Navigation Rules

[jibes138]

In another thread there is a discussion about "right of way" and what are the proper actions in a narrow channel, who is responsible to do what. I rarely see sound signals used when required by the rules and as MaineSail points out frequently proper use of channel 16 is rarely observed either. Many of the responses make me wonder how many out there have read and studied the Navigation Rules published by the Coast Guard? So here is a link to the rules that can be downloaded for free. I keep a copy of these and chart number 1 on board for reference. It is hard to memorize all the day shapes and lights so it is good to have a copy on board so you know what you are dealing with in the commercial boat world especially. The second link is a really good visual guide to the navigation rules. Chart number 1, the third link provided, tells you what all the symbols mean on a chart. Happy reading.
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent
http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/workflow_staging/Publications/486.PDF
http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/chart1/ChartNo1_LoRes.pdf

 

[gpd955]

Here's a few apps for those who have iPhones. They're good references to have handy. The "Boat lights" one is interactive and is fun for the whole family.

Unlike the "pirate code", nav rules are not more of what you call guidelines than actual rules. If something happens, that's what you'll be held to.

 

[kenn]

Those are good links, thanks.

Here in Canada and the US, commercial watercraft use the horn correctly, but in general it seems that sound signals are poorly understood by the public, both on the water and especially on the road. It seems a horn is mainly a form of objection or profanity, with occasional use as a non-specific warning sound.

It's something that would benefit from an awareness campaign.

 

[Indysailor]

Thanks for posting those. I have read what I can to understand regulations, but it's easy to forget them when there seems to be only random adherence to the rules of the road. I put green and red tape on the boom and stanchions to help my kids and to show newbies how to tell whether we have a "green" or "red" light at sail. But then there is this contradictory bit of law in Indiana, which leaves everyone confused:

IC 14-15-3-14
Traffic rules
Sec. 14. A person operating a boat shall observe the following traffic rules when applicable:
(1) When two (2) boats are approaching each other "head and head", or nearly so, each boat shall bear to the right and pass the other boat on the boat's left side.
(2) When two (2) boats are approaching each other obliquely or at right angles, the boat on the right has the right-of-way.
However, when:
(A) one (1) boat is under sail or is nonmotorized, the sailboat or nonmotorized boat has the right-of-way; and
(B) two (2) boats are under sail or are nonmotorized, the boat on the right has the right-of-way.

 

[sailaway78]

There is no substitute

Very few know or follow the rules. The best response to this is just common sense. I'm gonna get my but out of other peoples way, regardless of whether or not I'm right, and make my intentions known well in advance.

 

[RichH]

Very few know or follow the rules. The best response to this is just common sense. I'm gonna get my but out of other peoples way, regardless of whether or not I'm right, and make my intentions known well in advance.

Absolutely correct.
However without a working knowledge of the 'rules' one is always subject to hazardous/dangerous results ... such as getting out of other peoples way and totally confusing the issue to someone else who knows the rules but is slow to react. What then happens such as not keeping on a 'stand on' course when the rules require it, bearing off etc. when not supposed to do so .... youre just as guilty, or more so, than the vessel that was slow to react, and your inappropriate bearing off, etc. made the situation MUCH worse.

So, when youre the stand-on vessel and you dont 'stand-on' when expected to do so by the rules and that 'run-away' tactic causes a collision, etc. .... guess who is at majority fault?

 

[jibes138]

These rules are part of the code of federal regulations. In other words the law. Breaking the law is a very bad thing to do and ignorance of the law is no excuse. Regardless of other people breaking the law you should know and understand it and follow it yourself.
Nice N Easy, making your intentions known well in advance is actually required by the navigation rules. Properly applied there should be little requirement for emergency action, unless some powerboat blasts into you at 60 knots. We have all seen what happens when hit from behind so there are times when you are somewhat helpless to take action, probably better to run aground even than to have a collision.

 

[xcyz]

Sounds as if you guys need traffic signals out on the east coast and turn signals on the boats. Never have sailed on that side but sounds as if it's congested?

 

[Gail R]

Sounds as if you guys need traffic signals out on the east coast and turn signals on the boats. Never have sailed on that side but sounds as if it's congested?

Not everywhere (at least not in Maine once you're away from Portland Harbor). Most places up here, a simple obvious course change and you are good. But perhaps elsewhere it's busier.