Re: [Paddlewise] 3 million Candle Power +++

On 8/9/07, Derek <glamourpets_at_yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> Temporarily blinding approaching traffic may be
> undesirable, but its better then being broadsided by
> someone who otherwise would not have seen you.


Blinding someone who might then not be able to determine which way to turn
to avoid you just doesn't seem like a good idea to me. I'm pretty sure that
the only reaction I'd have to that situation if I were on a small powerboat
is to close my eyes and maybe cut the throttle (if I can find it). That
might help you if I'm still far enough away for my vessel to stop. If not,
then don't touch the terminals on those big batteries as you go over from
the collision.

Of course, if it's a commercial vessel you point your light at then they
might not be able to stop at all even with the engines in full reverse. And
if it's a tug with a tow astern they are not going to throw the engines into
full reverse. In that case you get hit by the tug and then, a few minutes
later, run over by the tow.

And if it's a tug pushing a barge your bright light will only illuminate
that dark shape bearing down on you; the captain of the tug probably won't
even know you were there. Ditto for the Chevron tanker with the bridge 500
feet aft of the bow.

Then there are the liability issues raised by deliberately blinding the
operator of another vessel. If that vessel then goes aground or collides
with something else you instantly become liable for what could possibly be
millions of dollars in damages. In fact, if that vessel then collides with
*you* then you could be liable for his damages.

Many people seem to believe that anything they do to avoid being run down is
legal and this is just not so. You can maneuver in any way you like: turn,
back down, speed up, or stop. You can sound the appropriate horn or whistle
signals. You can show the appropriate running lights or flash a lantern or a
flashlight at them. But if you knowingly use a device that will impair their
ability to navigate their vessel you can expect the USCG to be out looking
for you right after the other skipper gets enough sight back to find the
radio.

Why wouldn't it be better to just keep a sharp lookout and use a bright
flashlight in a timely manner to show your position and then maneuver your
kayak to stay clear?


Craig Jungers
Royal City, WA
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