Know the Nautical Rules of the Road

With the sun sparkling on the open ocean, it is easy to be lured out on the water forgetting that, like driving a car, there are certain rules of the road and safety strategies that must be learned and followed. These are the law and apply to all types of craft including power, sail or human-powered. Above all, you must always be aware of everything around you and minimize your actions that adversely affect others.

Maritime Rules of the Road — A Quick Refresher

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) is published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and come under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard and Transport Canada. The following are the most important rules to know for pleasure craft. They should be learned and followed instinctively, and your intentions must be made clear well in advance.

When Two Vessels Meet

Meeting head on: When two power vessels are approaching head on, both vessels should alter course to starboard (turn to the right) to pass port-side to port-side (red light to red light).

Crossing: When two power-driven vessels are crossing and on a collision course, always give way to the vessel to starboard (right) by either stopping or altering course to starboard. As the give-way vessel you must take early and obvious action. At night the approaching right-of-way vessel will show a red light.

The vessel with the right of way, the stand-on vessel, must maintain its current speed and course, keep a lookout, listen to any communication from the give-way vessel and be ready to act, if required. At night the give-way vessel on your left will show a green light, indicating you should maintain your course.

Overtaking: Every vessel (power or sail) that is overtaking must keep well clear of the vessel it is overtaking. You are overtaking if you are approaching another vessel anywhere in a 135-degree sector at its stern.

Give way to a vessel restricted by its ability to maneuver: This may be due to the current nature of its work such as a commercial fishing boat, tug and tow, restricted draft or a breakdown, such as an engine failure, or a rescue. Always monitor with radar and AIS and be prepared for radio communications.

Note: The right-of-way vessel still has the responsibility to avoid a collision and must be prepared to take avoiding action in the event the give-way vessel does not respond correctly.

Know the common sound signals. For example, five or more short, rapid blasts signal danger or that they do not understand or they disagree with the other boater’s intentions.

When Power Meets Sail

• Power gives way to a boat under sail (when not using any power), unless the sailing vessel is overtaking.
• Rowboats, canoes and paddleboarders have the right of way over power-driven boats but if a vessel can’t maneuver functionally, the more maneuverable vessel gives way.

When Sail Meets Sail

• The vessel that has the wind on its starboard (right) side has the right of way (on starboard tack).
• The vessel which has the wind on its port (left) side must give way.
• When both boats have the wind on the same side, the windward (upwind) boat must give way.

Channels and Harbors

Channels

• All vessels must keep to the starboard (right) side of any channel or restricted area (pass port to port, red light to red light).
• Vessels less than 65.62’ (20 m) long and fishing vessels must take particular care to not get in the way of larger vessels within a narrow channel.
• Sailing vessels should avoid sailing.
• In a narrow channel, give way to power-driven vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver in the channel.

Harbors

• Extra care should be taken in crowded harbors, with other boaters being given a wide berth.
• Inside a harbor you must keep out of the way of any ship over 500 tons (usually about 164’ (50 m) long) because they are slow to react, or any ship hampered by its draft.
• Avoid the shipping lanes when possible and be aware of float planes.
• Avoid going near parked ferries and ferries in transit.
• Keep to the designated speed and not create a wake, which could cause unnecessary danger to other boats or people.
• Anchoring in a shipping channel is not permitted.

Operator Expectations

While we all love to have fun on the water, along with following the rules, a priority is using the boat safely and being considerate of those around you.

Be Prepared

The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that 70 percent of boating accidents are caused by operator error. Before you head out cruising is recommended that an operator pass a boating safety course. He or she should have also learned basic boating skills, and should know that the boat is in good working order with the required safety gear aboard.

Maintain a Proper Lookout

Inattention is the single greatest cause of accidents. Boat operators should keep watch at all times by looking and listening all around the boat. They should also use their navigational aids and radio and be constantly analyzing any risk of collision with another boat or obstacle. Talking, texting and general use of cell phones while boating presents a problem on the water.

Speed

Speed is the second most common cause of accidents. Reduce speed in crowded areas, particularly around sail and non-powered boats, when swimmers, debris or wildlife are in the water and in areas of challenging navigation. Increased speed accelerates the need for attention and should always be related to visibility and avoidance capability. Ideally have a second person also keeping watch.

The Effect of Waves

Do you take responsibility for your own wake? Do you look behind you after overtaking? If not, you may not have noticed that overtaking close to another vessel can cause them to violently toss around, causing danger to the crew and disaster below. Conscientious cruising demands that faster vessels keep a wide distance from other boaters, so their wake has little effect.

Local Knowledge

Being aware of local hazards such as floating debris like logs, tugs and tows and extreme rapids will also help produce a peaceful passage, along with reading navigational aids correctly to avoid the many “invisible” rocks.

There are many ways to enjoy being on the ocean. Some like to get from A to B quickly and relish the sensation of speed. Others move more slowly and are exhilarated by harnessing the wind, while others like to use their own power. The rules of the road give avoidance strategies for all types of vessels but there is also cruising safely and the responsibility to respect and share our waters with all. We are lucky our cruising grounds are large and relatively uncrowded. Cruising conservatively by maintaining a safe speed, keeping watch diligently, practicing avoidance strategies early, passing at a distance and being aware of your impact on others will allow everyone to relax and enjoy being on the water in their own way.

Article courtesy of Pacific Yachting magazine.