RULES OF SAFE SPEEDS NAvIGATION
THE ROAD MARkS AND
LIGHTS
Knowing the rules of the road is key to avoiding Make sure all crew are safely seated or holding Recognising the different types of navigation
collisions on the water. They become very on before the boat starts moving. marks and lights and knowing what they mean
important in busy harbours or ports. is essential.
• Treat any slippery areas with non-skid paint
The skippers of all craft on the water, from or stick on non-skid strips. There are two main types of buoy:
supertankers to rowing boats, must abide by • Check that everyone is comfortable with lateral marks, which delineate safe channels,
the International Regulations for Preventing your speed. and cardinal marks, which warn of
Collisions at Sea (IRPCS), known as the rules • Slow down in bumpy conditions or when submerged hazards.
of the road, to prevent collisions. A complete there are waves ahead.
Any vessel that is underway at night is required
guide to IRPCS is available from the RYA, ISA • Warn everyone if the boat is going to
to show navigation lights. These lights will help
and most good chandlers. change speed or direction or is about to hit
other vessels spot you in the dark, judge in
unexpected waves.
P
which direction you are travelling and identify
h • Be aware that back injuries are common on
o
t
the type and size of your vessel. They also help
o
: N
small, fast craft. If you drive too fast, you also
a
you to identify other vessels at night.
t
h
risk people falling over the side.
a
n W
• Bow riding is dangerous and is illegal in some
i
l
countries.
Lateral buoys delineate safe channels
l
i
a
m
s
P
h
o
t
o
: N
a
t
h
a
n W
i
l
l
i
a
m
s
27
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42