The three Rs of avoiding a collision

Planning and safety: In an environment where might makes right, paddlers face extra marine navigation risks

From the Summer 2010 issue of Coast&Kayak Magazine. Read the entire magazine online.

Kayaks and canoes generally travel outside the normal pattern of marine vessel traffic. Their shallow draft, slow speed and low visibility to other water users generally restricts their travels to near-shore waters. Nevertheless, a familiarity with the rules of the road can help a paddler navigate through vessel traffic when circumstances require it. For Canada, the rules of the road are laid out in the Collision Regulations published by Transport Canada; in the United States, they are published by the Navigation Center of the United States Coast Guard.

The basic rules can be summarized as follows:

• Red Right Return

• Yield to the Right

• Might Makes Right

The references to colors indicates the use of red and green lateral buoys. In the direction of the flood tide (i.e. returning to harbor), a vessel must keep the red lateral buoys on the right. This defines which side of the road a vessel should drive on, so to speak. Due to their shallow draft, kayakers can generally stay well clear of these designated corridors and thereby avoid many potential collisions. This rule is useful to kayakers in that it gives us some sense of where other boats are likely to travel.

Yield to the Right

If two vessels are approaching each other and there is a risk of collision, one vessel must yield. Furthermore, whenever you yield to another vessel you should do so by altering course to the right, just as you would when driving on the road.

When travelling after dark, all larger, powered vessels are required to show, at minimum, a red port (left-hand side) light, a green starboard (right-hand side) light, and a white stern light. These running lights are a great aid in understanding the rules of the road and how the vessels are likely to behave. If you are crossing paths with another vessel and are approaching its starboard side, you will see a green light indicating that you have right-of-way and must hold your course. The other vessel will see your red (port) light, indicating that it must yield to you by altering its course to the right, which will allow that vessel to pass behind you.

Let’s look at some specific circumstances.

Head-on approach: Both vessels must yield to the right.

Overtaking: The overtaking vessel must yield to the vessel ahead, which should maintain its course. The overtaking vessel may sound its horn.

Vessel passing from right to left: This vessel has right of way; you must yield.

Vessel passing from left to right: You have right of way; the other vessel must yield.

Vessels with limited manoeuvrability, such as sailboats and large ships in restricted channels, have right of way over more maneuverable craft, including canoes and kayaks.

Might Makes Right

Perhaps the most important rule, from the paddler’s point of view, is that smaller boats should get out of the way of bigger vessels, regardless of the collision regulations. Legally speaking, all operators of vessels must make every effort to avoid a collision, regardless of the standing rules of the road. “I had right of way” is not a defense in marine law – and is slim satisfaction if you are run down.

Navigation Lights

Most boats are required to show specific navigation lights when underway at night. The configuration of lights depends on the size and purpose of the vessel. Correctly identifying the pattern of lights enables the paddler to understand the direction of travel, size and purpose of other vessels.

At night, paddlers are required to display an all-round white light visible 360° for two nautical miles. The dilemma for kayaks is there are no reasonable products on the market yet. Even if we display a light, because we are so close to the water, it is difficult for other boat operators to see it, particularly in high waves or near urban centers, with their many, bright background lights. Maintain your vigilance, and keep a very bright flashlight close at hand. Practically, paddlers either mount a white light on a short mast or wear a bright headlamp. It’s a good idea to also carry a second, bright flashlight. Regardless, remember the most important rule to avoiding a collision – if its bigger than you, stay out of the way!

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)

All commercial vessels regularly communicate their position and movements with Vessel Traffic Services. Prudent paddlers will monitor the appropriate channels as you approach busy passages.

If visibility and/or the movement of commercial vessels are not apparent, check in with VTS and file a float plan. VTS and commercial vessels do not want to hear from paddlers. It is our responsibility to stay out of their way, not the other way around. Contact VTS and commercial vessels only when absolutely necessary.

Your local VTS frequencies are listed in a number of resources including Sailing Directions, Coastal Pilots, The Radio Aids to Marine Navigation, and on some charts.

Crossings in Poor Visibility

In rain, fog and poor weather it is generally recommended that visibility must be at least three miles before attempting the crossing.

Potential Collisions

In the event of a potential collision, monitor the relative angle between the two vessels. If the relative angle remains constant, or you are uncertain about the course and angle of the other vessel, take evasive action.

Below are some tips for avoiding a collision.

• Keep the group together.

• Minimize the profile of the group on the water.

• Alter course to avoid the collision.

• Pass behind oncoming vessel or wait for the vessel to pass.

• Make large and clear movements so that your intentions are obvious to the other vessel. Communicate with oncoming vessel your intentions.

• Wave paddles in the air.

• As a last resort try to contact oncoming vessel such as on the VHF emergency channel (ch 16) or the appropriate VTS frequency.

Summary

Paddlers are vulnerable on the water, especially when larger and more powerful vessels are operating in close proximity. It is incumbent on us to stay well away from these vessels and to make clear timely adjustments so there is no question as to our intentions. A working knowledge of basic collision regulations gives paddlers the ability to understand what other vessels are doing, and how best we can stay well clear. That said, there are many under-educated operators of larger vessels, especially among smaller power and sail vessels. Furthermore, locals know shortcuts. Never assume the movements of other vessels are predictable. Keep a watchful eye open and look after yourself and your buddies. Remember, the most important collision rule is Might Makes Right. If it is bigger than you, stay well away.

Michael Pardy lives in Victoria where he runs SKILS Ltd. He can be reached at info@skils.ca.