John Fereira said "Nobody has mentioned so far that one of the reasons that a strobe should only be used in emergencies is that because that is the law." Exactly!!! It is inappropriate to use a strobe to increase your visibility to other craft, except as detailed below. Your question is best answered by the USCG posting at the Navigation Center's FAQ's. Here's a link and the info from the site: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/navrules_faq.htm - 0.3_13 Can I use Strobe Lights to be more visible at night? For any other lights beyond those specifically defined within the Navigation Rules they should be such lights as cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules, or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out (Rule 20). Displaying a strobe for b higher visibilityb would confuse other vessels as to your navigational status (many aids to navigation use a strobe or flashing). Also, lights provide direction and aspect information to other boat operators. For example, if while operating my vessel I see a red light on my starboard side I know I am the give-way vessel (Rule 16, 17). The use of a strobe light could overwhelm a vesselbs navigation lights and cease to provide such crucial direction and aspect information to other boat operators. Also, Rule 36 of the International Rules addresses signals to attract attention and for the purpose of [that] rule the use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, shall be avoided. Rule 37 of the Inland Rules addresses strobes in regards to distress signals so that when a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall useb&a high intensity white light flashing at regular intervals from 50 to 70 times per minute. Since strobe light use is to be avoided (International waters) or used as a distress signal (Inland waters), it cannot be used to routinely mark vessels operating on the water. John Browning Milwaukee, Wisconsin ________________________________________________________________________ Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. *************************************************************************** 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 - 17:56:23 PDT
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