Navigation & Rules of the Road
WHEN TWO BOATS MEET:When sailboats cross paths, the port tack boat gives way to the starboard tack boat, the windward boat gives way to the leeward boat, and the overtaking boat gives way to the vessel ahead. If the only boats on the water were sailboats, these three simple Rules of the Road would cover just about everything you would ever need to know!
In reality, however, a busy harbor contains many different kinds of boats. Some boats are powered by sails, others by engines, and still others by oars or paddles. Some boats are light and maneuverable, while others may be large, deep-drafted and hard to turn or stop. These differences mean that some boats are less able than others to quickly alter course and avoid other boats and obstructions. Due to these variations in boat speed and maneuverability, there are navigation rules specifically addressing what to do when two different types of vessels meet. The navigation rules (also known as Col Regs) are very detailed and specific and can be cumbersome to memorize. Avoid putting yourself in a situation where the give- way rules will have to be applied. The following suggestions should help prevent a dangerous situation.
• Sail vs. Human Power: As a courtesy, sailboats should avoid rowboats, kayaks and canoes. Since these all use human muscle to power the oars and paddles that propel these boats through the water, they can often be slower to respond and change course.
TIP
• Sail vs. Motor Power: In most cases, powerboats (including sailboats under power) should give way to boats under sail. However, if the powerboat is too large to change course outside of the channel, or the powerboat cannot change course quickly enough to avoid a collision, the sailboat must give way. Powerboats with this kind of restricted maneuverability may include oil tankers, large ships, boats under tow and disabled vessels.
• Commercial vs. Recreational: Recreational boats, such as sailboats, should avoid commercial boats such as ferries, tour boats, cruise ships, shrimpers and trawlers.
As a general rule of cour- tesy, the more maneuver- able boat should give way to the less maneuverable boat.
REMEMBER, “RED RIGHT RETURNING” Numbers increase as you return
Table of Contents
55
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 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65
