Bowsprits are not for ramming, and rub rails and swim platforms are not bumpers. Close, unplanned contact between vessels must be avoided: boats—and even ships—are delicate and can be seriously damaged by seemingly minor impacts.
Even a contact that would be shrugged off by a car’s low-speed bumper can cause costly structural and cosmetic damage to a yacht. Because passengers on boats are rarely restrained by seatbelts or shoulder harnesses and because interiors are seldom padded or secured, the human consequences of a collision can be severe. When two boats strike, people can be injured and, in some cases, killed. Preventing collisions is therefore both a legal obligation and a matter of basic seamanship.
We accept comprehensive rules for driving on roads; the water deserves the same clarity. Navigating a vessel is inherently more complex than driving a car because boats can approach each other from any angle and travel almost anywhere the water is deep enough. Boats are not confined to lanes, and that freedom requires a more detailed, flexible set of rules.
The rules vessels in the United States must follow are the Navigation Rules, International-Inland, published by the U.S. Coast Guard. The International Rules stem from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (1970), to which the United States is a signatory. The Inland Rules were implemented in U.S. law by the Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980. Except for a few specific signals and exemptions (see Rule 34 — Maneuvering and Warning Signals), the International and Inland Rules are essentially the same; they differ only in the geographic areas where they apply. Both sets are published together for easy comparison and can be obtained through government and commercial sources or found online as an official reference (search for the Coast Guard Navigation Rules at www.navcen.uscg.gov).
If your vessel is 12 meters (about 39 feet 6 inches) or longer, you are required to carry a copy of the Inland Navigation Rules on board for ready reference. Edition D is the current printed edition and incorporates changes made in 2003, including modifications related to Wing-In-Ground (WIG) craft—aircraft-like vehicles that, in some cases, operate just above the surface at very high speeds.
Are the Navigation Rules intimidating? Many who have taken a Nav Rules test will say yes. Technically there are 38 rules, grouped into five parts: A. General; B. Steering and Sailing; C. Lights and Shapes; D. Sound and Light Signals; and E. Exemptions. Although these rules have the force of law, they were written by mariners for mariners and are generally straightforward and practical. Professional mariners must demonstrate formal knowledge, but every boat operator should understand the rules well enough to avoid collisions.
One useful comparison is how passing is handled on roads versus on water. On boats, you communicate your intention to pass using sound signals—whistle or horn blasts—or by agreed VHF bridge-to-bridge communication on channel 13. These signals take the place of automotive turn signals and are required by law. While many recreational vessels neglect to use them, making and acknowledging these signals is both legal and courteous.
On inland waters the sound signals are simple to remember. One short blast means you intend to pass the other vessel on your port side (port is one syllable). Two short blasts mean you intend to pass on your starboard side (starboard is two syllables). Three short blasts indicate that your vessel is operating astern propulsion. To accept another vessel’s proposal to pass, repeat the same signal. If you do not understand or disagree with the proposed maneuver, sound five or more short blasts to indicate doubt or refusal and the other vessel must abandon the plan.
These procedures apply whether you are overtaking a slower vessel or meeting an oncoming boat. For example, if you plan to overtake a vessel traveling ahead of you, two short blasts tell the other skipper you propose to pass on his port (your starboard). If he agrees, he repeats two blasts. If he responds with five or more blasts, you must cease the maneuver. When meeting head-on in a channel, one short blast typically signals a slight alteration to starboard so vessels can pass port-to-port.
When vessels are converging, navigation decisions are guided primarily by the running lights you see. If you observe the other vessel’s green light, you are the stand-on (privileged) vessel and should maintain course and speed. If you see a red light, you are the give-way (burdened) vessel and must take early and substantial action to avoid collision. Following these rules reduces risk, but every mariner must always be prepared to take any action necessary to prevent an accident.
Remember that the waterways are shared with merchant ships, cruise liners, tugs, and fishing vessels—many of which are much larger and less agile than recreational boats. These vessels may not detect small craft, may have limited maneuverability, and may be unable to avoid a collision quickly. Whenever possible, give large vessels ample room and take responsible evasive action to protect human life and property.
Next time you’re aboard your boat—or at your desk—take time to read or reread the Navigation Rules. They are among the clearest government documents you’re likely to find. Study the illustrations of lights and shapes so you can identify other craft at night or in poor visibility. Even if you don’t memorize every detail, knowing where to find the rules quickly is invaluable. A laminated quick-reference Navigation Rule card at the helm is an inexpensive safety aid that can pay for itself many times over.
This article is adapted from “Seamanship & Safety” (2007), part of Soundings Publications’ Master’s Series.
