RE: [Paddlewise] Kayaks and Visibility

G'Day Paul, Craig and all,

Thanks everyone for this discussion.and Paul for the lighting analysis and
potential solution, something to think about. I'm afraid my email response to
Craig didn't make it through the Paddlewise filter so I'm copying it again but
without the quotation from ColRegs.

Back to ColRegs: -

If there's no room for interpretation by a local maritime authority then
ColRegs seems to be imposing two unsafe alternatives on kayakers. Either run
the risk of night blindness in a group because of multiple lights capable of
being seen at 2 to 3 miles. Or use a torch or lantern and trust that in choppy
water in the dark, it can be found and switched on in time to avoid a
collision with a fast moving sail or powerboat.

I use two lights fore and aft because that way I get 360 degree illumination
while retaining an ability to roll. As mentioned previously, these are
relatively low luminance torches to avoid night blindness in myself and my
paddling buddies. This complies perfectly with our club regulations, those of
NSW Maritime and with ColRegs because of rules 1 and 2. Thank heavens that NSW
Maritime and our local insurance company allows this. Fortunately it's also
very clear that the ColRegs allows the use of local judgement and doesn't
intend to encourage unsafe practise.

Reference Rules 1 and 2 of ColRegs "Application" and "Responsibility"

All the best, PeterO
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