RE: [Paddlewise] Kayaks and Visibility

G'Day Craig and Paul,

Just to answer and clarify

NORMAL PRACTICE

I'm speaking only for what is done in NSW and only for what is done with
kayaks.

LIGHTS, OARS, PADDLES AND RULE 22

Re flashing lights on boats Craig - I do agree with you I think this option is
confusing and unnecessary

Re my lights. They are made from waterproof torches with 180degree beam. I've
used rechargeable NiMH cells, which have many advantages including a slightly
lower voltage. This reduces the light somewhat to avoid night blindness. My
reference to night blindness had nothing to do with the Col Regs or defining
negatives, it simply indicated that the lights were fit for purpose.

Re oars and paddles - maybe it is a bit of a stretch, but the fact is that
several accidents in NSW have involved rowing sculls, which are traditionally
paddled backwards and are very popular over here. Again it's the local factor
coming into play. Fondly remember my Grandad (a salvage diver - fisherman)
describing how to row forwards in the sea, never done it myself but thanks for
that sweet memory:~)

With respect to rule 22(d) I actually did mean that rule. Do kayaks come
closer to being a vessel under oars or closer to being <an inconspicuous,
partly submerged vessel> Would that distinction have any relevance in the
unlikely event the ColRegs were expanded to include kayaks? I suspect not.

Re slower boats on the harbour - I wish! OTOH 14 foot skiffs literally flying
on their winged keels is a sight to behold:~)

NOT JUST A GUIDELINE

One approach to understanding the ColRegs is to take the rules as a whole not
just each rule in isolation. This may not always be appropriate but does apply
for inadequately described boats such as kayaks, in waters where particular
local conditions apply and where in those waters there is a very well
established practise. It is in this sense that I say the NSW rules are
consistent with interpreting Rules 1, 2 and 25 holistically.

I don't think any of my kayaking mates object to the NSW Maritime rules
particularly. My reason for entering into the debate was that the question was
asked several times why did NSW have these additional codes and rules? And I
happened to know the answer. Anyway we've gone over this quite a few times and
I'm pretty sure you know where I'm coming from in respect of busy harbours and
ports in NSW. I can understand the desirability of consistency but I think
building a modicum of adaptability into rules is worthwhile and seems to me
the ColRegs are a good example of where this has been done effectively through
rules 1 and 2.

All the best, PeterO
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