Kayak Regulation help?

I know a few of you have kayaks, and a few are familiar with NC Regulations. I just can't figure out if there are different regs for kayaks as there are with your average "boat". Thought y'all might be able to point me in the right direction. When it comes to lighting on watercraft after dark, what do I need to be "legal". I tend to go overboard (pun intended) when it comes to safety, but I need to make something happen, in case I get held up on the lake after sunset. Again, just looking to see what the regulations say about lighting requirements for kayaks/canoes as opposed to boats. Either way, I'll make it visible. Thank you all for your assistance.

Sorry, I meant to add this... I found this link, which the last section leads me to believe I would just "need" a flashlight, or headlamp available at all times to prevent collision. I just want to be sure. I don't think this is something I'd like to leave to chance... http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/...htingRules.pdf

I don't know anything about your reg's but if it was me in one I would go in search of, a 12 volt powered LED strobe light I could put on a pole. Those LED's don't use much juice and put out plenty of light and there should be no excuse about not seeing it.

All you need is to have a light handy to avoid getting struck.

I keep a flashlight in the kayak at all times just in case I get caught after dark and if I'm planning on being out after dark I have a hat light and and bright flashlight or spotlight.

You only have regulations when you have a motor on you kayak. Butt like everyone else said a light will be more safe!!

This is a confusing subject. I have been told, you will need a 360 degree light after dark, a flotation device, and a signaling device (whistle). I believe this may be correct if you are going by the book and read it with the strictest interpretation. That being said, in my area they rent kayaks all day long with just a life preserver. On the other hand, I have heard of the saltwater guys being checked for all the above. I personally always have a life preserver in reach, a 3 dollar emergency whistle tied to my seat, and a Visipole if going out around dark. You never know what LEO will stop you and what his view of the regulations are.

I hope this helps.

Forgot to add.... If I am in a high traffic area or at the coast, I always use the visipole for additional visibility!

Forget the regs! As you said " go overboard". Light that puppy up! The more lights, the better. I've had goobs nearly run me over in daylight, much less at night. i use a Visipole, bow light and high power led flashlight, and I don't even go out at night!

Thank you all. All of your advice and comments are very much appreciated. And Yes, Tracker, I'll be the guy that looks like an xmas tree eventually. As far as the Visipole, it's a little spendy for me, but I have already made up a flag pole, and left the cap on the top unglued for the future addition of a 360 deg light. I will eventually add bow light, and a battery to run some additional lights. I'm looking into figuring out a way to get a small green light to drop down to attract baitfish if I find some time to go out at night. I had my mom make up some flags for me to increase visibility during the day hours as well as low light, but I will be adding the light to increase those odds shortly. Just need to find a light for it.

Regs are:

-Life jacket on board at all times
- signaling device like a whistle or airhorn
-at night you need some lighting ex:
Head lamp
A small light
Some sort of lighting

Don't put any front navigation lights as this can be very confusing to boaters at night

They sell LED light strip kits that help not only to attract fish but since they reflect off the water at night, they help greatly with visibility.

A good thing to have is a bright orange flag on a pvc pole from the back during the day..when a boat's bow is high they can't see that little kayak that well. This has saved me from almost getting ran over quite a few times. You should always be alert and know what to do if a boat is speeding near you..even though it's illegal for them to run more than 10 miles an hour when 50/ 100 feet away from the smaller vessel or someone fishing and especially when you're only a stone's throw away from shore they're not supposed to go between you and shore ,it still happens and depending on how shallow they run you will be faced with dealing with a good size wave. I suggest you check out kayak fishing videos, visiting checking out kayak fishing gear.com for gear . Also the NCKFA forums are full of good info.