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Understanding The Rules
                                                                by Mark King
No matter how often safety is enforced on the water, it's never surprising to see a few boaters cruising recklessly without regards to other vessels. At times it is difficult to decide who has the right-of-way, but that doesn't mean boaters can just blatantly roar past a slower vessel in a narrow channel or cut off an oncoming vessel at the last minute. There are regulations and it is vital they are adhered to.

In relatively small channels, boats traveling at different speeds and directions will converge. The rules of the road are governed by the Collision Regulations. They explain which vessel is the Stand-On Vessel (the boat that continues on its course and speed) and which is the Give-Way Vessel (the one that must take evasive action) in all meeting, crossing or over-taking situations. They also outline evasive action to take in all these circumstances.

According to the regulations, every pleasure boat operator who has to give-way to another vessel must take "early and substantial action to avoid a collision." The Stand-On Vessel must "maintain course and speed." In the event of an accident or collision, these guidelines will be used to determine who is at fault. So, whether you are meeting, crossing or overtaking another vessel, you must do so accordingly and complete your maneuver to avoid potential charges under the Careless Operation rule.

Here are a few true examples of what happens when the rules are not followed correctly.

Several years ago, a boat was pulling into a municipal marina and was making its way to a slip. Another powerboat pulled up behind it. As the first boat was making its way through the marina, a third boat suddenly backed out of a slip, directly in front of the first boat's path. The operator of the first boat shifted into reverse in an effort to stop and the second powerboat ran right up on the swim platform of the first boat.

The skipper at fault here was the owner of the second boat. He should have taken early, substantial action to avoid the first vessel and shouldn't have assumed they were proceeding into the marina without any problems. (Top)

Danger (Give-Way) Zone
The green sector on your boat, which is defined by your green sidelight on your starboard side, is the Danger Zone or your Give-Way Zone. This extends from the centerline on your bow (dead ahead) to a point that is 112.5 degrees from the bow, along your starboard side.

When another skipper sees your green light, he has the right of way - green for go. If a boat is in your green sector, you must take early and substantial action to avoid a collision.

Exceptions
- The operator of a pleasure craft less than 20 metres shall not impede the passage of vessels which can navigate safely only within a narrow channel. This generally refers to large ships or commercial vessels in a narrow channel. Ships may remind you of this rule by giving five short blasts of its horn.
- Operators of a pleasure craft less than 20 metres in length shall not impede the safe passage of a power driven vessel following a traffic lane.
- Operators of a power driven craft shall take early and substantial action to avoid any vessel engaged in fishing or any sailing vessels.

Sound Signals & Rules for Overtaking & Crossing
According to the Collision Regulations, pleasure craft shall carry an efficient sound signaling device. It is used in overtaking and crossing situations and during periods of reduced visibility.

The following sound signals apply.

I want to pass on your starboard side: One Short Blast.
Proceed: One Short Blast.
I want to pass on your Port Side: Two Short Blasts.
Proceed: Two Short Blasts.

Head On: In meeting head on, both vessels must take early and substantial action. They will both give one short blast to indicate they will alter their course to starboard so that they pass port to port.
Crossing: The Give-Way Vessel, must take early and substantial action to avoid the Stand-On Vessel. It must alter course and speed appropriately.

Powerboat and Sailboat: When a sailboat, under sail, meets a powerboat, the sailboat is the Stand-On Vessel and the powerboat is the Give-Way Vessel. The powerboat must take early and substantial action to keep clear of the sailboat.

Such regulations exist for everyone's safety. Knowing and adhering to the rules prevents accidents and makes time on the water much more enjoyable. (Top)

Lifeline is produced through the Safe Boater Training Program, a certification program for recreational boaters.