Requirements for Kayaks

[JJL]

What are the Coast Guard requirements for kayaking in and around the bays? Any info is appreciated.

[waterbug]

The only thing you really need is a paddle, whisle and a PFD.

But using reflective clothing, an anchor light at night time or a red flag during the day is advisable.

A cell phone in a dry bag is also a real good idea.

Oh did I mention to bring a friend!!!

Be safe and have fun:thumbsup:

[Seabasstard]

Coast Guard also requires a signal mirror.

Seabasstard

[JJL]

Thanks for that guys.

[Gone Fishin']

what if you rig up an electric trolling motor, any boater's cert. needed? or anything else?

[Seabasstard]

If you stick any type of motor on a yak you will have to register it with the great state of New Jersey.:thumbsdown:

SB

[Great White]

Coast Guard also requires a signal mirror.

Seabasstard
Where did you find the info on the mirror and whistle? I never heard that and I know all the canoe rental places only supply the pfd.

[445 supermag]

Ok I am going to show my ignorance but I didn't know you HAD to have anything with a kayak.

So is this stuff mentioned a REQUIREMENT OR SUGGESTED?

Thanks

Brian

[barrell]

Ok I am going to show my ignorance but I didn't know you HAD to have anything with a kayak.

So is this stuff mentioned a REQUIREMENT OR SUGGESTED?
Brian


Thanks
Well the life jacket is obvious. Thats requiered on any boat motorized or not. The whistle or (signaling device) is needed on all boats. I have never heard the one about the mirror and I aced my boaters licensce test. A light is needed at night. It does not have to be turned on however you just need to produce it if asked. I exceed that requirement at night by bringing three light sources. And as far as life jackets go they dont need to be worn unless they are an inflatable.

[LilFisherman]

Been fishing from a yak for 6 years now in OC. I never really have any of the listed items above expect my light for the bow at night and my phone in a bag. Many CG and State police have talked to me and never said anything about no PFD or other neccessary items. Always just tell me how cool it is im out there fishing everyday in it. Guess cus im a local they dont bother me:huh: or do you really not need anything??

[barrell]

No you need it by law. I could see the marine police not bothering you but the coast guard is usualy by the book.

[AJ168]

In a non motorized boat under 16' I believe the cut-off is, you need a pfd for every person on board and a sound producing device, such as a whistle. If at night, you need one all around white light that can be shown in time to prevent a collision. These are requirements and I have been checked for them. I doubt they'd bust you if you didn't have a sound producing device, but I'd be shocked if they let you get away if you didn't have a pfd.

[Capt. Scott]

Coast Guard also requires a signal mirror.

Seabasstard

Do you have a link to this requirement????...I've never seen a signal mirror as a federal requirement.

AJ168 hit the other items....but the light doesn't have to be an all around white light...just a white light shown in the direction of the approaching vessel in time to prevent collision.

if you go into a body of water at night greater than 2nm wide...then I believe you need signaling devices such as flares.

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/equ_vds.htm



These vessels are not required to carry day signals but must carry night signals when operating from sunset to sunrise:

Recreational boats less than 16 feet in length
Boats participating in organized events such as races, regattas, or marine parades.
Open sailboats less than 26 feet in length not equipped with propulsion machinery.
Manually propelled boats.

[NJbob]

Found this on a site

Kayak & Canoe Requirements
According to the United States Coast Guard Boating Statistics (http://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/Boating_Statistics_2002.pdf)report for year 2002, there were 101 deaths associated with Canoes and Kayaks. Of those, 93%were due to drowning. The Coast Guard estimates that 84% of drowning victims in the report would have survived if they had been wearing a PFD (life jacket).
http://www.uscgaux-danapoint.org/images/1x1.gif
Personal Flotation Device (1 per person)
http://www.uscgaux-danapoint.org/images/1x1.gifSound Signaling Device (whistle or horn)
Visual Distress Flag for Day use.
http://www.uscgaux-danapoint.org/images/1x1.gif Flashlight if going out during hours of darkness.
http://www.uscgaux-danapoint.org/images/1x1.gif http://www.uscgaux-danapoint.org/vessel_safety_checks.htm

[Capt. Scott]

Found this on a site

Kayak & Canoe Requirements
According to the United States Coast Guard Boating Statistics (http://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/Boating_Statistics_2002.pdf)report for year 2002, there were 101 deaths associated with Canoes and Kayaks. Of those, 93%were due to drowning. The Coast Guard estimates that 84% of drowning victims in the report would have survived if they had been wearing a PFD (life jacket).
http://www.uscgaux-danapoint.org/images/1x1.gif
Personal Flotation Device (1 per person)
http://www.uscgaux-danapoint.org/images/1x1.gifSound Signaling Device (whistle or horn)
Visual Distress Flag for Day use.
http://www.uscgaux-danapoint.org/images/1x1.gif Flashlight if going out during hours of darkness.
http://www.uscgaux-danapoint.org/images/1x1.gif http://www.uscgaux-danapoint.org/vessel_safety_checks.htm

Funny that the USCG site is different than the USCGAux site as to day signaling device.

[NJbob]

I am friendly with an Lt. of one of the cutters at Sandy Hook, and plan on discussing his view of kayak safety. Can't find a definitive rule. I'd rather it the way it is rather then having the sport regulated.

[Capt. Scott]

I am friendly with an Lt. of one of the cutters at Sandy Hook, and plan on discussing his view of kayak safety. Can't find a definitive rule. I'd rather it the way it is rather then having the sport regulated.

The rules have been posted according to NJ State Law and the USCG Boating Safety site....I don't think there is anything else except if there is something obscure in the Code of Federal regulations...and remember...if in special waters like a Park or other regulated recreation areas...there may be even more rules...

I'll be impressed if your LT friend knows something else unless he's a kayaker or rowing enthusiast.

The sport IS regulated...a kayak is a human powered vessel and is subject to the International Rules of the Road and all State vessel reguations.

Sounds kinda like overkill...but it's already there....

[Seabasstard]

Guys, I'm sorry for the confusion about the signal mirror. I once read on another kayak fishing site that a mirror is required by the USCG. But after searching the internet for the required items by the USCG, a signal mirror is not on the list.

Inserting foot in mouth,
Seabasstard