Finally, some real answers about nighttime navigation lights for kayakers --- Thank you, BM2 Eberl As per Coast Guard and DOT navigation rules, KAYAKS may, but are not required to have affixed lights attached to the boat. At a minimum you must have an electric torch (Flash light) ready at hand that can be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision. So it does not need to be on all the time but be turned on when another vessel approaches. A head lamp would work for this. Power driven vessels are the ones that have to worry about displaying all round lights between sunset and sunrise. Head lamps and flash lights do not need to be Coast Guard approved. Your light is not required to be mounted in a certain place, just immediately available to the kayaker. Distress signals, whether electronic or pyrotechnic must be Coast Guard Approved. Yes, if you are in the river or stay in a harbor you are fine without VDS on board. As soon as you are in Lake Erie you need them though. There is no specified place to mount your distress light, but we put Velcro on our life jackets and attach the light on our shoulder if needed. This might be a good option for a Kayaker with limited space and requiring their hands free to operate. You sound like you are well informed on what is required of you for Kayaks but if you could spread the word to paddle boarders that they must wear a life jacket or have one attached to the paddle board that would be great considering the recent popularity of them. Also as a guy who operates a boat at night very often I will say it is difficult to see 25 foot power with lights on, let alone a kayak with no continuous light. I would recommend staying clear of high traffic areas or channels at night if possible. You may be prudent and educated mariners but many people in power boats are not. Be aware of your surroundings. Here is a link you can try. This is the guidance the Coast Guard enforces. For lights your Kayaks will fall under Rule 25 section D (ii).( navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent) (d)(ii) A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision. Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. Respectfully. BM2 Eric Eberl
Posted on: Wed, 07 Aug 2013 12:59:46 +0000
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