Re: [Paddlewise] Kayaks...New Hazard?

Paul wrote:
> Is it only in Connecticut or is it elsewhere wherby kayakers are given the
> idea that they are at the top of the pyramid, and everyone else must yield
> to them? What are the correct rules of the road to be followed. Shouldn't
> all boaters follow the same rules?

Paul,

I don't think it is only in CT whereby kayakers are given the *WRONG* idea
that they have the right of way.

I have been pouring over my copy of The Rules,
(http://www.uscg.mil/vtm/pages/rules.htm) and I cannot find any references
that kayakers have the right of way over anything. In fact, if a sailboat
with a deep keel was in a narrow channel, that boat would be restricted in
its ability to maneuver and would have the right of way over a kayaker.
Likewise a commercial ship in one of the designated shipping lanes (no buoys
or markers show these on the water--you have to know where they are and
where you are).

The people I paddle with all subscribe to the "Rule of Gross Tonnage"--if
it's bigger than us it has the right of way. None of us want to be "Dead
Right". The only time we don't move out of the way is when we are the
overtaken vessel. Then we hold course so the vessel overtaking us can figure
out what we are doing.

We also carry VHF radios and have been known to call a boat if it looks like
it can't see us and is heading directly at us no matter what maneuvers we
perform.

Also, most of our paddling is according to the International Rules on the
ocean. The only time we are subject to Inland Rules in our area is when we
are behind a harbor breakwater.

Hope this helps,

Steve Holtzman
Southern CA


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