Coast Guard required equipment

As we were getting off the water on Saturday, an auxilliary coast guard stopped by to check us out.  He informed us that it is required to have flares and a light source on board.  I did not know this before, or maybe I heard it but didn't believe it.  He also said the coast guard auxilliary could make arrangements to check out kayaks and give you a sticker that says you passed.  I'm going to invite the guy to our NWKA derby to certify those that want to be.  Perhaps something to think about at one of the NCKA events.

-Allen

nice, I guess I better head to west marine to get some flares.

Allen,

I don't believe your auxillary coast guard officer was correct...  I did a lot of research on this when I first "went to sea" with my kayak.

From what I've read as a human powered class A vessel  (i.e. less than 16ft) paddling around the ocean during a normal day we are required by the USCG to have...
1.) a PFD

However, there are times when other safety equipment is required....
At night...
2.) a navigation light (for kayakers this can be as simple as a head lamp).
3.) a visual distress signal (like flares)
and during low visibility (i.e. fog)
4.) a sound producing device (a horn, whistle or bell)

That said, it would be very smart to carry flares, a light source, first aid kits, etc..
and having the coast guard auxillary around during a tournament or other function would be a great way to promote safety within our sport.

Brian

I hear ya Brian,  that's what I think I thought.  But who am I to argue?  And ... he kept talking about the possibilit of fog, so perhaps in his mind, the flares and light may always be required as the fog (low visibiity condition) could come up at any time.  At any rate, it's easy enough to add a light and flare to my "kit".

-Allen

I think back when I bought mine it was a PFD and a whistle for safety, with light for night-time. Might as well get a flare and smoke for that island out there.