Words by Clark Berry
CPS Okanagan Squadron Education Officer
It’s not uncommon for a day on Shuswap Lake to extend into the evening well after the sun dips below the horizon and night falls on your way back to port. Accidents on the water can potentially happen anytime but when it comes to boating at night, you must be extra cautious, resort to proper navigation, adhere to the boating regulations, and practise the utmost safety.
The Shuswap is unique in the sense that one of its close-knit communities – Sicamous – is considered the “houseboat capitol of the Canada” and they are commonly seen throughout the season. Whether you’re driving one yourself or enjoying the lake in your own fishing boat or cruiser, the same respect for the waterways and safety – both during day and at night – applies. This also means that there is commonly a lot of activity such as water sports and swimming surrounding the houseboats so its pertinent to keep a keen eye open at all hours.
First and foremost, you must always ensure your boat is equipped with the required safety gear as regulated by Transport Canada. This includes the necessary navigation lights and a sound emitting device. You not only need to be seen, but also be heard. In fact, Transport Canada states that all boats under 12m (39.4 ft) without a sound emitting devoice must be equipped with a pealess whistle, compressed gas horn, or electric horn.
Most recreational boats come equipped with navigation lights and sound emitting devices, but for smaller craft such as aluminum fishing boats, be sure to install aftermarket lighting and an airhorn – especially if you fish in the evenings or during early morning hours. Also, ensure everyone on board wears proper fitting PFDs. Young children, especially, should always have one on.
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Serene views are just part of the experiences when boating after the sun sets.
Always Stay Alert
Unless you experience thick fog, wide open views on the water are not usually an issue during daylight hours. Yet, it’s much different at night, especially on a busy waterway such as Shuswap Lake.
Wakes of other boats, rough water conditions, and under water obstructions such as rocks can be hit at less than a moment’s notice. Maintaining safe speeds for the appropriate conditions and even having another person onboard to act as a look-out is ideal. It’s best to be slow and cautious to ensure you make it back to port with no accidents or injuries.
More importantly, you and your look-out should be scanning the water ahead for other powerboats, sailboats, even canoes, kayaks, and paddle boarders. Believe it or not, people enjoy these watersports at night with no lighting whatsoever. In fact, paddle boarders are becoming an increasing safety issue during this time. Nonetheless, sooner or later, one of the many boats that roar up and down the lake at 100-plus km/h in the middle of the night is going to hit something. So, whether you’re cruising, fishing, or enjoying watersports at night, make sure you’re well lit and visible to oncoming boat traffic, both near and far.
Visibility at Night
Although many boaters may not realize this, the cockpit and instrument lights on your own boat can be a distraction. If your instrument lights are red, which don’t hinder vision at night, you’re fine, but if they are any other colour when illuminated turn them down if possible. All cockpit lights should also be turned off while underway.
If you’re new to the area, become familiar with Shuswap Lake and the region’s surrounding waterways. Boating at night in an unfamiliar region can present a whole series of potential problems. Boat traffic in certain areas like the Narrows, is commonly heavy, and many boats are being skippered by individuals with little or no boating experience. Add in the party factor and you need to be ready to react to the unexpected. The best advice is to transit this area at a speed of a little more than idle (or in a timely fashion) to avoid any type of accidents.
Navigation
Boating at night also requires the application of different seamanship and navigation skills. If you’re using a chart plotter be prudent with its usage to avoid impairment of your night vision. While a chart plotter is a great tool for night navigation, it must be used properly. Like many electronic devices, one of the greatest weaknesses of a GPS is looking at the screen too often. So, it’s imperative to have a dedicated look-out. Better yet, if you’re planning on doing a lot of cruising at night this season, it’s always smart to consider purchasing a Canadian Hydrographic Chart of Shuswap Lake.
Boating at night offers unique, serene experiences during the right atmospheric conditions. For best results, set a course to a more remote area away from a busy area or the ambient lights of the city. A bright moon-lit night provides excellent visibility or a star-filled sky that’s framed with the valley is another awesome sight to enjoy.
If you are interested in boating at night but concerned you lack the knowledge or experience, consider taking a navigation and steamship course. The Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons offer these courses through www.boatingcourses.ca
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