Rules and Regulations of Kayaking

A kayak like any other vessel is subject to the waters. Although it is very accessible, it has rules that govern the sport. For this reason, before we hit the sea this time, we ought to learn something about the kayak and the rules and regulations of kayaking. Today, the main focus is on the rules and regulations of kayaking. 

It is important that we know the rules that are there for kayaking before we get out into the sea. More like the other vessels, there is always a penalty for going against the set regulations, it is, therefore, important that we understand each and every one of these rules and regulations of kayaking.

Seaworthy? 

Is our vessel seaworthy, let’s see. Now, there are some of the main specifications for the inflatable or rigid kayak that use it but it involves a little bit of the equipment that should be found on the kayak no matter what. 

Before the equipment, there is a specification for seaworthy kayaks that involves having it more than 3.5m in length and is certified by the manufacturing company. On top of that, the kayak should have at least 2 air Chambers. 

If a kayak is seaworthy, it means that we can paddle on up to a maximum of 3km from the shore. Now, here are the main types of equipment that without, a kayak can be disqualified from accessing the sea waters; for every person on board has to be life jacket compliant with all the necessary rules. 

• a light signaling device 
• a tow hook 
• a mooring rope, with almost the same length as the kayak itself 
• a way of sealing the cockpit, except for those sitting on tops 
• a throw line. 

Quite differently from the others, there are some rules for sheltered water navigation. They majorly signal the places one should and should not go with a kayak on the water bodies. The type of kayak being used matters a lot also when it comes to some of these rules. 

A kayak should not cross the path of a vessel restricted in the navigation of sea Waters, for instance, one that is involved in towing activity, one that is subject to sailing, or one that is constrained by its draught. It is therefore important to mark out the legal route. 

Any kayaker should make sure that at least there’s someone who knows where they are. It is therefore important not to paddle alone. 

Learn to avoid port entry and exit channels that are signposted from the coast by conical green buoys on the left as well as red cylindrical buoys on the right. Unless using a beach craft kayak, avoid paddling among swimmers. It is prohibited to kayak among swimmers unless the kayak involved is a beach craft. 

Mark protected areas along the path of the kayak and avoided crossing them. Always have a smartphone in a watertight pouch, importantly to call for help in case of danger. Each country or state has it’s different SNSM that anyone can call in case of any danger.  

Now, there is what is referred to as the right of way at sea. This refers to the priority that different vessels have over each other at the sea. This may involve two kayaks, a kayak and a bigger seal vessel, a kayak and restricted vessels as well as a kayak and the powered vessels. 

For a kayak and a kayak, to have priority over the other kayak, one should be on the right side of the way. The one on the left should paddle to leave a way for the one on the right. more like driving in Europe! It is part of the rules and regulations of kayaking. 

For a powered vessel and a kayak, if the vessel is more than 15m it should navigate to pave way for the kayak, always. If it is below, make sure the kayak is out of the way. 

It is also important to note that the vessels that are restricted in maneuverability have priority over all the others. For example, if a kayak was to be in the same seawater as the barge or cruise ship that involves towing close to the port waters, the kayak should pave a clear way for the cruise ship. 

Apart from all the other rules, we have to consider the rules that involve beach crafts only. A kayak is basically a beach craft when it is less than 3.5 m in length. A buoyancy aid is always strongly recommended to help one get back to the boat in case of a capsize. 

We should also never further than 300 m from the coast. This is basically a range within which a seagoing vessel can safely anchor as well as leave the coast with little assistance. 

The greatest problem that we kayakers have is that unlike motorized boats, we have to go at the slowest pace since we are always paddling. It is therefore easy to make sure that we have all the kayaking rules at hand to make sure there is always little trouble between us and the authorities. 

Another problem is that most times, other boats may not see us even in broad clear water. Therefore, we have to keep the proper lanes as far as the seawater is concerned. 

The best idea is basically to make sure we can cross the shallow waters with more ease. Sometimes, powerboats are a great challenge. 

We can also opt for the swift crossing of the channel. In some cases, the waters may have temporary waves caused by the powerboats and the best idea is to point the kayak directly to the direction of origin of the waves as we paddle on. 

Rules and Regulations of Kayaking – Conclusion

As we mentioned earlier, we need to know each and every one of these simple rules that are provided by the sea authorities to make sure that we are paddling safely! Kayaking is quite safer when we follow the rules and regulations of kayaking. 

If we are Keen enough, we may notice that many of them always reflect on the safety and well-being of the kayaker. To be safe and to have an easy time with the paddle, we ought to have them at hand.