Boat collisions and accidents can cause major damages to your vessel and lead to serious injuries or death. Collisions occur when a boat or personal watercraft collides with another vessel or objects like docks, rocks and logs. Show
It is the responsibility of all pleasure craft operators to avoid collisions or they could face severe penalties and even imprisonment. In this article, we give an overview of Canada’s rules and regulations to follow in order to avoid boat collisions. Collision Regulations in CanadaAs with roads, waterways are also governed by rules. These are known as the Canadian Collision Regulations. These rules regulate any and all crafts on all bodies of water in Canada. Regulations state that a pleasure craft operator must take immediate and substantial action to prevent a collision with another vessel. Otherwise, if the course is clear, the operator simply maintains speed and course. Rules for avoiding boat collisionsCollision Regulations govern the nautical Rules of the Road, which identify the stand-on vessel and the give-way vessel in each situation. The graphic below shows the actions to take when crossing, meeting and overtaking a vessel that approaches within the port, starboard or stern sectors. Following these actions will significantly reduce the likelihood of boat collision. Action by stand-on vesselWhen one of two vessels must keep out of the way, the other may keep her course and speed. If the vessel required to stay out of the way does not take appropriate action in compliance with these rules, the latter vessel can take action to avoid collision. Action by give-way vesselA give-way vessel is one that is required by these Regulations to keep out of the way of another vessel. As far as possible, vessels that are directed to remain out of the way of another vessel should take early and substantial action to stay in the clear. Tips for avoiding boat collisionsIn addition to following the rules of the road outlined in the Collision Regulations, the following tips will help you avoid damage, injury or worse resulting from a boat collision. Avoid collisions by keeping a watchful eyePleasure craft operators must navigate safely and share the waterways to avoid creating situations that are risky or potentially dangerous to other boaters, swimmers, wildlife and the environment. A boat that navigates in a narrow channel or driveway must stay as close to the outer edge of the channel or fairway as possible so long as it is safe and convenient. An operator must always keep an eye out for hazards or distress signals from other boaters. The Criminal Code of Canada also contains this provision. Keep away from shipping lanesCommercial vessels travel along predetermined shipping lanes. These vessels always have the right of way. Their course is hard to change, and they need a long distance to come to a complete halt. When passing larger vessels or crossing shipping lanes, some boaters fail to appreciate the risk that they take. It is very difficult for the crews of these vessels to see small boats on the water since they are standing high above the water line. Boaters must therefore never interfere with the passage of large vessels in a shipping lane. Here are some tips to remember:
Give room to tugboats and other vessels towing or pushingTugboats often tow boats behind them with long tow lines. Tow lines can sometimes be so long that they hang below the surface of the water and are almost invisible. Therefore, do not get between a tugboat and its tow line. In the event your boat hits a submerged tow line, the collision may cause it to capsize or cause serious damage to your vessel, putting everyone on board at risk. Maintain a safe speedSince a safe speed depends on the craft and prevailing conditions, the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations do not specify speed limits. Always take the following factors into account when determining a safe speed:
If you are not within sight of other vessels and in or near restricted visibility areas, you must navigate at a safe speed at all times, adapting to the circumstances and conditions to avoid collisions. Keep yourself visible at all timesA small boat is difficult to detect, especially from a large ship, in poor weather conditions or at night. In light of this, you can minimize the risks of collision if you display the correct navigation lights at night and during periods of restricted visibility. Do not go boating when you are tired or inebriatedJust as with driving a car, don’t operate a boat when you’re tired or sleepy as fatigue can result in poor reaction time and decision-making abilities. Also be aware that boating under the influence (BIU) is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. What is the first action that the boat operator should take immediately following a collision?If your boat has been involved in a collision, you should immediately take the following steps:
Navigate responsibly to avoid boat collisionsCanada’s waterway users and the organizations that govern them share responsibility for safety. It is imperative that boaters operate their vessels safely to avoid collisions with other vessels or objects. We hope this article has shed some light on how to avoid collisions while boating. If you have not yet obtained your official boat license, this article can serve as a good reference before taking the Canadian boat license exam.
When vessels are approaching each other or overtaking, one has to give way to the other to avoid a collision. This includes vessels that are drifting or holding position without being anchored. Which vessel gives way depends on the type of vessel and the situation. The skippers of both vessels have a responsibility to take action to avoid a collision. The vessel giving way must alter course or slow down to let the other vessel pass, and it must make its actions clear early. The vessel that has right of way must maintain course and speed, if it's safe to do so, and be prepared to take action to avoid a collision if necessary. Powered vesselsPowered vessels – including personal watercraft (PWC) – must give way in the following situations. When meeting head on, powered vessels must turn to starboard (right) and pass at a safe distance. When crossing, powered boats must give way to the right. A powered vessel must give way to a sailing vessel, unless it's being overtaken by the sailing vessel. Sailing vesselsSailing vessels – including sailboards and kiteboards – must give way in the following situations. (A sailing vessel using its engine must follow the same give way rules as powered vessels.) A sailing vessel on a port tack must give way to a sailing vessel on a starboard tack. A port tack is when the wind is blowing from the port (left) side of the vessel. A starboard tack is when the wind is blowing from the starboard (right) side of the vessel. When both sailing vessels are on the same tack, the sailing vessel to windward – closest to where the wind is blowing from – must give way. Sailing vessels must keep well clear of ferries on Sydney Harbour that display an orange diamond – see Sydney Harbour. Paddlecraft and rowing vesselsIt’s recommended that powered vessels and sailing vessels keep a proper lookout and give way to paddlecraft and rowing vessels. Paddlecraft and rowing vessels should be aware that they sit low on the water and can be difficult for other vessels to see. You should take extra care when paddling near powered vessels and sailing vessels, and crossing channels and busy waterways. Like all other vessels, you have a responsibility to take action to avoid collision. |