Table of Contents #7.2 The operator is able to:
A: Avoid collisions... B: by maintaining a proper lookout, assessing potential hazardous situations and taking early and decisive action (e.g., maneuvers needed for the crossing, meeting head-on, overtaking situations, and objects/persons in the water, etc.).
Understanding the Element
• Collisions with other boats or with fixed objects are the leading statistical accident type. Avoiding collisions is one of the most fundamental actions an operator can take to reduce injuries, accidents, and fatalities. It is a core skill appropriate in all operations for which a powerboat is underway.
• “Proper lookout” means being aware of boat traffic and hazards at all times, 360° around the boat.
• “Early and decisive action” is not specifically defined in the Navigation Rules, but Rule 8 “Action to Avoid Collision” provides more information:
A. Any action taken to avoid collision shall be taken in accordance with the Rules of this Part and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.
B. Any alteration of course and/or speed to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be large enough to be readily apparent to another boat observing visually or by radar; a succession of small alterations of course and/or speed should be avoided.7
Designing Instruction • Operators should constantly maintain a high degree of situational awareness. • Operators should know and recognize hazards of the area they are operating in. • To help assess potential collision risks, introduce the concept of “constant bearing decreasing range” targets.
• Reviewing the Navigation Rules, with particular emphasis on those directly related to collision avoidance, is helpful. (For information about Navigation Rules go to:
www.navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamated).
• Altering course when maneuvering to avoid is preferable to changing speed. The latter is very difficult for the stand on vessel to determine. A sizable course alteration sends a clear signal that the give way boat is keeping clear.
Assessing Performance Level
Successful Performance
Needs Improvement
Unacceptable (Unsuccessful) Performance
3 2 1
Collisions with other boats or collisions with fixed objects cause roughly 100 deaths per year.
Proficiency description
The operator: Takes early and positive action to avoid collision. Maintains safe distance between boats/objects without a close call. Anticipates other boats’ movements. Accurately assesses all potentially hazardous situations. Maintains proper lookout throughout the entire maneuver.
The operator:
Is slow to take action. Does not take a positive, visible, discernible action to avoid collision. Fails to maintain a safe distance between boat/object. Maintains proper lookout throughout the entire maneuver. Misses not more than one potentially hazardous situations.
The operator:
Fails to take early and positive action to avoid collision. Fails to maintain proper lookout during the entire maneuver. Forces stand-on vessel to take action to avoid collision. A close call or collision takes place. Misses more than one potentially hazardous situations.
This Technical Support Document was produced in part through USCG grant funds to develop National On-Water Skills Standards. 54 ©2022 United States Sailing Association. Facilitated by Think First Serve.
Element
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