Who said that? Try reading what I wrote.
OK, getting back on track of the original post:
Calling the bridge tender is an excellent idea. They usually monitor channel 13 &/or 16. Another option could be making a security call on ch16, LOW POWER! (1 watt).
Tune to 16, select low or 1W, wait for a break in radio traffic. Be sure not to “step on” (interfere with) another operator’s message/conversation. Then say: “Security call…this is kayaker Joe…three kayaks passing east bound under the Bristol Bridge…Kayaker Joe standing by on 16” or some variation of that. I like to identify myself twice to give another vessel good opportunity to hear it and call me back by name.
This is like an abbreviated version of a Securite’ call. Commercial vessels do this all day long in busy, congested waterways like city harbors, etc. often required on CH13. By doing so on ch16 you are hopefully reaching all nearby boats, if they are monitoring 16. That’s a big “IF”. You could of course make a full-fledged Securite’ call instead. This version just keeps the message short and to the point. Transmit what’s pertinent, then end it. Try going down to a busy city harbor some day, preferably in thick fog and just listen to the commercial radio traffic on 13 or 16.
Selecting low transmit power is to broadcast only to close range, nearby vessels…legally required. When you tune to CH16 most radios automatically default to High power for an emergency call. You must select low for non-emergency, low range calling.
Obviously it’s important to continue monitoring 16 in case another boat hears you and tries to reply.
So, what about those boats without radios, not listening or ignorant? Use the Sound Signal require by the Navigation Rules. Rule 34 states:
(e) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other
vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound one
prolonged blast. This signal shall be answered with a prolonged blast by any
approaching vessel that may be within hearing around the bend or behind
the intervening obstruction.
(a prolonged blast is 4-6 seconds).
I would NOT depend on a common mouth-operated whistle. Little chance a power boat will hear that. I carry a portable air horn. This one is pocket sized. I’ve seen them at Walmart, West Marine, etc. Or carry the larger version if preferred. Just be advised they can fail in cold weather or if water gets inside the diaphragm.
And don’t expect even if an approaching boat hears this he will understand it or respond. It’s an unfortunate irony that these measures are most vitally needed when encountering the most irresponsible, ignorant operators.
With all this said, at the end of the day you just can’t tell what moronic actions the other boat will commit…and that’s before they start drinking! If you or a paddling buddy survive a tragedy at least maybe you can testify in court that you took all appropriate action. That would only serve to place more blame on the other fool. Good luck, stay safe.
Note to paddlers in the Aberdeen Proving Ground Area of Chesapeake Bay. I confirmed that Channel Guard Patrol Boats give instructions over channel 68.
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Overall, I have my VHF on board almost all the time. Fortunately I don’t have any really tough areas with conflicting traffic where I kayak. Mostly intercoastal and easy to stay out of traffic. However, do cross at times.
Now, the VHF for most of the issues will be unheard as very few boats monitor it. The horn mentioned above is a much better tool, if needed. Have those but normally don’t take them with on the kayak. I’m also an avid boater and see some of the dumb things boaters do. And Saturdays and Sundays are the worst.
However, there’s a thought to AGGRESSIVELY avoid areas where boaters travel, especially tight areas, and at dusk and night. They just won’t see a kayak.
As for a ferry captain (in the above story) I’d argue he was mostly at fault as he lacked situational awareness. Sun is no excuse. Should have had a lookout and/or used his radar, and yes, should have had a radar, regardless of required. As for the kayakers, stupid to even come close to a ferry lane. Glad no one was killed and hope the guide recovered ok.
Gotta be careful out there…
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In some areas of Manhattan it is very difficult or impossible to paddle without crossing a ferry lane or two. Which, adding in the security areas where being over an invisible line can get you pulled in by Homeland Security, is to me a pretty good reason not to paddle there. But some do. And even take groups thru those areas, a remove from paddling in a small pod of a couple of friends that increases the risk.
Happens in less congested area as well. Jim and I were coming back from Peak’s Island one time on the ferry, Portland Maine, carrying a gear bag and a bag with paddles. Most locals would have surmised we had been paddling out of Maine Island Kayak. Pulling into the dock the ferry had to put on the brakes because a kayaker had gotten themselves near/partially into the docking area and seemed unable to back out. No light either and it was dusk.
The CG was called and took charge, the others on the ferry were apparently expecting sympathy from Jim and I for the kayaker. We found it purely embarrassing and said we hoped the CG handed out a hell of a fine.
What channel do you use for something like OP’s case?
I’m just learning about these radios (and all sea adventuring aspects) and will have one by next spring for adventures.
In my case (I’m the OP), there’s a sign on each side of the bridge saying that the operator monitors channel 9. But when I’m not communicating with the bridge, my radio cycles between channel 9 (hailing), 16 (emergency) and 68 (conversation) when just listening.
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Always worth checking local habits too. The coaches had decided on a channel in the 70s to communicate at one training l was on, usually an Ok channel to use.
But it turned out local fishermen used the particular one they had planned for some purpose. Coaches switched to one higher.
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Channel 78 alpha was added as a recreational channel not long ago to replace channel 70. Channel 70 was repurposed for the use of DSC radio communication.
When I heard this I thought it would be less crowded, being a new recreationally channel. Unfortunately, so did everyone else in my area. It was more crowded than channel 68.
If your area has a Vessel Traffic Service then that can be a good channel to add to your monitor list. I’ve often heard the ferries notifying VTS of their movement.