John,
The problem is that this is not always an easy answer. The rule that gives a ferry stand on is not in the rules section, which makes it very confusing, and is instead in the definitions sections under "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver"...
If one were to simply look at the definition of a "power vessel" a ferry fits. If you were to then read the rules it would appear that a ferry is not "stand on" over a sail boat.
Why would one look to "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver" as that generally denotes draft, fishing gear barges etc. etc. They stick "people, cargo and provisions" under "vessel restricted" .... Like Stu I had remembered and was always taught that a ferry had stand on but then when this question came up I second guessed and went to the rules. I even looked up the definition of a "power vessel" but neglected to look at vessel restricted as SF is generally deep water...
See below.
OLREG Definitions:
For the purpose of these Rules
and this Chapter [
Inld], except where the context otherwise requires:
(a) The word "vessel" includes every description of watercraft, including non-displacement craft,
WIG craft [
Intl], and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
(b)
The term "power-driven vessel" means any vessel propelled by machinery.
(c)
The term "sailing vessel" means any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.
(d)
The term "vessel engaged in fishing" means any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus which restrict maneuverability, but does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing apparatus which do not restrict maneuverability.
(e) The term "seaplane" includes any aircraft designed to maneuver on the water.
(f) The term "vessel not under command" means a vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.
(g)
The term "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver" means a vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. The term [Int] "vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver" shall [Int] include but not be limited to:
* A vessel engaged in laying, servicing, or picking up a navigational mark, submarine cable or pipeline;
*A vessel engaged in dredging, surveying or underwater operations;
*
A vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons, provisions or cargo while underway;
*A vessel engaged in the launching or recovery of aircraft;
*A vessel engaged in mine clearance operations;
*A vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course.
(h)The term "vessel constrained by her draft" means a power-driven vessel which because of her draft in relation to the available depth and width of navigable water is severely restricted in her ability to deviate from the course she is following. [
Int]
(i/h) The word "underway" means that a vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground.
(j/i) The words "length" and "breadth" of a vessel mean her length overall and greatest breadth.
(k/j)Vessels shall be deemed to be in sight of one another only when one can be observed visually from the other.
(l/k) The term "restricted visibility" means any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms or any other similar causes.
(l) "Western Rivers" means the Mississippi River, its tributaries, South Pass, and Southwest Pass, to the navigational demarcation lines dividing the high seas from harbors, rivers and other inland waters of the United States, and the Port Allen-Morgan City Alternate Route, and that part of the Atchafalaya River above its junction with the Port Allen-Morgan City Alternate Route including the Old River and the Red River; [
Inld]
(m)
The term "Wing-In-Ground (WIG) craft" means a multimodal craft which, in its main operational mode, flies in close proximity to the surface by utilizing surface-effect action. [Intl]]
(m) "Great Lakes" means the Great Lakes and their connecting tribuatary waters including the Calumet River as far as the Thomas J. O'Brien Lock and Controlling Waters (between mile 326 and 327), the Chicago River as far as the east side of the Ashland Avenue Bridge (between mile 321 and 322), and the Saint Lawrence River as far east as the lower exit of Saint Lambert Lock; [
Inld]
(n) "Secretary" means the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating; [
Inld]
(o) "Inland Waters" means the navigable waters of the United States shoreward of the navigational demarcation lines dividing the high seas from harbors, rivers and other inland waters of the United States and the waters of the Great Lakes on the United States side of the International Boundary; [
Inld]
(p) "Inland Rules" or "Rules" mean the Inland Navigational Rules and the annexes thereto, which govern the conduct of vessels and specify the lights, shapes, and sound signals that apply on inland waters; and [
Inld]
(q) "International Regulations" means the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions as Sea, 1972, including annexes currently in force for the United States. [
Inld]
The section above that says:
"A vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons, provisions or cargo while underway" is the exemption I was missing. I never go near ferries, and have always given them privileged position, so it did not stick out in my mind. You had to go to the definitions section to find it, not the rules..
Soooo I WAS a tad rusty and yes, the teacher was wrong. Hope this answers the question finally...
This is part of the problem I have with the COLREGS as they make them difficult to read and reference as this was not spelled out in the rules section but rather buried in the definitions..The all important thing is that we do our best to avoid collision.
I have a rule of my own that says I stay clear of any working vessel as I am out on recreation and they are making a living.
One very tricky question arises out of this though. Here in Maine they often use lobster boats, skiffs etc. to get "provisions" to & from the islands. How is one to know, by looking, that a boat is carrying "provisions"...??
So I'm carrying fresh fruit to deliver to an island store and other boats should know this?
They never define "provisions"......
Maine Sail,
I would read "A vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons, provisions or cargo while underway" as a vessel actively engaged in the transfering process. For example, transfering persons, provisions or cargo between vessels, not just carrying persons, provisions or cargo. Otherwise every boat out there would be a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver wouldn't they?
