Joe Pylka wrote:

wrote

No, its to be a directional light.

Does the white light have to cover 360 degrees?



In Pennsylvania the Fish & Boating rules say it should be an
omnidirectional light.

Not according to the boating manual at:
http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/
Chapter 4 gives the night lighting requirements and for small sailboats
(7m) and all human-powered the requirement is a "white light either
hand-held or installed ready to be displayed in time to avoid a
collision." Figures 7A and B apply and show a person holding a light.

There is no requirement listed that the light be omnidirectional. A
reasonable flashlight meets the requirements. That's not to deny that
in some circumstances it might be wise to exceed the minimum requirements.

--Also true in places in NJ such as Round Valley
Reservoir.

I recall the NJ rules being similar to those of Pennsylvania referenced
above. Do you have any documentation of additional rules for RVR - I
certainly got no complaints when kayaking there after dark.

How confident are you that you know for sure where the boat
that's going to hit you is coming from, so you can point your light toward
it?

Depends on the circumstances. I frequently put one of my bicycle LED
tail-lights set to show a steady red light behind me when kayaking alone
or if at the back of a group.