See & Be Seen: Tips for Small Boats on Crowded Waters
Collisions between non-powered recreational watercraft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc.) and faster, wind or motor powered vessels can be catastrophic for passengers in the slower vessel.
Any boater experienced with congested waterways is likely aware of the threat of a collision, but prior to 2012 almost no scientific research on the topic had been published.
Recreational boaters and professional mariners alike often share anecdotal advice on boating safety, but that guidance can be of mixed value, and lacks scientific merit.
In 2012, Robson Forensic published research that quantified factors in small boat collisions such as visibility thresholds and boater actions that influence visibility.
This article provides an overview of that study, discussing the relationship between speed and visibility in small craft collisions, known danger zones, and provides tips for all vessel operators to reduce the likelihood and severity of marine mishaps. The complete study can be accessed here.