NYCkayaker Coast Guard and Kayakers

[bob1may at optonline.net]

Well stated Eric.Absolutely the CG is a necessary and important agency, with a lot of good people doing their best to do a difficult job.While I don't believe that events such as the ramble meets the standards of "extra or unusual hazards to the safety of life on the navigable waters" that require the organizers to file a permit application, I agree that it is good and fine idea to "notify" the CG, and even seek their advice in planing.My argument was with the CG's imposition of "required" safety vessels.  By my reading of the law, the CG does not have the authority to make such a requirement.If the CG want's to suggest safety vessels, fine.  If the event organizers want to voluntarily implement the suggestion - and have the financial means to do so, fine.But acceding - without question - to a "requirement" that may not be lawful is wrong.Bob----- Original Message -----From: Erik Baard Date: Wednesday, September 19, 2007 12:52 pmSubject: NYCkayaker Coast Guard and KayakersTo: nyckayaker Hi All,
 
I didn't dive into the debate over kayaker consultation with the U.S. Coast Guard earlier because I was too busy planning and executing the Ramble. One thing that must be kept in mind is context. 
 
Meeting CG requirements and adhering to CG methods was a great source of frustration, though I am grateful for the daily work of that agency to keep our harbor safe from accidents and worse. Kayakers shouldn't be put off by the Ramble in 2008 because it's produced in concert with the CG. Remember, this is an event to promote a NYC Department of Parks and Recreation endeavor, co-sponsored by the city and the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance. Those two entities have a host of legitimate reasons for needing to bring the CG aboard and satisfy the demands that such a relationship entails. This is not a spontaneous paddle, or a paddle shared by a group of friends peer-to-peer, however large. 
 
What the Ramble does work to achieve, however, is the establishment of more launches. The presence of those launches will enable many, many more spontaneous outings, and tours of kayak groups. So I view this as an investment: we put our energies into working with the CG for this event, and reap the reward of a more fully accessible harbor. With more places to pull out, we'll have a strong argument that for most trips there's less of a need for safety boats and such. 
 
I hope that makes sense. 
 
Salty regards,
 
Erik
Erik Baardhttp://www.licboathouse.orghttp://www.naturecalendar.com
 

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