Rules of the Road

1. Justin Cherniak Cruising Skills Classroom Hoofer Sailing Club Rules of the Road

2. History and premise • Provide a clear set of rules to prevent accidents at sea • International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (72 COLREGS) • Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980 • Basic premise – based on maneuverability • Vessels that are easier to maneuver give way to vessels that are harder to maneuver • 38 Rules

3. Rule 5 – Look-out • “Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.”

4. Rule 8 – Action to Avoid Collision • (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 vessel observing visually or by radar; a succession of small alterations of course and/or speed should be avoided

5. Rules 16 & 17 – Obligations of vessels • “Give way” vessel – obliged to make a deliberate and large enough change of course to be visible • “Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.” • “Stand on” vessel – obliged to maintain course and speed • Must take action to avoid collision if other vessel is not “giving way” • “(d) This Rule does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way.”

6. Rule 18 – Responsibilities Between Vessels (Vessel Classifications) • Higher classification vessels are stand-on to lower classification • NUC – Not under command • RAM – Restricted ability to maneuver • CBD – Constricted by draft • Fishing – Commercial fishing • Sailboats • Powerboats • Seaplanes New Reels Catch Fish So Purchase Some

7. Rule 12 – Sailing Vessels • Starboard tack over port tack • Leeward over windward • If tack of other boat cannot be determined, assume they are on starboard

8. Rule 13 - Overtaking • Any overtaking vessel must stay clear of the vessel it is overtaking • Assumed to be overtaking if within 22.5 degrees abaft her beam (only can see stern light at night) • When in doubt, assume you are overtaking and act accordingly

9. Rule 14 – Head-on (powerboat) • Each vessel shall alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port • When in doubt, assume it is the case Rule 15 – Crossing (powerboat) • Yield to starboard (vessel with boat to starboard is the give-way vessel)

10. Rule 9 – Narrow Channels • 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. • Use sound signals described in Rule 34 when overtaking • Avoid anchoring if at all possible

11. Rule 10 – Commercial Shipping Lanes • Proceed in direction of flow of the lane • Stay away as much as practically possible • Avoid crossing if possible, cross at right angles • Sailing vessels or vessels <20m shall not impede the safe passage of a larger, power driven vessel