Re: [Paddlewise] Night Light

On Sat, Jan 3, 2009 at 12:12 PM, Alex M <al.m_at_3web.net> wrote:

> Besides, strobe stands out better in the dark than a steady light (yeah, I
> know, vessel light should not be a strobe, but I'm going to use it in
> emergencies only, and not for routine navigation in busy channels).  Btw, if
> my memory doesn't fail me, some vessels do use a strobe. Our city Sea Bus
> (small passenger ferry) is flashing a strobe in the night.
>

We tested "strobes" versus steady lights years ago and found that a strobe
may show up better but it's more difficult to "home in on" in the dark than
a steady light. This is especially true in a seaway. We found that a strobe
might only be "on" when it's hidden in a wave trough. The other problem is
that the intensity of a strobe to night-adjusted eyes was a serious problem;
especially as we got closer to the "victim". A strobe of sufficient
intensity would probably be good for day use, however.

A steady light - even a steady incandescent with one "D" battery - was much
better at night. Every time the "victim" was visible in the waves so was the
light. It was plenty bright enough to see from a 1/4 mile away and didn't
blind us as we got closer.

If your Sea Bus operates on a lake or a river (waters not designated as
under Federal authority) it could be legal to use a strobe. However, ColRegs
strictly forbid it except under distress. Actually, under the International
Rules, it's not even recommended for distress use:

*"Rule 36 - Signals to Attraction Attention*

If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make
light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized
elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the
direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel.  *Any
light to attract the attention of another vessel shall be such that it
cannot be mistaken for any aid to navigation. For the purpose of this Rule
the use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe
lights, shall be avoided. *[Intl]"

However, for inland Rules:

"*Rule 37 Inland Only*

A high intensity white light flashing at regular intervals from 50 to 70
times per minute."


(from http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/rules/Rule3637.htm* )*


Craig Jungers

Moses Lake, WA
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