Re: [Paddlewise] SK Magazine Article on The Rules - Gross

On Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 1:54 PM, John H <seajohnkayak_at_yahoo.com> wrote:

>
> Perhaps one time in the it was on PaddleWise that i read ... "gross tonnage
> trump's right of way..." or some such wise phrase.
>

In general I agree with this philosophy. It's easier for a paddler to go aft
of a crossing vessel even if you have the legal "right of way". But
sometimes it's not that good an idea.

If you are in a very narrow channel where the only safe passage for you is
also the only safe passage for power boats (not ships) or other pleasure
vessels. There might be current or shoals or standing waves or something
that makes it important for you to take your "half" right in the middle for
safety. In that case you should hold your ground. Overtaking vessels are
required by the Rules to keep clear until they are well past you and no
amount of minor course corrections will change that. Of course, once you are
clear of the danger area it's best to move to the edge of the navigable
channel. That, too, is in the Rules.

If your safety is an issue, then don't give away your right of way. Unless,
of course, there is an imminent risk of collision. No one wants to be "dead
right".


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
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