: Patsy
I have a camera that I like to keep accessible like you with your binos.

I am usually on rivers and calm ones at that, so I paddle without a spray skirt. This permits me to lay the camera in the bilge between my knees for quick access. I sometimes put a cloth over the camera just to keep the stray drop from landing on it.

However, I also have a soft briefcase that is made out of some waterproof material that I keep on the foredeck bungies. Depending on the situation, I either leave the zipper on it open and the opening pointed toward me, or close the zipper. The flat shape of the briefcase fits my stuff...rain jacket, lunch, camera, etc. and keeps a low profile.

I also use a monocular, like others have suggested on this board. It is a miniature one at about 8 power. It takes a splash of water and is so light that I can keep it on a cord around my neck. The cord reaches my top shirt pocket and is very accessible. Also, when I use it I don't loose track of where I am or my balance by devoting both eyes to the binocular. It is not as tricky to use in choppy water, since you can still close your monocular eye to check your situation occassionally. - Scott