NYCkayaker 5 boro and the USCG

[Ralph Diaz]

I have reading the email traffic regarding this wonderful, well-planned 
event and am dismayed to see the obstacles being created.  I really feel for 
you, Erik, and all of you who have responsibly worked toward making it a 
reality.

All this goes to show that the human-powered boating community needs to be 
talking with the USCG all the time, not just when it comes to an event.

I am wondering if the subject of this event came up at one of the regular 
Harbor Committee monthly meetings in which commercial interests (ferries, 
tugboats, shipping facilities, port facilities) regularly meet with the 
USCG.  At one time, we were represented at those meetings either 
individually or when we had the Human Powered Boating Group in place.  The 
subject of small craft in the operating, particularly kayaks and outriggers, 
would regularly come up.  When it did, we were in a position to clarify 
things and nip potential restrictions in the bud.  I think even just our 
presence helped keep some nonsense issues off the agenda.

The monthly meetings were a good forum for informal talks with upper, middle 
and lower levels of the USCG; just seeing us there helped them to realize 
that we were responsible and savvy people and not just some crazies with no 
sense of safety.  They could see that we understood that the harbor waters 
have multiple users and we all needed to live together on them for the 
safety of all concerned.

The barn door unfortunately has now swung open at this point and we will 
just have to work a way of dealing with the USCG jitters and misconceptions 
that have poured out.  But let this be a lesson: get organized again into 
some sort of body that takes in the full array of who we are (kayakers, 
outriggers, paddling outfitters/shops); find out when the meetings are; and 
make certain to be regularly represented there.

Bear in minde that the growth of paddling in the area is a sword that cuts 
two ways.  On the one hand, the larger number of users has the potential of 
drawing the sharp edge of USCG attention.  On the other hand, we are a large 
constituency with some political clout and this can help cut through red 
tape and make certain we are heard to clear up misconceptions.

Hope it all works out,

ralph diaz