by Matt Markovich
Laser lights from outdoor Christmas displays can pose a threat to boaters. That’s the warning from the Puget Sound Sector of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Over the last several weeks, the Coast Guard said it’s received multiple reports from mariners that laser holiday lights are shining from waterfront residences and potentially affecting the vision of the operator of the vessel.
“This is one that kind of surprised us because we didn’t see this coming,” said Captain Joe Raymond, U.S. Coast Guard Puget Sound Sector Commander and Captain of the Port.
Many of the projected laser lights used by homeowners are advertised as low power and safe for the eyes.
The Coast Guard doesn’t say what kind of lasers have been involved in the complaints by boaters.
Last month, Raymond said there were incidents of a green laser light flashing at the same exact spot on the route of two Washington State Ferries.
“We were all very surprised to see it was a holiday decoration,” said Raymond. “When we talked to the owner, they were surprised that it had an impact on the maritime public and they were willing to move it.”
Laser’s hitting cockpits of airliners and helicopters have been a reoccurring problem.
Two state ferry captains suffered eye injuries when a man was using an industrial strength laser at the wheelhouse of their ferry as they were guiding it into the Clinton Ferry dock. One captain suffered a third degree burn on their eye lid.
“We want people to understand there are risks involved with this and if they could avoid pointing them to the waterfront or toward any aircraft,” said Raymond.
Pointing a laser at a piloted aircraft is a federal offense and a felony punishable up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Coast Guard recommends all laser holiday light users heed directions and warnings of product manufacturers and ensure their lights are not used in a manner that could distract or impact vessel operators. Green and red lights, a common color for lasers is also used as navigation aids on breakwaters and buoys.
Any vessel operators that see distracting or harmful lasers should report the sighting immediately to Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound at 206-217-6001.
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Source: KOMO
