Power Boats and Kayaks
Sharing the Water Safety Together
Kayaks and powerboats operate on the same waters, sharing common problems and conditions. Collisions or accidents are possible when these two groups interact on the water. Many problems are avoidable. Operators from each group need to share some understanding of the other's limitations and capabilities. This article addresses what powerboaters and kayakers should know about each other.
Kayakers should know that it often very difficult to see them. This is especially true of larger powerboats like commercial fishing vessels that are higher off the surface of the water. Environmental conditions like the sun or fog can make the problem even worse. Kayaks are not readily visible on a ship's radar. This partly due to the construction material used in building kayaks (Kevlar, fiberglass, polyethylene and wood) and the fact that kayaks images will be cluttered by wave return on the radar. Many powerboat operators are oblivious to the wake their boat generates or the damage a wake can cause.
Powerboaters should know that kayakers are carrying substantial loads on their craft. A fully loaded kayak can weigh several hundred pounds and is easily swamped or damaged near shore by a wake. Kayakers travel near shore and can struck by the same wake twice. Wakes rebound off of beaches and are directly reflected back toward the water. A powerboat passing too closely to a kayak can cause it to capsize. The kayaker needs sufficient time to turn their bow directly into an approaching wake. Kayaks are often more difficult to maneuver in poor weather, as compared to powerboats. They should be granted a wide berth.
Powerboat and kayak operators in Prince William Sound have developed some guidelines for safe interoperation. A prudent mariner will not depend on these suggestions alone, but add them to their toolkit for traveling on the water. These guidelines can offer help to watercraft operators in other areas.
Guidelines for Kayakers
- Do anything you can to increase your visibility. This can include flying flags, installing retro-reflective tape and wearing bright clothing.
- Safety basic safety equipment. Consider having a VHF radio in a waterproof pouch, spare batteries, distress flares and a first-aid fit.
- Avoid landings in the surf zone of a beach when there is a chance of being waked by a powerboat. Avoid operating in narrow channels that have fast currents and wind. These conditions can make it difficult to maneuver away from wakes.
- Avoid kayaking into an unfamiliar area without a chart or guide. Travel in groups to improve your visibility and leave a float plan at your local marina
- Avoid or quickly transit hazardous areas like reefs, marina entrance channels and blind corners
Guidelines for Powerboaters
- Maintain a watch for kayakers, especially when traveling in hazardous areas. Reduce speed in conditions of poor visibility
- Leave enough room when approaching a kayak to allow room to maneuver. Avoid running close to shore, an area favored by kayaks
- Leave a float plan for your trip at the local marina
The final thing that both watercraft groups need to know is how to communicate with each other and how to signal for help. We will pick this up in the next article for readers of Boating and Sailing @ Suite101 - Boating Comms and Procedures.
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