Vessel Safety Checks for canoes and kayaks? Requirements and recommendations

The answer in short is Absolutely! While the equipment requirements for canoes and kayaks are minimal the Vessel Safety Check is an outstanding opportunity to discuss safety issues in general and focus on those issues most relevant to our area.

Requirements:
1) A type I, II, III or V Life Jacket for every person aboard. This life jacket must be of appropriate size for the intended wearer and in good condition. Ideally the life jackets are worn! (See the Federal requirements here, the Oregon requirements here, and the Washington requirements here)

2) A sound producing device for signaling, typically a whistle. The best location is attached to the Life Jacket of the operator. (See the Federal requirements here)

3) If operating at night appropriate lights. The navigation rules allow the use of a white lantern or flashlight for vessels under oars or you may have running lights like those used a sailboat under sail. The lantern or flashlight should be readily available and bright is best. (See the Federal requirements here)

4) If operating under the following conditions "All vessels used on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas, and those waters connected directly to them, up to a point where a body of water is less than two miles wide, must be equipped with U.S.C.G. Approved visual distress signals. Vessels owned in the United States operating on the high seas must be equiped with U.S.C.G. Approved visual distress signals." You must carry approved, non-expired night signals. You are not required to carry day signals. (See the Federal requirements here) These conditions generally don't apply to boating in our area until you get downriver near Astoria.

Recommendations:
Wear your life jacket

Carry a dewatering device, a pump and/or a bailing bucket.

Be aware of the special conditions on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers

• High levels of commercial vessel traffic including deep-draft ships, tugs with barges and passenger vessels
• Many recreational boaters operating in a very constrained waterway - there are lots of us in very little space
• Snow fed rivers with very cold water much of the year
• General water quality issues in some areas and sewer overflow conditions in periods of high runoff
• Occasional heavy river level fog which seriously reduces visibility

Be comfortable in the water, out of your boat.

Obtain the knowledge, skills and ability necessary for kayaking and canoeing.

Always boat with a group. Three boats is a recommended minimum.

Know how to self-rescue. Practice! Practice! Practice!

File a float plan, with friends or family so someone can call for search and rescue if you are overdue.

Bring appropriate safety, rescue, and navigational aids, and more than adequate food, water, and extra protective clothing. Do not wear cotton!

Pick an activity level that matches your ability, and progress to more demanding challenges.

Monitor your physical and emotional condition, and watch the other members or your group for fatigue, illness, and changes in behavior.

Know and follow all local, state and federal laws.

Be visible - wear bright colors so others can see you between waves or in the fog. Carry a bright light, flares, and whistle to signal your position.

Take a boating safety class offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.