If you own a private lake exclusively for your boat, stop reading. However, if you boat in waters with all types of vessels, stay with us as we generally explore the rules of navigation designed to prevent accidents on the water.
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (aka COLREGS or 72COLREGs) were developed in the 1970s to create a hierarchy and regulate the actions to be taken when one type of vessel encounters another on a lower or higher rung of the COLREGS ladder. Who has the right of way and internationally recognized signals, among other rules, were established to reduce chaos and create confidence.
Thereafter, the United States enacted the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 to bring that same sense 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.”
Knowing the rules (and how your vessel fits into the system) is not a suggestion. Rather, it is a legal responsibility that may have burdensome consequences if you’re found lacking in effort to avoid incidents.
The general pecking order of watercraft starts with the highest priority assigned to vessels that are not under command. Thereafter, precedence is given towards boats limited in their ability to maneuver, those involved in fishing, and sailboats (a sailboat using its engine is considered a powerboat). Reading the rules will give a better understanding of how significance is assigned to all vessels, including sailboats, seaplanes, and aircraft carriers.
Just as required when approaching four-corner stop signs or a traffic circle, knowing who has the right of way on the water prevents calamity. Among other scenarios, the COLREGS set out who has the right of way when crossing or overtaking, and when to give way. 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, however, 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 has more to say on 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 in reducing speed include 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 with each other via VHF radio but also through 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) — knowing the difference can make all the difference in accident 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.
When it comes to navigation lights, knowing what’s being communicated is vital. When you spot the specific lights of a sailboat or a tow vessel, you comprehend the limited maneuverability and, in the case of the tow, that there’s more behind it than first meets the eye. The COLREGS specify what lights you must display on your vessel to inform other boaters as well.
Waterways are passable and pleasurable because all captains are expected to understand their responsibilities under the COLREGS and utilize them at all times. However, things may go awry, and the regulations 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 mean there are exceptions to following the rules? Yes — break the rules if need be to avoid a collision!
Rule 5 makes a skipper’s duty to employ all methods to prevent an accident crystal clear: 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 pilot must employ both a sense of survival and common sense. While it’s excusable to break the rules if that’s the only way to avoid misfortune, using all methods available to prevent disaster, including radar, VHF, and always maintaining a lookout, is preferable. Warning another boat of your presence in sufficient time is safer than suddenly trying to outguess or outmaneuver it. The other skipper may see you act in contradiction to the COLREGS and not have a clear sense of how to avoid colliding with you.
Every boat operator should take a boating safety class that covers the details of the COLREGS. Laminated cards are also available to keep aboard to refresh your memory of what the horn sounds and lights on other vessels indicate.
Official navigation rules: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/navRules/navrules.pdf
