Re: [Paddlewise] Use of a strobe

From: Michael Daly <mikedaly_at_magma.ca>
Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 17:06:34 -0400
Derek wrote:
> Other
> boaters may think your strobe is some sort of flashing
> bouy marker. 

This shouldn't be much of a problem, as emergency strobes are supposed to flash 
at much higher rates than any navigation marker.  In fact, the use of a strobe 
with a slow flash rate is not permitted as it can be confused with a marker. 
The only thing that confuses me about this is that Chart 1 lists valid 
navigation light flash rates that are in the same range as valid emergency 
strobe rates.


> I do have a strobe clipped to my lifejacket, but it is
> there only to be used in an emergency.

If you are on the Great Lakes, a strobe is classified as an emergency signal and 
should never be used for anything other than an emergency.  In other waters, the 
strobe is not an official emergency device, but is likely to be interpreted as such.

Mike
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************
Received on Sat Sep 30 2006 - 14:06:42 PDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:31:21 PDT