Div3SOPE

http://a013.uscgaux.info/OP_PS/OP_PS.html

Ralph, Rule 3 is definitions d. None of the above -- was a parody on military style tests. 18d..the key is "Any vessel...." SO-PE Merrimack River

Ralph You missed the point. Wayne did not classify paddlecraft. This is a case in which word arrangement is important. Other instance can be read in the rules regarding sound signals between boats in meeting and overtaking situation. One method "requires" and the other does not. Colregs apply to every vessel that is used on water. There is a official interpretation of the rules Those seeking official versions of the Navigation Rules should refer to the International Navigational Rules Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-75, 91 Stat. 308, or 33 U.S.C. 1601-1608), and, the Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-591, 94 Stat. 3415, 33 U.S.C. 2001-2038). For those who would like ready reference http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/ SO-PE Merrimack River

Ralph.. Please see rule number 3. Kayaks and canoes are "d. None of the above". and rule 18d Which brings us back to "but, ultimately the issue of whom "gives way" would fall to what would be "required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case" (Rule 2)." http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/rules/Rule18.htm SO-PE Merrimack River

Ralph I hate quibbling on words I will though. Wayne used the line restricted in maneuverability not restricted in her ability to maneuver. Yes while it is true we cant paddle "fast" we can get out of the way it just may take more time. The term "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver" means a vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel." A few examples of a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver include but are not limited to: Vessels engaged in underwater dredging, laying cable or pipe, USCG vessels working on Aids to Navigation, Vessels engaged in scuba diving operations having divers in the water and around the vessel. Towing vessels are considered power-driven vessels unless the towing operation severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course, in that case, they would be considered a "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver." You also need to be lit and have day shapes that are appropriate as well as potential to put out a notice to mariners. Nice work though! SO-PE Merrimack River

Ed, I always enjoy a spirited discussion. All laws that are made in our country and states are for the people and by the people. Some are stupid and to old to be applicable. NSPN and other paddling groups have abilities to mobilize on their behalf. Look at the inroads paddlegroups make with whitewater rivers and streams. Years ago the government put logs and other impoundment devices for fish ways and didnt engage. Now it is a successful program in which the goverment actively seeks guidance. Care to pick apart another item? I am game..

Every operator on the water as well as the owner has a responsibility to themselves, to others, to the state, the federal government and to the international community. ColRegs are one of the few international treaty "laws" that are expected to be followed. Remember the saying ignorance of the law is no excuse. It applies here too for each and everyone except for a swimmer. You are required to equip your boat with the appropriate safety equipment which is determined by over all length. Most kayaks fall within two length classes which have different stuff. One of the most popular items is flares. Some insist on SOLAS flares. Read the approval printed on device if it doesnt say something about USCG approved, in reality it doesnt exist and you could be ticketed and fined. Paddlecraft operators are also held accountable to the "BUI" and "BWI" laws in most states. Each state has the right to "add" requirements to a federal list but cannot take anything away. Look at the fact that the federal laws dont require things like radioes. Everyone has the responsibily to comply with the "rules of the road" inland or international dependent upon where they are in relation to the colreg demark line. You never "win" Rule number 2 requires you to break all rules to avoid a collision as well as the rules on lookouts. The fact that you float on the water makes you a vessel. The simplest way to interpret hierarchy is to define what you are not from the most burdened to the least. Human powered is not a "power boat" The fact that a kayak displaces inches of water loaded means you have more area to "manuever" in. ditto constrained by draft Its obvious kayaks are not seaplanes So in most cases (legal disclaimer here. I am no lawyer or in enforcement) as other rules have stated you are under oars and also could be lighted like a sailboat of a similar size. Then to is the common sense rule of "tonnage". Sound signals would be interesting. I think the public as well as other boaters would be mildly amused if when backing up you gave the 3 blasts for propulsion astern. The most protectable instance is when a powerboater endangers you with their wake. I I was to have a hot cup of coffee and a wake caused me to pour it down the front of my shirt and I burned myself while in ANY boat, they are breaking the law of care. If it is hard to make an assessment make the boat bigger like a Norse rowboat, The TransTasman rowboat, Pacific outrigger canoe. SO-PE Merrimack River

Would it seem silly to have a NH harbormaster attempt to pull over a international tanker because they dont comply with NH rules? Would be interesting if the captain was given a ticket for not complying with state laws requiring boating education . The only rules I am aware of that a state may take in the so called colreg space is fishing. Exact distances I am not aware of.

order of precedence overtaken vessel - called the stand on vessel vessel not under command vessel restricted in ability to maneuver - dont claim this in a kayak because it doesnt pertain vessel constrained by draft fishing vessel - nets and all sailing vessel - under sail of course power boat anything with a motor lowest priority!! seaplane so what do you think you are? (remember the book wants you to light like a sail boat, but is that really the right one?) chapter 8 of the basic boating skills course SO-PE Merrimack River

Ed, You make some good points. Bear in mind that Colregs are to prevent collisions and are based in very old practices. You the paddlecraft operator have the same liability on the water as a huge tanker does.

Link to Nav rules http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/navrules.htm "Where do Kayaks and Canoes fit into the Navigation Rules? Neither the International nor Inland Navigation Rules address "kayaks" or "canoes" per se, except in regards to "vessels under oars" in Rule 25 regarding lights. One could infer that a "vessel under oars" should be treated as a "sailing vessel" since it is permitted to display the same lights as one, but, ultimately the issue of whom "gives way" would fall to what would be "required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case" (Rule 2)." Rule 25 inland and international require just a white electric torch.

General boating law pamphlets for NH and MA http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/handbook/pdf_index.htm http://www.boat-ed.com/ma/handbook/pdf_index.htm

Anything seaward of the colreg demarkation line is under international treaty and would be under federal requirements. Last I checked Hampton Beach was east of the the colreg line. SO-PE Merrrimack River

Every boat is required to carry certain safety equipment there are state as well as federal requirements. Here is an interactive checklist for the federal requirements that cover all things that are considered a boat. http://www.uscgboating.org/SAFETY/vsc/vsc_a.html SO-PE Merrimack River

Hello, Education is fundamental mission of the Auxiliary. Posting on this web site was to gain the broadest possible audience from the rank beginner to the 5* paddler. The term paddler here generally being understood as a sea kayaker. The better sense of the definition of paddlecraft is anything propelled by manual methods. Hence the confusion of statistics. When you look at the ultimate statistics,most death is caused by drowning whether caught in a strainer or overwhelmed by the sea, or flatly falling out of your punt. In the Northeast add a 80degree day 60 degree water and no lifejacket where do you put the statistic? The "official" word is to help reduce fatalities and accidents. Enforcement is done by the those charged and sworn to do so. I understand it is a mission of this organization to help educate the public and to assist. Well I will be asking....Who better to ask when it comes to seakayakers new and old. SO-PE Merrimack River