Boaters in the United States are required to abide by the Coast Guard’s Navigation Rules International - Inland (COMDTINST M16672.2D) to avoid collisions. Accidents are prevented in part by all vessels following a uniform set of behaviors established by the rules. These Navigation Rules (NavRules) reflect the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS) adopted by the United States.
Kayaks are Really Just Another Kind of Vessel
Many kayak operators don’t realize they must fit into the same world of expectations required of all powerboats, commercial vessels and sailboats. Simply stated, the NavRules apply to kayaks.
The definition of a vessel can be found under Rule 3 of the NavRules, “The word ‘vessel’ includes every description of water craft, including nondisplacement craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water.”
Kayaks share the waters with other boaters and if they follow the NavRules, everyone has an idea of what to expect of each other. This comes into play in meeting, crossing and overtaking situations. It is also applies to lights, radio communications, and sound signals.
The Rule of Gross Tonnage
The NavRules describes a hierarchy of responsibilities between vessels. A power-driven vessel shall keep out of the way of a sailing vessel; a sailing vessel shall keep out of the way of a vessel engaged in fishing and so forth. Every vessel needs to keep out of the way of a vessel not under command. Kayaks are smaller than all other vessels and would lose in a collision, keeping clear of others is a prudent course of behavior.
Some kayakers think that since they are unpowered, other vessels should stay clear of them. This isn’t necessarily true. One example is Rule 9 (b) of the NavRules, “A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.” A 20 meter (65 foot) boat is large enough to ruin any kayaker’s day.
Defensive Kayaking – Defensive Boating
Along with following the NavRules, there are many things kayakers can do to boat defensively. Kayaks are hard to see. Adding flagpoles, applying retro-reflective tapes, wearing bright clothing, installing a radar reflector and lighting can all improve visibility.
Kayaks can operate safely in shallow coastal waters where other vessels would be restricted by their draft. Following the coast has the greatest potential appeal to kayakers and could be safer.
Learn to maneuver in wakes and learn self rescue techniques. Kayaking in a group is safer than a solo excursion. Learning the Navigation Rules and using defensive kayaking techniques will promote the safety of all boaters.
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
