[Maureen Benzon]

A group of kayakers in Manhattan had a collision with a ferry on August 30.

Nine clients of the Manhattan Kayak Company and one guide were paddling on the Hudson River when the collision occurred, leaving five of them injured. The New York Times reports that the owner of the Manhattan Kayak Company, Eric Stiller, says the guide saw the ferry and waved his paddle at the captain to try and alert him to their presence. The guide is reported to have suffered the most serious injuries.

When sharing waterways with larger vessels, being highly visible can reduce the chance of collision. It also makes it easier for rescuers to locate you, especially in low-visibility conditions kayakers know well, like foggy mornings or glaring sun. Follow these five expert tips for staying visible on the water and reduce your chances of dangerous encounters with other boats and vessels.

https://www.rapidmedia.com/adventurekayak/categories/skills/8153-top-five-ways-to-stay-visible-and-safe-on-the-water.html

This article is a little misleading. The best way to avoid collision is to assume they can’t see you and act accordingly. Don’t assume a larger vessel will change course or stop for you, whether or not you technically have right of way.

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[Nick Heath]

In my view, the trickiest place locally  for ferry traffic plus other boat traffic is Swartz Bay.  There are 3 separate passages, E.W and N to watch for.  The sprint for safety (taking a perpendicular course to the direction of the channel) only applies to the deep-water channels between the red/green marker buoys. Once you are clear of a channel you’re home safe because the biggies will never go there.

[Author]

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