Re: [Paddlewise] Foggy Crossing

On Sun, Sep 6, 2009 at 4:12 PM, John Clinton <jcbikeski_at_gmail.com> wrote:

> While I know not to count on folks talking or listening on VHF, what
> channel
> might be used for such talk from tanker/container ship -- 16 or some more
> dedicated channel?
>
>
It's important to know that vessels participating in the VTS systems in the
USA are specifically exempt from monitoring channel 16 so calling them on
that channel is probably futile. Channel 13 is the "bridge-to-bridge"
channel and is generally used to negotiate passing/meeting/crossing
strategies. So channel 13 would be one of the choices.

Secondly, contrary to popular opinion small vessels and/or hand propelled
vessels do NOT have the right-of-way over power or sailing vessels. At least
not in Federally controlled waterways (basically, any waters which carry
international shipping - which are waters with buoys and lights maintained
by the USCG). In some states they do... just to keep things interesting...
but on "navgable" waters they (meaning you) do not have any specific rights
at all over anything; including a sailboat.

I really think that kayakers (or all boaters) should familiarize themselves
with the VTS system they are paddling in. For instance, in Puget Sound
virtually the entire water territory is "VTS" although there are major lanes
and turning points that are marked specifically on charts.

As far as frequencies and specific VTS instructions each VTS area (Seattle,
Santa Barbara, Los Angeles/Long Beach, etc.) operates on its own channels.
You can, however, usually get all the instructions via a web search. For
instance when I searched for "santa barbara channel vts" I found this:
http://www.mxsocal.org/pdffiles/UserManual.pdf which covers the "Los
Angeles-Long Beach Vessel Traffic Service" which does not actually cover the
area Duane was paddlling. But I guess it's good enough. I tried finding
charts on my computer but I don't have any of that area in order to get the
specific wording of the VTS system.

This particular document specifies both channel 13 *and* channel 14 for
bridge-to-bridge (which is why it's vital for paddlers to know something
about the VTS system they're using... they're all different and use
different frequencies/channels for communications) in addition to other
channels, depending upon which "sector" the vessel is in, for communication
with the VTS control center.

Non-particiapating vessels (this would be you as a kayaker) are highly
encouraged to monitor the frequencies and communicate with VTS control
and/or the specific vessels. This doesn't mean announcing your presence to
every boat you see but it does mean you should let someone know that you are
there. I've had kayaks call me and ask me to tell VTS where they are since
their hand-held radios would not reach. Once VTS control knows about you
they can issue cautions to any vessels in the system; often vessels you
haven't seen yet.

You are also encouraged to cross the traffic lanes (usually marked on the
charts) at a right angle in order to get across them as fast as possible.

Do not assume vessels will only be in the traffic lanes! They can be
anywhere in the area depending on their needs and the needs of VTS
operators.

As far as I know at the present time kayakers are not required to
participate as active participants in any of the US VTS schemes. But I'll
bet there will come a day when we are; especially if there are serious
incidents between small vessels and large vessels in which the small vessels
are in the wrong and some serious damage or loss of life results. So it pays
to have some inkling of what is going as as you move back and forth (or up
and down) these waters.

Violations of the rules in these monitored waters can carry fines and other
punishments. In California there are state laws which mandate how the
vessels inside VTS waters behave so this is something to pay attention to as
well.

Hope this helps a little.


Crag Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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