"The SCA has received a letter from the Harbour Master at Clyde port raising concerns he has about canoeists, around the ferry terminals, especially the Gourock and Wemyss Bay terminals.
Quote: Whilst there is no direct criticism of your canoeists who canoe in this area, the Masters become concerned for the canoeists' safety, particularly at dusk when the ferries are moving nearby."
He raised the possibility of groups liaison with the Cal-mac shore staff at these locations before entering the Clyde. This is an option but we felt it was more useful to give a brief refresher on the "Rules of the road" that apply to all vessels on the water, from kayak is to supertankers. These rules apply to all sea-going vessels and are also known as "The Collision Regulations".
For those that are not familiar with these rules, there are 37 covering : General Information: Steering and Sailing; lights and shapes; Sound; and Light Signals. Some rules are more pertinent to kayaks than others. Details of the rules can be found in various books, usually written for sailorsl.A rough guide can be found in the opening pages of MacMillan Reeds Nautical Almanac
The most relevant rules to kayakers, especially those that paddle in areas of heavy maritime traffic are:
These 4 rules are basic common sense. Harbours often have their own rules and bus y ones like Clyde port will have traffic lanes to prevent vessels colliding. They are marked on charts and identified on the water by buoys. The route a traffic lane follows may be determined by the depth of water, therefore, it may not follow the expected straightforward route. Small craft should steer clear of these traffic lanes as large vessels may not maintain the level of lookout they ought to. They may rely on radar and simply will not see any small craft without some kind of radar reflector, and even then they may not see you!. If you have to cross traffic lane it should be crossed at maximum speed and with the largest aspect of your vessel visible to the oncoming traffic. If it is a group crossing, keep together to form a larger target and maintain a speed that everyone can manage.
Bear in mind some of these large vessels are constrained by their draft and cannot manoeuvre easily. Other vessels, such as ferries, keep to a set route. Weather or tidal conditions and the amount of other traffic present can affect that route. Ferry routes often cut across traffic lanes and they are expected to keep clear of the traffic in the lanes so it is possible they may not see any kayaks sitting low in the water.
The most important rule of all is to always have some kind of whit light to hand, to be shown in time to prevent a collision. If necessary, a white flare can be fired across a vessel's bow to indicate a collision may be imminent but by then it may be too late.
Carrying a VHF marine band radio can assist with alerting a vessel to your presence. They should be listening on Channel 16 but may be in contact with the harbour on its working channel (often ch 9,11,12 or 14). Determining if the possibility of collision exists can be very difficult. Large vessels can find it difficult to judge our speed and vice versa. It helps to be aware where a vessel is heading. Cargo vessels, tankers, etc. usually proceed to the main port whilst ferries are aiming for a specific terminal, so make sure you are clear of them.
Most of this is common sense but it should be applied. So remember to carry a white light and enjoy the paddling!.
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