It’s the rare boater who has a lake or lagoon to call their own. Most of us boat in areas where traffic moves in different directions and involves all kinds of vessels. Just like on the road, if we don’t know when to yield or turn, we’re likely heading for an accident on the water.
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (aka COLREGS or 72COLREGs) established international rights of way and recognized signals, among other rules, reducing chaos on open and international waterways. Thereafter, the United States enacted the Inland Navigational Rules Act to bring that same type of order to rivers, lakes, and other inland bodies of water.
Although not identical, the international and inland rules are very similar, so that all boaters are governed by the same Rules 1 through 38 — the “rules of the road.” Captains familiar with the rules feel confident knowing how to act and react when one type of vessel encounters another based on the hierarchy set forth in the COLREGS, similar to rungs on a ladder.
Awareness of the rules (and how your vessel fits into the ladder system) is not a recommendation for skippers. Instead, it is a legal responsibility. Breaching or ignoring the rules will probably bring financial consequences and perhaps criminal liability. Therefore, every boat operator should take a boating safety class covering the details of the COLREGS. Laminated cards are available to keep aboard to refresh your memory.
The highest priority assigned by the COLREGS is to watercraft not under command, as they have no ability to relocate out of harm’s way. Next are vessels limited in their ability to maneuver, those involved in fishing, and sailboats (a sailboat using its engine is considered a powerboat). The rules assign rankings to all vessels, including seaplanes and aircraft carriers.
Just as knowing how to proceed at a stop sign prevents crashes, identifying who has the right of way on the water avoids accidents. As an example, the COLREGS set out who has the right of way when crossing or overtaking — when two vessels spot each other in a head-on situation, Rule 14 states that each shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other (unless otherwise agreed). Sometimes, a general right of way needs to yield if the boat “in the right” is the more nimble one, able to correct course quicker than a more cumbersome vessel (say a runabout encountering a large trawler).
Along with obeying posted speed limits, adjusting actions based on visibility, and taking into account weather and traffic conditions, Rule 6 further qualifies speed. Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. Other noted factors for reducing speed: a vessel’s stopping and turning abilities, the proximity of navigational hazards, and the boat’s draft in relation to the water’s depth.
Vessels communicate via sound signals and navigation lights. A boat sending a short signal (one second) is saying something distinct from one emitting a prolonged blast (four to six seconds); and comprehending the message may be the difference between an accident and avoidance. The rules regarding sound making devices (whistles and horns) may be supplemented by state regulations, but the sounds are the same for awareness, intentions, and warnings.
The COLREGS specify the lights you must display on your vessel to inform other boaters of what type of craft you are and your present situation. Navigation lights are meant to convey vital information — the particular lights displayed on a sailboat or a tow vessel impart that they have limited maneuverability. And in the case of the tow, the message is that there’s more behind it.
Waterways are passable and pleasurable because all captains are expected to understand their responsibilities under the COLREGS and utilize this knowledge all the time. However, stuff happens, and the regulations also take that into account. Rule 2 states that nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master, or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules. It does note that due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger. Does that wording mean there are exceptions to obeying the rules? Yes — if need be, break the rules to avoid a collision!
Rule 5 makes it clear that it’s the skipper’s duty to use all means to prevent an accident: Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
Commanding any vessel of any size carries a great deal of responsibility, so the captain must utilize both a sense of survival and common sense. While breaking the rules is acceptable if it’s the only way to avoid misfortune, it’s better for vessels in the vicinity to use all available methods of communication, navigation, and vigilance to avoid misfortune. Warning another boat of your presence in sufficient time is safer than suddenly trying to outguess or outmaneuver it.
Official navigation rules: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/navRules/navrules.pdf
