Running light question

[NightWing]

An issue with those portable lights is that they tend to be short. The white light needs to be visible 360° around the horizon. If the lightpole is shorter than the operator or passengers, it will be blocked from all around view and isn't in compliance, regardless of the candlepower.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by NightWing

An issue with those portable lights is that they tend to be short. The white light needs to be visible 360° around the horizon. If the lightpole is shorter than the operator or passengers, it will be blocked from all around view and isn't in compliance, regardless of the candlepower.

A good point ! I notice a couple of kayakers in the bay during the fireworks show last Sat. The MPs went over to talk to them and after a few minutes they proceeded in their way. One had a white light on his (her) chest and another on the back. Didn't meet the 360 deg requirement and I'd have thought them too weak as well. The other had a head mounted light (I think) which made more sense if only for the reason you mention above.

Both were better off than the canoeist who had no lights what so ever.


I recall seeing a flotilla of kayaks at night in Wolfeboro bay a few years ago. They had lights on short poles which I think suction cupped to the hull. Perhaps bright enough (though they looked kind of greenish cast) but they'd become invisible as one kayaker passed in front of another. I"ve seen similar things with all arounds on boats with bimini's. They disappear depending on the angle to the boat and/or plow (speed) state. We got an extra long pole for just that reason. Whatever you run for an all around, check to be sure it'll stay visible under operating conditions.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by Mee-n-Mac

A good point ! I notice a couple of kayakers in the bay during the fireworks show last Sat. The MPs went over to talk to them and after a few minutes they proceeded in their way. One had a white light on his (her) chest and another on the back. Didn't meet the 360 deg requirement and I'd have thought them too weak as well. The other had a head mounted light (I think) which made more sense if only for the reason you mention above.

Both were better off than the canoeist who had no lights what so ever.

We were anchored over by the two markers off the back bay bridge, and watched the Marine Patrol escort the two kayakers across the bay from your side to the west side, and watched them get out of their kayaks and put them away for the night! Don't know if any citations were issued.