I cannot overstate the importance of understanding that there are rules that govern the movement of vessels that are designed to prevent collisions, especially between boats that are in sight of one another.

Many of us have experienced what I refer to as the “Sunday Afternoon Scenario (SAS).” The SAS typically involves 50-60 vessels of all sizes, including large commercial fishing vessels, sailboats, big power vessels, small power vessels, single fishermen in kayaks, vessels at anchor, and even peddle-driven tenders, all converging upon and ultimately clogging the mouth of the harbor, traveling at all sorts of speeds, moving in all possible directions, on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Some operators are knowledgeable of the rules designed to avoid collisions. Some operators have merely heard of such rules. Finally, there are operators who have no knowledge of, and have no idea that they are obligated to conduct their movements in accordance with, rules governing the movement of watercraft. To make matters worse, the SAS even occurs when there is fog or reduced visibility conditions. Moreover, in many cases, alcohol has loosened the operator’s abilities. To say a collision is “possible” grossly understates the conditions. In my opinion, it is only by the grace of God that the breakwaters and beaches adjacent to our harbors are not completely littered with broken fiberglass and shattered dreams.

According to the Coast Guard, collision is one of the most dangerous and frequently occurring mishaps on our nations waters. Collisions not only result in potentially serious and expensive vessel damage, but may also result in serious personal injury or death.

Avoiding collisions on the water differs from avoiding collisions while driving your car. In a car, it may be as simple as staying in your lane and slowing down. On the ocean, however, there are no lanes and it is not that easy to stop. It is also difficult, if not impossible, to constantly monitor the movement of so many vessels. In the fog, the radar screen can appear “speckled.”

Newer high-powered boats can reach speeds comparable to automobiles. However, most boats do not have seat belts, brakes, or air bags. Boats are limited in their ability to avoid collisions. Moreover, the rules of physics applied to collisions between vessels suggest that collisions will last longer, and can actually be more severe. For example, if a 30-ton trawler crashes into a 3,000-pound bow-rider, the energy transferred to the little boat will be considerable, even if the trawler is only traveling at 1/4 the speed of the bow-rider. Chances are, there will be little left of the bow-rider to salvage, and someone will end up in the water.
The U.S. Coast Guard publishes the Navigation Rules. A copy of the rules can be obtained from the Coast Guard or may be viewed on the Internet. The 36 rules and five annexes are specifically designed to govern the movement of vessels and to help prevent collisions. All mariners are required to know and responsibly apply these rules when operating their vessels. Some of the most important rules are summarized below.

Rule 2   Responsibility, requires that due regard shall he given to all dangers of navigation and collision. This rule allows the mariner to depart from the rules as necessary to avoid the immediate danger of collision.

Rule 4   Lookout, requires that every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout using sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances.

Rule 6   Safe Speed, requires that every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and stop within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. Additionally, vessels with operational radar must use it to determine the risk of collision.

Rule 7   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.

Rule 8   Action to Avoid Collision, provides specific guidance on how to maneuver your vessel so as to avoid a collision. Changes in course and speed shall be large enough so as to be readily apparent to the other vessel.

Mariners should not limit their knowledge of the rules to this article. In addition to the rules I have summarized, there are other rules which apply to vessels operating in restricted visibility, in head-on, crossing, or in narrow channel situations, as well as rules that prescribe the type of navigation lights and sound signals required by vessels. It is vital that all boat operators become students of the navigation rules. This helps prevent collisions.

Regardless, the navigation rules should be considered a code of conduct, not a "bill of rights." They do not bestow rights or privileges. They impose a duty to either "give-way" or "stand-on", depending on the circumstances. The rules do not confer upon any vessel the “right of way.” The rules govern the movements of vessels in sight of each other and require that all vessels keep out of the way of others. The rules are in place to prevent collisions.

Studies and experience demonstrate that strict adherence to the rules may not always be prudent. In fact, the rules are very precise in stating that nothing, "shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect" (Rule 2). In other words, notwithstanding the fact that a particular rule may appear to give your vessel priority in a particular situation, if it appears that strict compliance with a rule will nevertheless result in a collision, you have to avoid the collision even if it means, “breaking” a rule. This is simply because you, as operator of a vessel, cannot assume anything, especially that the other operator knows the rules and will comply with them.

The "Rules of the Road" or Collision Avoidance Regulations (COLREGS) were designed to give direction to vessels in order to set a standard that everyone could follow in order to prevent collisions. They are rules that cover almost every imaginable sequence of events that may lead to collision. You do not have to memorize them all but at least be aware of the basic rules which apply in order to operate safely on the water.

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