If you’ve spent any time paddling in coastal waters, you know how peaceful, and sometimes how unpredictable, the ocean can be. For small boaters, especially kayakers, one of the biggest risks doesn’t come from the sea itself but from the other vessels that share it. The difference in speed, size, and power between a motorized vessel and a human-powered kayak can turn a calm day into a dangerous one in seconds.
This was the case for John Laurie and two friends, Norman Lee and Bill Redpath, paddling in Sansum Narrows, a narrow body of water between Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island in British Columbia. They were alert, experienced paddlers doing everything right, until they found themselves in the path of a commercial prawn boat barreling toward them.
The rules of navigation are clear: human powered vessels have the right of way. But what can you do when a bigger boat doesn’t follow the rules? How can you maximize safety when sharing the water with faster, less nimble vessels?
The close call
John and his friends were halfway across Sansum Narrows, paddling close together and keeping a careful eye on marine traffic. As responsible kayakers, they were watching a large commercial prawn boat approaching from a distance. At first, the boat seemed to be maintaining a straight course that would pass them by safely.
But then, without warning, it turned directly at them.
“It was only about 75 yards away when it veered,” John recalled. “We thought, surely they see us. We’re grouped together and pretty visible. But it just kept coming.”
At 50 yards, panic kicked in. The kayakers started back-paddling hard, trying to get out of the boat’s path. Just when it seemed like impact was inevitable, the boat passed by, missing them by only a few feet.
No horn. No hail. No indication that the crew had ever seen them.
Knowing the rules, and when they don’t help
According to the Collision Regulations, the “burdened” vessel (the one with greater maneuverability, usually the powered boat) is supposed to yield to the “stand-on” vessel (like a kayak or canoe). But in the real world, not every boater is watching for small craft. Not everyone is following the rules. That’s where things can get dangerous.
You may know the right-of-way, but that doesn’t guarantee the other guy does, or that they’re paying attention. So, what can you do?
Safety tips for human powered boats around larger vessels
- Stick together on crossings
When you’re crossing a busy channel, don’t spread out. A group of kayakers traveling close together is easier to spot and navigate around than one lone paddler 100 feet from the rest. Travel like a pod of orcas!
- Adjust your path toward their stern
If a powered boat is heading toward you and doesn’t appear to be altering course, you may need to make quick decisions. One counter-intuitive but effective move: turn toward their stern, not their bow. This places you behind their direction of travel instead of crossing in front of them.
- Raft up for visibility
If you’re in doubt about being seen, raft up. Bring your kayaks side by side and hold onto each other’s boats. This makes it easier for other boats to see you, especially in low light or glare.
- Wave your paddle
Don’t just assume they’ve seen you. Stand your paddle up vertically or wave it side to side. This movement can catch a boater’s eye more quickly than a stationary paddler. Brightly coloured paddles or boats can make a big difference.
- Keep watch, and read the signs
Is the vessel keeping a steady heading? Has the angle relative to you changed? Are you hearing engine noise increase? Constant observation lets you catch early warning signs that something’s off. Don’t rely on assumptions, watch for course changes and signs of crew distraction.
- Use your VHF, Channel 16
If you carry a marine VHF radio (and you should), don’t hesitate to use it. Channel 16 is the emergency and hailing channel. If a vessel is bearing down on you and you’re unsure they see you, hail them directly:
“Vessel approaching Sansum Narrows, this is a group of kayakers off your port bow, holding position. Please confirm you see us.”
It’s not being dramatic, it’s being smart.
- If all else fails, paddle hard to safety
Sometimes, you’ll do everything right, and still need to get out of the way fast. Don’t freeze. Dig in and paddle hard at an angle toward their stern. Paddlers move slowly compared to motorboats, so every second counts.
Lessons from John’s story
John and his friends made it to safety that day, but it shook them up.
“There was this moment where we thought, they must see us, and then we realized, they don’t,” he said. “By the time we moved, it was nearly too late.”
Sharing this experience is John’s way of helping others avoid the same fate. Sometimes, safety isn’t just about what you do, it’s about anticipating what others might fail to do.
Paddle smart, paddle safe
Kayaking brings us closer to nature, and to each other. It’s an activity that rewards patience, awareness, and preparation. But we also share the water with vessels that can’t stop on a dime, or may not be looking for something as small and quiet as a kayak, canoe, or SUP.
So stay alert. Stay visible. And never assume you’ve been seen.
That close call in Sansum Narrows could have ended very differently. Let it serve as a reminder to us all: when in doubt, take action. Your safety depends on it.
Have your own story or tips about paddling safely around larger boats? Share them in the comments, we’re all safer when we learn from each other!
