The Marine Patrol Is Ruining Boating

[upthesaukee]

the kayak was a sit upon type, and while not impossible to have a light, it is highly unlikely that they did. In fact, in my experience around Alton Bay, I have never seen a kayak at night with a light on it...but I have seen a couple truly in the dark without a light, including one in the middle of the bay in front of the town docks (last year, I believe). Not saying they (the other night) would be wrong, but I doubt the way they took off that they would be using lights.

[Airwaves]

I don’t believe the law that requires navigation lights on non-power boats require that the all around white light be attached to a kayak, canoe, rowboat etc.

Below is the law. There is a diagram showing the lighting configuration but for some reason I couldn’t copy it to paste it here but it clearly shows a drawing of a person holding an all around light in their hand.

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/saf-c400.html

Saf-C 403.16 Lights on Non-Power Boats.

(a) Boats propelled by oars, paddles or other human or natural device except sails, operated on any public water, shall, between sunset and sunrise, display one white light in a conspicuous position, so placed as to show all around the horizon.

[NoBozo]

I think an All Around light at night for a Kayak, Rowboat, Canoe, etc... is a common FLASHLIGHT... directed toward an approaching boat so as to alert the approaching boat of your presence.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by NoBozo

I think an All Around light at night for a Kayak, Rowboat, Canoe, etc... is a common FLASHLIGHT... directed toward an approaching boat so as to alert the approaching boat of your presence.

I don't think that (a flashlight) qualifies. The intent is to have a light visible from anywhere a boat may approach the unpowered vessel. While you could argue that being able to swivel the flash meets this requirement, I'd ask what would happen when two or more boats approach from differing directions. It might be a tad tiring holding the flashlight so as to meet the 2 mile requirement as well. And on that note I've seen kayaks at night but I've wondered if their lights met the 2 mile rule. They seemed pretty dim to me.

[Kevin C]

In reading the kayak posts I thought that with all the boat traffic generated by the concert and being a Saturday Night that common sense would indicate that it might not be safe at all to be out in the area in a kayak even with a white light on. I think it was a smart move by the MP to discourage the kayaker.

[Lakegeezer]

I had an example of bush league MP action today that had me surprised and laughing. I was headed south, hugging the 3 red markers near Elkins point in M'boro bay. The MP was going north, on my starboard side, on a parallel line at least 300 feet away. As if taunting, the MP veered towards me, to close the distance. I could not believe it. It was so blatant. She was crowding me against the markers on purpose, forcing me to change course or come to idle. There was no way she needed to head me off. It was a clear case of MP abuse! Not one to be intimidated, I chuckled, cut in front of her (with at least 300 feet to spare) and headed sharply off to the west. However, her bonehead actions forced a change course and the MP lost another point of respect. It was one of the smaller MP boats. I have been noticing how the larger boats are showing more respect to other boaters and keeping their distance. Perhaps this one was looking to satisfy that end-of-month quota.

[VtSteve]

Video cameras people, video works.

[4Fun]

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

I have been noticing how the larger boats are showing more respect to other boaters and keeping their distance. Perhaps this one was looking to satisfy that end-of-month quota.

This is just an observation but I have noticed the smaller boats are usually piloted by the younger MPs. The old style inboard boats usually have a "Senior" looking officer on them. I am sure the more experience you have as an MP the more you realize what is dangerous and what is not.

I still say most of these MPs, and citizen boaters, should spend a few hours in the Newburyport MA inlet on a weekend to see what really dangerous operation is. It's like the worst day on Winni amplified 100X.

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by 4Fun

I still say most of these MPs, and citizen boaters, should spend a few hours in the Newburyport MA inlet on a weekend to see what really dangerous operation is. It's like the worst day on Winni amplified 100X.

Or the Intercaostal in Florida..........................