The Collision Regulations stipulate that in all pleasure craft and vessels, someone must maintain a proper lookout, at all times, for other vessels or pleasure crafts in order to reduce the chance of a collision between two or more pleasure crafts. At all times the pleasure craft’s operator must have a clear view of the waterways that he/she is navigating on. It is up to the operator of a pleasure craft to know and apply the International Regulations for preventing collisions at sea, and the Canadian modifications upon the high seas, and in all waterways connected therein, which are navigable by vessels.
Collision regulations
Following a collision between two boats, make certain everyone is accounted for and check for injuries. Ensure that passengers and crew members are wearing a PFD. The Small Vessel Regulations require that certain vessels carry an emergency kit. Keep the proper equipment and supplies onboard to stop hull leaks and make minor on-water repairs.
If you are involved in an accident:
- You are required to stop and give assistance to other persons involved. You must give aid to the extent you can do so without endangering yourself or your passengers.
- You are also required to give your name and address and the number of your vessel, in writing, to the owner of any property damaged in the accident.
Overtaking another vessel
A vessel overtaking an other vessel shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking another, she shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly.
Any alteration of course and/or speed to avoid collision must be important (noticable) enough to be easily seen by another vessel observing by sight or radar; a succession of small changes of course and/or speed, should be avoided.
Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall be to result in passing at a safe distance. This action will be taken in such a manner to be effective and safe, until the time that the other vessel is finally past and clear.
If necessary, a vessel shall reduce her speed to avoid collision with an other vessel.
Power-driven vessels crossing
When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if such are the circumstances, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.
The operator of a powerboat should maintain his course when being approached on his port side by another powerboat.
Meeting Situation
In a meeting situation neither vessel is the stand-on vessel. It is generally accepted that you should alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port.
What should is a give-way vessel do?
Every give-way vessel should keep out of the way of a stand-on vessel, so far as is possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
What should a stand-on vessel do?
The Stand-on vessel should maintain its course and speed. The give-away vessel, may however take action to avoid collision if it is clear that the vessel which should be keeping out of the way is not taking appropriate action.
A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
- a vessel not under command;
- a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre;
- a fishing boat hauling its nets;
- a sailboat.
A sailboat underway shall keep out of the way of:
- a vessel not under command;
- a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre;
- a fishing boat hauling its nets
A fishing boat when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of:
- a vessel not under command;
- a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
Meeting situations sound signals (short blasts)
One short blast - I intend to alter my course to starboard.
Two short blasts - I intend to alter my course to port.
Three short blasts - I am operating astern propulsion (backing up).
Five or more short and rapid blasts - Danger or doubt signal (I don’t understand your intent).
- One prolonged blast from the horn of a vessel serves as a warning to other ships that an unseen vessel is in the water. Any vessels within earshot of the prolonged horn blast should reply with a prolonged blast of their own.
Risk of Collision, states that every vessel shall use all available means to determine if risk of collision exists; if there is any doubt, assume that it does exist. Risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing from your vessel to an approaching vessel does not change. Constant bearing decreasing range (CBDR) is the term we use to describe this situation. Collision risk may sometimes exist even when appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a vessel towing or when approaching a vessel at very close ranges
Back to the safe boating course review
If you’re wondering how you should pass a fishing boat, the short answer is straightforward. The rules of water state that all boaters must take action to avoid a collision. In the hierarchy of the so-called right-of-way, power vessels must yield to fishing boats that have gear in the water.
Rules of the Water
Nearly 50 million Americans took to the water to go fishing, based on the latest 2017 figures. Though over half fish from the shoreline, proper boater education is imperative to prevent accidents with fishing vessels.
Boating differs from driving in that there isn’t a defined right-of-way like you’ll follow when driving. Instead, there are best practices or rules of the road you must obey. There are different regulations whether you’re on international or inland waters. There are also specific laws pertaining to rivers and the Great Lakes. As the captain of a boat, it’s your responsibility to know them.
Pecking Order
There is a hierarchy that dictates navigation based on the degree of control each pilot has of their boat. A powered boat that is underway is on the bottom of the totem pole. They are followed in order from least to highest in priority in this way:
- Sailboats
- Fishing boats actively engaged
- Vessels with navigation restricted by draft
- Boats with limited maneuverability due to gear in the water such as nets
- Unmanned vessels
- Boats being overtaken by another
Fishing boats, therefore, seem to have a clear right-of-way over powered vessels. The exception to this rule is those which are trolling. In that case, they must adhere to the same regs as the latter so that neither boater has to start checking new boat prices.
Navigation Rules
When discussing how should you pass a fishing boat, you need to begin with some terminology. The body of the vessel is the hull. The top is the bow. The left is port. The right is starboard. The back is the stern.
When two boats approach each other, one is the give-way vessel and the other the stand-on. The former yields to the other while avoiding a collision and signaling his intentions if the boater is going to change direction or stop. The latter is the one who is actively overtaking the other. This individual must also inform the other of his actions and take like precautions to avoid an accident.
Crossing a Fishing Boat
Remember, if the boaters aren’t fishing, they are like any other powered boat on the water. If the two meet, there are specific rules for crossing by each other. That’s where knowing the parts of the boat comes in handy.
If the fishing boat is on your starboard side, you are the stand-on boat, and he is the give-way one. Follow the navigation rules as listed above. The reason for the distinction is that the stand-on vessel has an unobstructed view. It’s easier for both to avoid an accident and avoid looking for a boat payment calculator.
Meeting Head-On With a Fishing Boat
In this situation, the preferred way to maneuver is for each boat to pass on the port side. You both must keep an adequate distance apart and take proper precautions. It’s also essential to maintain a safe speed and perhaps even slow down while you pass one another, especially if there is a significant difference in size between the two personal watercraft.
Fishing boats often have a smaller freeboard. That is the distance from the gunwale or upper edge of the hull down to the water’s surface. A vessel speeding by will throw up a large wake in the aftermath and might send water into the other. It’s not a written rule, but instead, is a good boater etiquette.
Special Situations
There are also navigation rules that apply to other situations where you may need to know how you should pass a fishing boat. The first is night. Waters with speed limits will have lower ones at night, which helps with navigation. The lights on a vessel can also make it easier.
Night Boating
There are two colored front lights on the boat. The left one is always red. You can remember that by recalling that port is the same hue and that it has four letters like the side’s name. The right or starboard one is always green. You’ll also see an elevated light on the back or stern that is white. With this information, you know what direction it’s headed and how it’s facing.
Tight Quarters
If you meet a fishing boat in a narrow channel, you must steer toward the right just like a road. Allow larger vessels to pass if the width is too tight for you to pass side-by-side. It’s usually not permitted for a fishing boat to anchor in a channel no matter how they’re biting.
Sailboats
Sailing vessels get the right-of-way because of the restrictions of maneuverability. The exception is those under power. It’s not uncommon to see them with used outboard motors to help them navigate into port and dock their boats.
Other Rules for Passing a Fishing Boat
Many other rules are simply common sense. A fishing boat that is anchored has the right-of-way. Make sure to keep an adequate distance away from them. The line from their vessel may extend far from it. The last thing either of you wants is a line wrapped around your boat’s prop.
It’s also respectful of everyone’s use of the water. Throwing up a large wake or buzzing the fishing boat gets in the way of their enjoyment and safety. According to the US Coast Guard, there were nearly 4,300 boating accidents in 2017. Over 15 percent involved fishing vessels.
Boating and fishing are wonderful ways to have fun on the water and connect with nature. Practicing proper safety is essential whether you’re casting a line from the shore or anchored in your favorite spot. Remember that boaters always take care of other boaters, especially when it comes to navigation and the rules of the water