I think Scott has it right. The 72 COLREGS (international rules to avoid
collisions) states that kayaks can either use the same light pattern as a small
sailboat (red/green) or just a white light that can be shown to avoid a
collision. The picture in the regulation shows a sailor using the light to
shine on their sail to make them more visible.

You may also be required to have a night visual distress signal. The most
common for kayakers would be three aerial flares (three count as one device) or
a strobe. According to international rules, the strobe must automatically
flash SOS in Morse Code. Fortunately with tiny computers, you an get a light
to do that for about $35US.

Hope this helps.
Brian Blankinship

"Blankibr" wrote in message
...
I think Scott has it right. The 72 COLREGS (international rules to avoid
collisions) states that kayaks can either use the same light pattern as a
small
sailboat (red/green) or just a white light that can be shown to avoid a
collision.

Does the white light have to cover 360 degrees?

"WebKatz" writes: Does the white light have to cover 360 degrees?

No. The light is to be shined to avoid a collision. I personally would flash
it across the "target" (hazardous vessel) and then back to my illuminating my
boat.

This could have the unintended effect of implying you want them to come closer.


Also keep in mind a large vessel like a ferry or barge is not going to be able
to change course or stop to avoid hitting you. As someone else posted, act as
though no one else sees you and avoid them.

Brian Blankinship

No, its to be a directional light.

On Tue, 30 Sep 2003 20:21:12 -0500, "WebKatz"
wrote:


"Blankibr" wrote in message
...
I think Scott has it right. The 72 COLREGS (international rules to avoid
collisions) states that kayaks can either use the same light pattern as a
small
sailboat (red/green) or just a white light that can be shown to avoid a
collision.

Does the white light have to cover 360 degrees?

wrote:

On Tue, 30 Sep 2003 20:21:12 -0500, "WebKatz"
wrote:


"Blankibr" wrote in message
...

I think Scott has it right. The 72 COLREGS (international rules to avoid
collisions) states that kayaks can either use the same light pattern as a

small

sailboat (red/green) or just a white light that can be shown to avoid a
collision.

Does the white light have to cover 360 degrees?

No, its to be a directional light.

Headlamps work well for this, but you'll want one that's really bright
when you need it. You do not have to display the light constantly.
Rather, you're only required to use it when necessary to avoid a
collision. If you feel the need to keep a light on all the time, there
are headlamps that feature variable intensity and/or a combination of
LED's (low power, long battery life) and halogen bulbs (high power,
short battery life) that give you that option without having to deal
with short battery life.

wrote
No, its to be a directional light.

On Tue, 30 Sep 2003 20:21:12 -0500, "WebKatz" wrote:
The 72 COLREGS (international rules to avoid
collisions) states that kayaks can either use the same light pattern as
a
small sailboat (red/green) or just a white light that can be shown to
avoid a
collision.

Does the white light have to cover 360 degrees?


In Pennsylvania the Fish & Boating rules say it should be an
omnidirectional light. --Also true in places in NJ such as Round Valley
Reservoir. 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?
JMP

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.

There may be a difference between the rules for inland waterways which
are controlled by the state and Coast Guard controlled waters. It's that
way up here in NH. The state requires an omnidirectional light inland,
but it's not required on the coast.

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

Not according to the boating manual
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.

OK -- change "should be" to "could be" in my statement.

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.

Only verbal discussions with state personnel stationed there. Also in a
presentation they did a coupla years ago at the Round Valley Roundup. They
did also suggest (see another message in this thread) that sound signalling
devices were also a very good idea because it gets the other boats'
attention and also because it's a wise thing to have on foggy nights.

Be careful of the safety blaster horns. When the membrane gets wet, they don't
work. You can flick the water off it, but that takes a few more seconds
(several flicks).

Brian Blankinship