Re: [Paddlewise] Strobes

From: <Rcgibbert_at_aol.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 14:08:11 EDT
In a message dated 4/24/2002 10:46:10 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
squtch_at_quiet-like-a-panther.org writes:


> What are the inland rules again for how fast is has to flash for it to be a 
> distress signal? I seem to remember that it was at least once a second. If 
> that's the case the slower mode might be useful for signaling other boats 
> to 
> your presence. 
> 
> Even if it is slower than what is legally a distress signal, would it be 
> wise to not use it anyway? 
> 
I don't know what the inland rules require. You might want to consult John 
Dowd's Sea Kayaking or Burch's  Sea Kayak Navigation. The coast guard web 
site may help also. 

When using a light source as a potential distress signal consider that a 
strobe intended as such is omni directional and an led is directional. What 
this means is that a 360 degree strobe placed on shoulder of pfd has a 
greater likelihood of conspicuity from all directions as opposed to an led 
that flashes in only one direction.

Also, an (assumed) headband mount gives rise to many questions. They are:

would it survive a rough water capsize?
would vertigo affect a user with a headband mount.
could multiple units be lashed to pfd?
would pfd mount affect directional nature of led signal?

hmmmmm...

Rob G



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Received on Wed Apr 24 2002 - 11:09:15 PDT

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