Sailing in harbor

[Merlin Clark]

Rule 9​

Narrow Channels​

(a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
(b) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.
(c) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow passage or fairway.
(d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow passage or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway. The latter vessel may use the sound signal prescribed in Rule 34(d) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.
(e)

• (i) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can take place only when the vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing, the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(i). The vessel to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(ii) and take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt she may sound the signals prescribed in Rule 34(d).
• (ii) This rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation under Rule 13.

(f) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(e).
(g) Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

Rule 10​

Traffic Separation Schemes​

(a) This rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organization and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other rule.
(b) A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall:

• (i) Proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane.
• (ii) So far as is practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone.
• (iii) Normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, but when joining or leaving from either side shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.

(c) A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid crossing traffic lanes, but if obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.
(d)

• (i)A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone when she can safely use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme. However, vessels of less than 20 meters in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic zone.
• (ii)Notwithstanding subparagraph (d)(i), a vessel may use an inshore traffic Zone when en route to or from a port, offshore installation or structure, pilot station or any other place situated within the inshore traffic zone, or to avoid immediate danger.

(e) A vessel, other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a lane shall not normally enter a separation zone or cross a separation line except:

• (i) in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger;
• (ii) to engage in fishing within a separation zone.

(f) A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.
(g) A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations.
(h) A vessel not using a traffic separating scheme shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable.
(i) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane.
(j) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power driven vessel following a traffic lane.
(k) A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when engaged in an operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a traffic separating scheme is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.
(l) A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when engaged in an operation for the laying, servicing or picking up a submarine cable, within a traffic separating scheme, is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.
I guess I remembered the 90 degree angle for crossing from studying the rules about Traffic Seperation Schemes. Definition of Traffic Seperation Schemes found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_Separation_Scheme

 

[Merlin Clark]

Taking it on the quarter is NO fun. When a passing boat throws a big wake, simply turn to parallel the wake and it'll be a LOT calmer. You only bounce in one direction!

Maybe with a big humongeous wake ships, but what we see around here (generally 60' and under) feels a lot better off the quarter than the beam. I don't like a beam sea either.

 

[Kings Gambit]

It takes only a few seconds, if motoring along, to turn your bow around into the wake and pass through it that way. If sailing, that may not work so we usually bear away and take it on the stern, if we do anything at all.

 

[Kings Gambit]

I pretty much agree with KG's take here....unless there's a big ass sign saying "no sailing" you can't really expect the normal trailerable daysailor type guy to understand.... I mean you could mention it to him as you pass under power that there's a lot of traffic here for him to be zig zagging across the roadway. Or ask him if he was aware that it was perfectly okay to sail outside the channel markers if he wanted to avoid collision opportunities.

Well, the latter part of this thread has been about what is, or is not, allowed re: sailing in, or across, a marked channel, because a question about it was asked. In practice, however, most of the time, especially if entering a new harbor for the first time, I, and probably most others, will motor sail in, or near, the marked channel.

 

[Merlin Clark]

It takes only a few seconds, if motoring along, to turn your bow around into the wake and pass through it that way. If sailing, that may not work so we usually bear away and take it on the stern, if we do anything at all.

Whatever works for you Brother! Good sailing to you.

 

[bffatcat]

sailing in the harbor

In my harbor there are about 1400 moorings no slips There is a narrow channel along the port
side of the harbor heading out. Nobody uses it except visiting boats and lobster fisherman.
There is plenty of water in the harbor and most boats large and small sail in and out when the wind direction is right. The CB daysailers usually have no power and tack in and out Some larger one design racing fleets have no power and sail in and out. There are no antics or honking horns in the harbor. Everyone seems to get along and stay out of harms way with the exception of the occassional power boat in a big hurry leaving a big wake

 

[Joe]

Rule 9
Narrow Channels​

(a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
(b) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.
(c) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow passage or fairway.
(d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow passage or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway. The latter vessel may use the sound signal prescribed in Rule 34(d) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.
(e)

• (i) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can take place only when the vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing, the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(i). The vessel to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(ii) and take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt she may sound the signals prescribed in Rule 34(d).
• (ii) This rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation under Rule 13.

(f) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(e).
(g) Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

Rule 10
Traffic Separation Schemes​

(a) This rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organization and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other rule.
(b) A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall:

• (i) Proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane.
• (ii) So far as is practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone.
• (iii) Normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, but when joining or leaving from either side shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.

(c) A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid crossing traffic lanes, but if obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.
(d)

• (i)A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone when she can safely use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme. However, vessels of less than 20 meters in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic zone.
• (ii)Notwithstanding subparagraph (d)(i), a vessel may use an inshore traffic Zone when en route to or from a port, offshore installation or structure, pilot station or any other place situated within the inshore traffic zone, or to avoid immediate danger.

(e) A vessel, other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a lane shall not normally enter a separation zone or cross a separation line except:

• (i) in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger;
• (ii) to engage in fishing within a separation zone.

(f) A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.
(g) A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations.
(h) A vessel not using a traffic separating scheme shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable.
(i) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane.
(j) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power driven vessel following a traffic lane.
(k) A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when engaged in an operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a traffic separating scheme is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.
(l) A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when engaged in an operation for the laying, servicing or picking up a submarine cable, within a traffic separating scheme, is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.
I guess I remembered the 90 degree angle for crossing from studying the rules about Traffic Seperation Schemes. Definition of Traffic Seperation Schemes found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_Separation_Scheme

Geezus....... Wonder if anyone on San Diego Harbor has read this.

Here's the only rule you need:... stay out of the way if he's bigger than you.

 

[Merlin Clark]

That's the number one rule on my boat Joe!

 

[higgs]

If Mr. Sailboater is zag zagging across a marked channel to get to where he wants to go, doesn't any boat that is traveling in the channel have right of way?
And don't the rules state that channels will be crossed at a 90 degree angle to the channel?
Just asking.

Normal right of way rules apply in the channel with the exception that a sailboat must yield if the power vessel has no option . The sailboat cannot force a powerboat out of the channel.