What should you do when approaching another vessel?

Neither power-driven vessel A nor power-driven vessel B gives way or stands on in a head-on encounter. Therefore, some communication is needed between vessels A and B.

The most common response in a head-on meeting between power-driven vessels is to signal an intention to pass port-to-port. This action is initiated by one of the vessels sounding one short blast.

In short, vessel A must blow one short blast, indicating its intention to pass port-to-port, and then alters its course to starboard. Vessel B must return one short blast—to indicate agreement and understanding—and alter its course to starboard, thereby, leaving room on each vessel's port side for passing.

Starboard-to-Starboard

If it is not possible to pass port-to-port due to an obstruction or shoreline, a starboard-to-starboard pass should be signaled with two short blasts.

In short, vessel A must blow two short blasts, indicating its intention to pass starboard-to-starboard, and alter its course to port. Vessel B must return two short blasts to indicate agreement and understanding and alter its course to port, thereby, leaving room on each vessel's starboard side for passing.

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The waterways are spaces where the lanes are not marked, but there is still a right place to be.

There are rules that apply to boats on the water, just like cars on the road. It's important to learn these rules to avoid collision and maintain your safety and the safety of others on the water. This sea yarn is a fun and easy way to help you remember the rules of the road at sea.

Rules to remember when two vessels meet

When two power vessels are approaching head on,both vessels should alter course to starboard to pass port-side to port-side.
When two power-driven vessels are in crossing situation on a collision course, give way to the vessel to starboard (right). The give way vessel must take early and obvious action to avoid a collision by either stopping or altering course to starboard.
If the give way vessel has another power-driven vessel from the Port (left) which does not take obvious action to give way, or alter course to starboard, then the Skipper of give-way (stand on) vessel must take evasive action by either stopping, or again, altering course to starboard.
Every vessel (power or sail) that is overtaking must keep well clear of the over taking vessel. You are overtaking if you are approaching another vessel anywhere in a 135 degree sector at its stern.

Channels and harbours

All vessels must keep to the starboard (right) side of any channel.
Inside a harbour (normally shown on the pilotage limit on the chart) you must keep out of the way of any ship over 500 tons. (which is about 50 metres in length)
Do not create a wake which causes unnecessary danger to other vessels or people.
You must not anchor in a channel.
All small craft must keep out of the way of larger vessels which are restricted by their draft to maintain passage and steering within the channel.

When power meets power

You must give way to another vessel on your starboard. (right)
If you meet head on, both vessels must turn to starboard. (right)

When power meets sail

Power gives way to sail unless the sailing vessel is overtaking.
Sailing vessels should avoid sailing in a narrow channel. They have to give way to power-driven vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre in the channel.

When sail meets sail

The vessel which has the wind on its starboard (right) side has the right of way. The vessel which has the wind on its port (left) side must give way.
When both boats have the wind on the same side the windward (upwind) boat has to give way.

When things go wrong

If the give way vessel does not appear to be giving way, the stand on vessel must take evasive action and should turn to starboard (right). Do not alter course to port, it could place you into the path of the give way vessel.

Use the concept of the "Imaginary Line" to help you determine whether you are travelling upstream or downstream on a river or when entering a port or harbour so that you pass channel marks on the correct side.

All boaters, regardless of the size of their boat, should familiarise themselves with the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea (Col Regs) and become aware of the basic rules on the water.

You should always make your movements clear and deliberate so that other masters can see your intentions. Never assume the master of another boat will observe the rules – always be prepared to take action to avoid a collision.

The Colregs give clear indication about passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats. They are the traffic laws on the water.

Rivers and channels

A boat must always be navigated on the starboard side (right) of a river or channel.

Approaching head on to another boat

Each boat alters course to starboard (right) and passes port to port (left). Always assume this situation exists.

Power-driven boats crossing

A boat approaching from your starboard (right) side has right of way. If you are approaching another boat from its starboard side, you have right of way. However, if the other boat does not give way, you must take action to avoid a collision.

Overtaking

If you are overtaking a boat, you can do so at either side of the boat you wish to pass. However, you must keep well clear of the boat you are overtaking. This applies to both sail and power boats.

Sailing boats and power-driven boats

Power usually gives way to sail. However, this does not always apply. Larger vessels, such as ferries or container ships, have difficulty manoeuvring due to their size. Masters of other boats, including sail boats, should always apply common sense and good seamanship by giving larger vessels a wide berth.

Sailing boats

When two sailing boats have wind on different sides, the boat with the wind on the port side must give way.
When both boats have the wind on the same side, the boat to windward shall give way to the boat to leeward.

A good lookout through sight and sound must be kept at all times.

The master is responsible for keeping a lookout for dangers. Be aware of the boating environment, especially in bad weather, restricted visibility and darkness.

Special sound signals exist for vessels to indicate their manoeuvring intentions when they are in sight of one another.

1 short blast – I am altering course to starboard
2 short blasts – I am altering course to port
3 short blasts – I am operating engines astern (stopping)
5 or more short blasts – I am unsure of your intentions and I doubt whether you are taking sufficient action to avoid collision

Code Flag A

The international Code Flag “A” is a blue and white vertically divided flag that indicates divers below. When displayed, this flag requires that boats do not exceed 5 knots when within 120 metres of it. This flag may be hoisted from an anchored vessel, on a buoy or dive float or hoisted on the shore. The flag must be at least 500mm high and at least 400mm wide.

Operation in Pilotage Areas

Recreational vessels often operate in shipping ports and channels. Small craft operators must be aware that large ships cannot alter course or speed quickly and often their draft restricts them to a very specific course. In addition, it is difficult to even observe small craft from the bridges of certain ships.

Code Flag H

The international Code Flag “H” is a red and white vertically divided flag that indicates that the vessel has a pilot on board. This flag is used when ships are approaching their berth and are under the control of a pilot. In such circumstances, the recreational skipper must keep clear of the ship at all times.

Vessel under Control of Exempt Master

Ships that enter ports regularly are occasionally exempt from using a pilot, however they still have right of way over all other craft. To indicate that they are under the control of an exempt master, these ships will display an all-white square flag.