Craig2 caption: Don’t let this happen to you this summer.
Boating Safety – COLREGS
By Capt. Craig Price
As we transition from winter to spring to summer each year, the number of boats plying inland waters increases exponentially. The additional boat traffic provides an annual reminder that a refresher on boating safety rules might be beneficial.
The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, aka the COLREGS or Nav Rules, are published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). They govern our responsibilities as vessel operators in international and inland waters. A recent article titled COLREGS in the BoatUS publication Seaworthy by Daniel Rutherford provides an excellent summary of a few of the most pertinent Nav Rules for inland boaters. Below I reference the IMO COLREGS and Mr. Rutherford’s information, plus add some insights of my own.
Rule 5 – Lookouts: Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing…so as to make a full appraisal…of the risk of collision. Rutherford’s assessment is spot on – “if all mariners abided by this one simple Rule above all others, then perhaps all the other Rules wouldn’t be necessary.”
Rule 6 – Safe Speed: Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision.
Rule 7 – Risk of Collision: Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt, such risk shall be deemed to exist.”
Rule 8 – Action to Avoid Collision: Rutherford’s interpretation – “I don’t care if you think you have the right of way, or the other guy’s an idiot; you must take action. The action when possible must be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to…. good seamanship.” Take positive action means change course, change speed, or both as long as you don’t create more danger.
Rule 9 – Narrow Channels: A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
Rules 13, 14, 15, 16, & 17 address the myriad possibilities of vessels encountering other vessels while crossing, head-on, and overtaking each other. The basics I think all operators need to know are: 1. A vessel approaching from one’s starboard side has the right of way. 2. Vessels approaching each other head-on shall alter their respective courses to starboard (thereby passing the other vessel to port). 3. If you are the vessel overtaking another vessel (passing from behind), you are required to “keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.”
The COLREGS address practically every situation one might encounter while boating in proper detail. I recommend all boaters study or get instruction on them. Regardless, ALWAYS consider Rules 7 and 8 – assess risk and act to avoid collision, in ample time!
(Insert small Craig1 logo here)
Capt. Craig Price, PO Box 1623, Denver, NC 28037