Wiped Out by NYPD Harbor Patrol! Sea Eagle Paddleski Review 1057

Ok, I've read this thread far enough to see what our kayaker needs a regulatory reboot. There is no regulation that requires a certain distance from shore for any vessel, nor is there anything codified that requires a vessel to stay in the middle. Regulations that define and regulate "Traffic Separation Schemes" are there to control harbor approaches and certain areas designated by the Commandant of the USCG as high traffic areas needing direction. The rules regarding lights are clear and forthright, read them then exceed them. You may have had the minimum and felt you were compliant, but take it from someone who runs the East River in one of those large commercial units (550'), you are invisible against the wall and in peril in the middle of the channel at night on a small vessel. When we transit the East river (known for strong and contrary currents) we are limited in our ability to avoid you! There are rules citing the requirement for vessels less than 20 meters to avoid impeding our transit. In my experience, the NYCPB could not have thrown more than a 4' wake, substantial if you are in a shallow draft rowboat or kayak, but the fact remains you think you were doing everything to accomodate the traffic, but in fact you didn't have enough local knowledge to come to an informed decision about where and WHEN to be out on the river. My friend, you do need to get the boating safety course under your belt. It will be the smartest thing you could do. Stop raging against those of us who are trying to help you. You asked why the NYCPB didn't see you, why he was flying, and why he's not being held accountable. For one thing he can be held accountable if he was negligent. If he failed to show the proper lights, or operate his vessel in a reckless manner he can and should be held responsible. That being said, your obligation under the rules is to make every effort to be seen, and to take into account the features of your vessel that may make it difficult to detect. You said it was an inflatable, this makes it a very poor radar reflector, (something you would have learned in a safety course). Add a low profile and dim lights, and you're damn near invisible. No professional mariner would think of making a transit in unfamiliar waters without acquiring the necessary local knowledge. You should try to do the same. The next time you launch your kayak, check the tidal current you'll be encountering, the weather, and leave a floatplan with someone ashore in case your overdue so they might muster help for you in the event you cannot. Good luck, chill out B Brucato Master Mariner