Paddling in the Dark
The following is required when paddling at night (30 minutes before dusk and onwards):
1. The club requires that paddlers must wear, or mount on the boat, a non-flashing ("solid") white light which is clearly visible all around the boat (360° visibility).
This is one of the two options in Transport Canada's requirements for Navigation Lights, under Federal law (see the Safe Boating Guide):
- for "Human-Powered Boats - Rule 25" (see the Navigation Lights table), it's "Lantern" lighting: a solid white light, visible 360° around the boat.
There is another option in the TC rules:
- the bow (front) of the boat has a red light on the Port (left) side, and a Starboard (right) green light; the stern (back) of the boat has a white light. Each of the 3 lights covers a defined portion of the 360° around the boat (112.5° for each of red/green, 135° for the white).
This red/green/white directional-lighting option must be used on the club's Coach boats - which are in the "Power Boats under 12m" category (first item in the Lights table).
But only the all-around white light option is to be used on paddled boats - OCs, Marathons, and so on.
2. All paddlers require a partner when paddling in the dark - no solo paddling.
3. Do not paddle West of the Burrard Street Bridge.