Re: [Paddlewise] How long would you wait - (was Kayaks and Visibility)

Id have the two most exerieced paddlers each buddy up with one other paddler 
and they would have to be in contact with each others at all times (the two 
paddlers). I'd float myself between the two pods maintaing contact with both 
alternatiningly. I'd have a clipped-to-PFD-mic for my VHF; all members would 
have a VHF. We'ed all have glow sticks on our hats and flares ready to go.

Alternatively, I just go alone.

Doug Lloyd



> G'Day Craig and Paul,
>
> Something I've not covered is the situation regarding the NSW Maritime 
> Code as
> it applys to kayakers along the coast. Before I describe it from a 
> kayaking
> perspective thought I'd try to set the background with a scenario and
> question. One I've been meaning to ask Paddlewisers for a long time.
>
> Imagine you are the leader of a group either formally through signing an
> agreement at the start of a trip or informally 'elected' as the most
> experienced member in a troublesome situation.
>
> There are five of you paddling north on a moonless, cloudless night about 
> a
> kilometer off the east coast. This stretch of coast is mostly uninhabited
> cliffs with no landing. The cliff line runs roughly south to north between 
> a
> harbour and a beach 10km north of the harbour. The beach has no 
> significant
> surf. . There are bommies every so often within 50m to 200m of the cliffs.
> There are no bars, or tide races en route. You have left a trip plan with 
> the
> local coastal patrol.
>
> The sea is showing white caps and is 1.5 metres on top of a 2 to 3 metre
> southerly swell. The wind is around 12 to 15 knots from the North East,
> expected to turn NW later in the evening. Forecasts in this area are 
> usually
> reliable. You and your buddy are strong paddlers, very experienced in 
> paddling
> at night. The three others are strong paddlers well used to these 
> conditions
> for day time paddling. but their night time paddling has been in harbours 
> and
> estuaries and they are a bit nervous. All of you know each other, and all 
> have
> well practiced rescue, roll and self rescue skills in these sea 
> conditions.
> There are no VHF repeater stations along the cliff. You've chucked your 
> ipods
> and sunglasses into the sea where they have been stolen by beautiful
> mermaids:~)
>
> * How would you ensure you didn't lose a member of the group
>
> * If you did lose a member of the group how much time would you spend
> searching before calling for help. What methods would you use for the 
> search
> and for the call?
>
> * If it were daytime how much time would you spend searching before 
> calling
> for help. What methods would you use?
>
> BTW occasionally I lead trips like this during the day when called on by 
> my
> mates, but although I've also led night time paddles I wouldn't lead a 
> paddle
> like the one described. One or two of my very capable friends do and 
> describe
> them well. Of course the point I'm trying to make is pretty obvious, but 
> I'm
> keen to hear a broader view.
>
> All the best, PeterO
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