Blowing Off the Dinghy Light Isn't a Good Idea . . .

[S/V Blondie-Dog]

Well I've learned my lesson... operating a dinghy at night without a light simply isn't worth the hassle of getting caught.
Cruising aboard S/V Blondie-Dog: Merrily Rowing Along without a Light and Getting Busted for It.....

[S/V Alchemy]

In Canadian waters for boats under a certain length that escapes me at the moment but is certainly longer than most inflatables, it is the engine that determines the requirement to show an all-around white light at the stern.

As far as I recall, tenders with an outboard under 10 HP do not require it. Above 10 HP, you need a white stern light on a pole or a stub on the engine cover, and (probably) red-green bow lights. Most people use the battery operated type; I carried a Harley AGM powered off my Honda 9.9's wee dynamo. Worked well.

Because whatever the law is, being unlit on the water at night is very akin to being an unlit cyclist on a country road at 3 AM wearing a black unitard: Not only are you not expected to be there, you are very nearly invisible to any not keeping the most fastidious of watches forward.

Still, I'm surprised rowers need to be lit where you are, even as I think it's probably a good idea!

[Strygaldwir]

The interesting issue is if someone hits you, you could be found at fault!

[S/V Alchemy]

As a (brief) hazard to navigation, I suppose. The kind where a guy finds a finger in his Perko raw water strainer and uses the prints to find the offender!

[markpierce]

Another reason to have a good rowing dinghy, as in hard dinghy (read the story).

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by S/V Alchemy

In Canadian waters for boats under a certain length that escapes me at the moment but is certainly longer than most inflatables, it is the engine that determines the requirement to show an all-around white light at the stern.

As far as I recall, tenders with an outboard under 10 HP do not require it. Above 10 HP, you need a white stern light on a pole or a stub on the engine cover, and (probably) red-green bow lights. Most people use the battery operated type; I carried a Harley AGM powered off my Honda 9.9's wee dynamo. Worked well.

Because whatever the law is, being unlit on the water at night is very akin to being an unlit cyclist on a country road at 3 AM wearing a black unitard: Not only are you not expected to be there, you are very nearly invisible to any not keeping the most fastidious of watches forward.

Still, I'm surprised rowers need to be lit where you are, even as I think it's probably a good idea!

Canadian Rules

Human-powered Boats
— Rule 25
• Have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern
showing a white light that you must use far enough in
advance to prevent a collision.
OR
• Same lights as listed above for sail boats, according to*length

Power Boats under 12 m (39’4”)
— Rule 23
• One (1) masthead light;
• OptionaL — Another masthead light;
• Sidelights; and
• One (1) sternlight
OR
• One (1) all-round white light; and
• Sidelights

[Therapy]

"Hey Captain, where is your light? Do you realize that no one can see you out here?

No one huh?

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by Therapy

No one huh?

Wouldn't the USCG have night vision equipment aboard its boats?

[Unicorn Dreams]

Have standard 12V LED bow and stern lights on my dinghy. Have seen and been real close to people that don't run lights. If I hadn't been under sail, I would've never heard them and turned in time..

[zeehag]

did you have a cell fone? qualifies as a LIGHT



where i lived, navy can see ye REAAAALLLL good......

[tundrarules]

My state only requires a white light of any kind for unpower vessels less than 23'. A flashlight will work fine. I suppose if you want to be safe, rig up a hat with a white led on top of it.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Wouldn't the USCG have night vision equipment aboard its boats?

Right, the coast guard person should have said "No one else".

Unless they have night vision too. All it takes is money.

But it was a joke since the OP was telling himself to remain calm (remember the beers?) and not smart off. That was his first chance, as in: "What do you mean no one? You saw me right?"