nav lights on the
bow?  Too many possibilities.....

I would still prefer to carry a bright light that I can shine in
the direction of the captain whose attention I need to grab, and
would also prefer to still use the red/green bow nav light in
heavy traffic, which communicates directional information to
captains in a 'language' they understand.

Regards,
Erik Sprenne


Ralph Diaz wrote:
> One of the discussions here in NYC about better lighting is the
possibility
> of issuing a local USCG order that a pulsating/flashing light
(strobe-like)
> will no longer be a distress signal but rather a running light
for use by
> hand powered craft.  Within that possibility the flashing light
used for
> such a purpose might be a specific color, say yellow.

Jack Martin wrote:
> The actual language about strobes states:  "Under Inland
> Navigation Rules, a high intensity white light flashing at
regular intervals
> from 50-70 times per minute is considered a distress signal.
>


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