[Paddlewise] Signals?

From: PeterO <rebyl_kayak_at_energysustained.com>
Date: Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:02:06 +1100
G'day,

I've been learning how to teach people to paddle and brushing up on theory.
Thought I'd check my knowledge of kayak paddle, hand and acoustic signals. 

My very limited search discovered three or four possible standards for
kayakers with the most commonly used being anarchy. For example a vertical
paddle can variously mean: 'All clear', 'Follow the agreed route' or in our
club 'Come to me'; while a distress call can be three whistles (North
America), six whistles (UK), and with COLREGS a whistled SOS or a continuous
whistle. The closest I've got to finding standards are the International
River Signals, National Standard Signals and COLREGS if you are at sea.

Wondered what signals were most widely used and accepted around the world?
Particularly for distress signals.

All the best, PeterO
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Received on Mon Nov 21 2011 - 13:02:12 PST

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