: The charter boat skipper needs to read the Colregs and/or understand them.
: Having running lights on a boat 6" out of the water will do nothing
: at all. The regs state that a white light be shown in time to prevent a
: collision for any paddle craft.

: Bill H.

the skipper knows them. Photons don't prevent collision. The paddlers were carrying all manner of little LED headlights and 2AA ACR incandescent lights. The were not adequately illuminated. LED lights like the tek-tites are visible and more effective than the common 2D cell nav lights used on dinghies. Having adequate running lights provides a CONSTANT source of information for other boats to prevent collision. Turning on your "torch" "in time" to prevent collision reflects the available technology when colregs were developed. LED lights provide more lumen output and allow conventional running lights on small craft. In close quarters random illumination with a directional "torch" that ISN"T meant to be shined at the colliding boat doesn't provide adequate time given that the paddlers hands are occupied.

If one was to use a "torch in time to prevent collision" I'd go for a BRIGHT light, something 3watts and above, shining along the foredeck which is just as likely to mess up the paddlers night vision. This is a good one:

http://www.uwkinetics.com/product/9