Every week, we present you with a question about your boating license. Whether you're looking to validate your knowledge or discover new and unexplored areas. This week, we take a look at a question on safety equipment for sea kayaks.
Different safety equipment depending on the navigation zone
Kayaks less than 3.50 m long are considered beach craft and can't be more than 300 m from a shelter. However, up to 300 m from a shelter, no equipment is required. For this sea kayak navigation zone, only daylight navigation is authorized.
Between 300 m and 2 miles
Beyond 300 m, kayaks over 3.50 m in length fitted with a lifeline (a rope around the kayak to facilitate towing and re-boarding) may be sailed up to 2 miles from a shelter.
For this navigation zone, the equipment to have with you includes: a 50 N lifejacket with a waterproof light device with a minimum autonomy of 6 hours, a bailer or pump, a tow rope with a means of releasing or cutting it, a watch and a tide directory (except for sailing in the Mediterranean). For single-handed sailing, the regulations recommend that you also carry a VHF on your lifejacket.
Between 2 and 6 miles
To sail up to 6 miles from a shelter, you need to add 3 red hand lights, a magnetic compass, a nautical chart of the navigation zone, the RIPAM and a description of the buoyage system. Single-handed sailing is authorized if the sailor is a member of an association registered for this activity, and if he or she carries a compliant VHF.
Beyond 6 miles
Sea kayaks are not permitted beyond 6 miles.
