A kayak (10) is an elongated hull (12) having a hull interior (20) and an upper hull portion in which a cockpit (18) is formed for accomodating a boater in a seated position. A perimeter hull flange (22) is formed in the upper hull portion of the kayak defining a deck opening (24). A detachable pod deck (26) is carried in the deck opening. A cockpit rim (30) is formed in the pod deck defining a cockpit opening (32). A pod compartment (27) is carried in the hull interior below the pod deck generally closed and isolated from the hull interior. A cockpit seat (34) is carried in the pod compartment in which a boater may be seated. Attachment for attaching and sealing the pod deck and the upper hull portion together in an integral manner during normal kayak operation includes a retaining band (54, 94) and a sealing ring (60) sealing between hull and said pod deck against the entry of water. The attachment is releasable to allow said pod deck to be detached in an emergency to facilitate removal of said pod deck and compartment.