Ian wrote:
There have been discussions about this on other forums such as Sailing Anarchy. It seems to me that in UK/Europe the provisions of Colregs apply and kayaks, rowing-boats, stand-up paddle boards are all essentially "other" boats that give way to sailing craft. It must always be remembered though that no vessel has a right of way (maybe ferries do?), in a collision situation there is a stand on vessel and a give way vessel and everyone has a responsibility to avoid a collision. Biggest problem is that I'd guess most of these kayakers, and paddle-boarders will not have a clue about any of this and you'd just hope they have a tiny bit of sense and keep out of the way.
In Ireland we have a government publication called The Recreational Craft Code of Practice (which includes basic Colregs), I often think I should have a box of them on the boat to hand out.
My understanding, having being a maritime tutor, a Harbourmaster, and currently a Master of high speed passenger ferries is that the Colregs make no particular distinction between a sailing vessel and an oar or paddle powered vessel, they are grouped together under one class which all power driven vessels need to give way to.
I think that if I was in a dinghy or kayak I would do the best I can to keep out of the way of a larger vessel which would potentially run me down, but the onus is on the Skipper of any type of vessel to do all they can to prevent a collision, so if in doubt give way. As the Master of a large high speed passenger ferry on the busiest harbour in New Zealand I know it is my responsibility to keep out of the way of any yacht, canoe, kayak, windsurfer, kite board. But if a ferry or any other large vessel is over 500 tons, then that vessel does have right of way within prescribed harbour limits.