Paddle Craft Expansion and the

Vessel Safety Check

2016 AnnualVE Workshop

National RBS Program Mission Statement

To minimize loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and the environmental

impact associated with the use of recreational boats, through preventative means, in order to maximize the safe use and enjoyment of

United States waterways by the public.

Why are we here?As qualified Vessel Examiners of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, we are respected for our knowledge in the area of Recreational Boating Safety.

• We are supposed to be well trained as qualified Vessel Examiners• We are supposed to educate the people we encounter during Vessel Safety

Checks• We have succeeded in our job for years with sail boaters, power boaters, and

even Personal Watercraft operators• We ARE the EXPERTS!

But when it comes to the paddling community we are FAILING

Why are we failing?• Paddlers don’t trust power boaters & they connect us with power

boating• Paddlers do not consider themselves “boaters”• Our Vessel Examiners don’t know much about the Paddle Craft

community• We are not familiar with all the specialized gear that goes with the sport• We don’t “speak” their language• We are looked at as enforcers• I’m sure there are other reasons – can you name some?

A BIG reason is that…

“We haven’t taken the time to educate ourselves about their sport!”

What is a Paddle Craft ?United States Coast Guard Definition:

From 33 CFR 173 definitions:“Paddle craft means a vessel powered only by its occupants, using a single or double bladed paddle as a lever without the aid of a fulcrum provided by oarlocks, thole pins, crutches, or similar arrangements”.

Types of Paddle CraftKAYAKS:• Sea, Touring, Recreational, Sit on Top, Inflatable, Folding,

Modular, Fishing, Whitewater, etc…

CANOES:• Recreational, Whitewater, Racing, River Tripping, Wilderness

Tripping, Specialty Use, etc…

PADDLEBOARDS:• Stand-up, Wave Boards for SUP Surfing, Cruise/Explore,

Inflatables, Racebards, Whitewater, Yoga & Fitness Boards, etc..

PEDAL BOATS & ROW BOATS

Some Examples of Paddle Craft

Why are we so concerned with Paddle Craft safety?• It’s the fastest growing “on the water” platform

today• Ease of obtaining one• No formal training needed• Cheaper than a boat or PWC

• Paddle Craft fatalities are on the rise• No training – Paddler’s skill & experience• Limited understanding of NAVRULES• Not wearing a life jacket• Various other reasons…Can you name some?

22% of all boating fataliti

es and incre

asing !

610

135

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20140

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000RECREATIONAL BOATING FATALITIES

ALL BOATS PADDLECRAFT Linear (PADDLECRAFT)

Paddle Craft Statistics

2009 - 201388% OF ALL FATALITIES WERE DUE TO DROWNING75-78% OF DROWNINGS - NOT WEARING A LIFE

JACKET

2014 89% OF ALL FATALITIES WERE DUE TO DROWNING81% OF DROWNINGS - NOT WEARING A LIFE JACKET

Commonalities – What Do We Know

Most Paddle Craft fatalities occur:

• Timeframe:• On a Saturday afternoon in July

• Location:• On a lake , pond, reservoir, or dam

• Weather:• Clear skies, winds 0-6 mph

• Water:• Calm, waves less than 6 inches

The majority of paddlers never took any kind of boating safety class !!!

WHO ARE THESE NEW BOATERS ?

AND WHY THE SUDDEN INCREASE IN PADDLECRAFT ACTIVITY ?

BOATER PADDLER SPORTSMAN ?

MANY “PADDLERS” DON’T CONSIDER THEMSELVES TO BE “BOATERS”

“Paddling my kayak is an inexpensive way for me to be on the water, enjoy nature and get some exercise all at the same time. I don’t own a boat– I don’t even want to own one. I just want to paddle around and enjoy myself.”

Who is operating these Paddle Craft?

CANOES

• MOST POPULAR AGE GROUP : 6-17 YEARS OLD

• 50% ARE ON THE WATER LESS THAN 4 TIMES A YEAR

KAYAKS

• MOST POPULAR AGE GROUP: 25- 44 YEARS OLD

• 63% ARE ON THE WATER 3 OR LESS TIMES A YEAR

• BY FAR- THE MOST POPULAR OF ALL PADDLESPORTS

Purchasing a Paddle CraftMajority of Paddle Craft are purchased from:• Local sporting good stores• “Big Box” Stores

Not specialty Paddle Craft Retailers where prices might be higher…but staff is more knowledgeable

Why is this not good?• Many sales representatives are not Paddlers• Lack paddle craft knowledge• They don’t know what safety equipment to recommend

Ease of PurchaseYOU CAN PURCHASE A KAYAK ALMOST ANYWHERE…

HERE– THEY’RE LOCATED BETWEEN FERTILIZER AND WET CAT FOOD

What can we do to make a difference?Before we answer this, we need to know our limits…

As Vessel Examiners we don’t:• Teach people to operate their vessels• Offer advice on making repairs to vessels• Tell boaters how to raise their sails and sail• Can you think of any other examples?

We can…

use our time during a Vessel Safety Check to educate paddlers on safety, paddling educations courses available, and other recommended items that

they might not be aware of.

The Vessel Examiners role in Paddle Craft Safety

As VE’s, we need to think…

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO BRING TO THE PADDLING COMMUNITY?

• Safe Boating Knowledge• An understanding of Boating Safety Laws• Nautical Rules of the Road

That is not enough

Gaining trust in a “new” community

First, we have to admit that we aren’t all Paddle Craft Experts. • Don’t come off as such – you will be finished before you start• Show a genuine interest in learning about paddling/paddlers• Make your initial introductions to paddlers/clubs informal, but

professional• Take the initiative to EDUCATE yourself about paddling and all the

safety gear related to the sport• Have the knowledge to discuss these things and know what your

talking about – fakers will be identified immediately• Offer suggestions and make conversation about the

“Recommended Items “ listed on the 7012A Form

Let’s take a few minutes to reviewHOW CAN WE GAIN THE PADDLERS/PADDLING COMMUNITIES TRUST?

IS OUR PADDLING SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AT THE LEVEL IT SHOULD BE?

HOW DO WE, AS AN AUXILIARY, MAKE AN IMPACT WITHIN THE PADDLECRAFT COMMUNITY?

OUR ATTITUDE SAYS IT ALL !

Dealing with 3 Distinct Paddling Groups

THE INDIVIDUAL PADDLER

PADDLING CLUBS

LIVERIES & RENTAL LOCATIONS

Dealing with – The Individual PaddlerTHIS IS NOT YOUR “EVERYDAY” VESSEL SAFETY CHECK:• A Paddle Craft VSC is not just a Life Jacket and a whistle• Use the time to discuss additional items

• Safety equipment for different type of paddling• Rules of the Road• Possibly taking a paddling course for familiarization

USE THEIR LANGUAGE:• It’s a Paddle Craft, not a boat• It’s a voluntary examination, not an inspection

FOCUS ON 3 TOPICS:• Water Safety & equipment• Examination of the Paddle Craft• Rules of the Road

Dealing with – The Individual Paddler

Make use of the 7012a Form during a Paddle Craft VSC:• It was designed to provide the VE “talking points”• Follow and discuss the listed “Recommended” items• Remember with proactive self study you will know what these items are before you conduct the

VSC

Life Jackets Sound producing device Overall vessel condition Hatch covers Bulkheads /air bags / floatation Serviceable paddle VDS (as required) Navigation lights (as required) State and local requirements

Dealing with – The Individual PaddlerAdditional “talking points”:• LIFE JACKETS - The most important piece of safety equipment

• Comfort is important• Life jackets work only when worn• Look for quality and quick drying material• Type III lifejackets are often recommended

• Wear bright clothing:• Paddle craft are often difficult to see• Large vessels often are not looking for paddle craft and in rough water a

white paddle craft is nearly invisible• When operating in large bodies of water, rough water, high traffic areas,

opt for high visibility paddle craft, clothing and accessories• Speaking of clothing – make certain to take into account the weather

and water temperature

Dealing with – The Individual PaddlerAdditional “talking points”:• CARRY AN I.D. ON YOUR PERSON

• The reasons are obvious• PLACE AN “IF FOUND” DECAL ON YOUR BOAT:

• Unoccupied vessels can cause needless SAR cases• LEAVE A “FLOAT PLAN” WITH A FRIEND OR RELATIVE

• A simple note of where you’re going, when you’ll return, who you are traveling with and a description of your boat will help determine if you require assistance

• SPRAY SKIRTS (sometimes called spray decks)• Designed to keep water from flooding into the cockpit in rough

water • Don't waste your money if doesn’t make a watertight seal

Dealing with – The Individual PaddlerAdditional “talking points”:• PADDLES (It’s only an oar if used in a row boat)

• Different styles. • Can be made of many different materials • Personal choice

• HELMETS• Suggested use in whitewater, surf, tide races, breaking waves etc.• Different helmets should be tried• Comfort and full head protection are equally important decision

factors• THE LIST OF EQUIPMENT COULD GO ON AND ON……..

• Our responsibility is to help the boater to THINK about what they need to carry, depending on their type of boating

SUGGESTED OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

PADDLE FLOAT

LED FLASHLIGHT

STROBE LIGHT

RESCUE THROW ROPE

DECK COMPASS

DECK DRY BAGSEA ANCHOR

SPRAY SKIRT

DEWATERING PUMP

WATERPROOF GEAR BAGS

PADDLE LEASH

SCUPPER PLUGS

PERSONAL LOCATOR

MARINE BAND RADIO

INFLATABLE LIFE JACKETS

Emphasizing Paddler SafetyRemember your initial interaction with this paddler may be their first and only exposure to paddle craft safety:• Explain the importance of taking a formal paddling course• Stress the importance of having an “If Found” decal • Explain why they should have a Vessel Safety Check conducted on

their paddle craft• Discuss how they are expected to follow the same rules of the road

as other vessels• Make sure that you are familiar with and can identify and explain

how to use additional recommended safety equipmentRemember, as a Vessel Examiner, YOU are expected to be

knowledgeable in all aspects of paddling. This means that you may have to take the time and initiative to self educate yourself prior to

going out and conducting paddle craft VSC’s.

Expanding our reachPADDLE CRAFT CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS:• Good place to reach paddlers of all experience types• Develop relationships with organizers – Start with a friendly talk, not a presentation• Let them know that you are here to help educate paddlers and are not a law enforcement

entity• Ask to be invited to their events to conduct Vessel Safety Check’s• Can be located in the yellow pages or on the internet• Think outside the box…

• Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local and state recreation programs• These all have and use paddle craft

Approach these locations with these things in mind:• Don’t come off as an expert in paddle craft if you are not• Their willingness to cooperate /participate depends on your first impression• You are a representative of the Coast Guard

Expanding our reachLIVERIES & RENTAL FACILITIES:• Great places to reach a large number of new inexperienced paddlers• Build friendship with owner/management & make a new RBS Partner• Large groups of paddles in a local area• Provide up to date paddling materials• Can be located in the local yellow pages or on the internet

Approach these locations with these things in mind:• Understand your dealing with a money making business• Their willingness to cooperate /participate depends on your first impression• You are a representative of the Coast Guard• You are there to help them develop good safety practices• Ensure that they have the knowledge and resources to relate the boating safety message

to their customers

Examining Paddle Craft Rental EquipmentKEEP YOUR STANDARDS HIGH:• Someone’s life may depend on it

EXAMINE EACH PADDLE CRAFT CAREFULLY:• Know how to identify problems/issues• Report problems to management, and explain the issue

DON’T FORGET TO EXAMINE THE RENTAL LIFE JACKETS:• Quality• Quantity• Available sizes – Do they have infant, children, and youth sizes too?

The Paperwork Complete a 7012-A for every examination• Be sure to sign and date each form

Summarize your examinations on a ANSC 7038

REMEMBER:

The job’s not done until the paperwork is submitted

Reflection…As Vessel Examiners…What is our primary goal?

To Educate the Boating Public and to Save Lives!

To accomplish this goal we need to realize that the paddling and boating communities are ever changing entities.

Technology and advances in recreational water activities dictate, that with new inventions, come new rules and regulations.

In order for us to continue to provide the best Recreational Boating Safety information we can, we as Vessel Examiners need to continue

to educate ourselves.

Questions?

Presented by:National Directorate of Vessel Examination and Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Programs

DirectorDeputy DirectorDivision Chief – VEDivision Chief – VPDivision Chief – VCDivision Chief – VIDivision Chief – VTDivision Chief – VS

Michael S. KlacikAndrew J. RenderRandolph M. WessonJoseph C. Reichal Jr.William J. HowardNorman L. Fehr Jr.John YskampJames A. Cortes