A Course for Safe Boating

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California Boating A Course for Safe Boating 39
Chapter 2 u Boating Law, Navigational Rules and Navigational Aids
HEAD-ON SITUATION
1 short blast
1 short blast
Safe Speed
On the water, as speed increases, the time to react decreases. The navigational
rules require that every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed in
order that the operator will be able to take proper and effective action to avoid
collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the situation. While
traffic density is the number one factor to determine safe speed, other factors
include: visibility, maneuverability, current, wind, sea state, depth, and at
night, the presence of background light, such as, from shore lights or from
back scatter of the vessel’s own lights.
Collision Avoidance
A boater must do whatever possible to avoid a collision. Maintaining a safe
speed allows boaters to take proper and effective action to avoid collision.
In poor visibility, radar equipment should be used if present and in working
order. To avoid immediate dangers of navigation and collision, boaters are
allowed to depart from the navigation rules.
Early and significant action should be taken to avoid collisions. Small changes
in direction or speed may not be recognized by other boaters and should be
avoided. If more time is needed to evaluate the situation, a vessel should slow
down, stop or reverse propulsion.
Risk of collision exists if:
ƒ ƒ An approaching vessel does not change its course or speed.
ƒ ƒ A change of approach is not substantial enough.
ƒ ƒ Approaching a very large vessel or tow at close range.
Meeting a Boat Head-On
ƒ ƒ Signal your intention to pass port to port by sounding one short
(1-second) blast of the horn.
ƒ ƒ Signal your intention to pass starboard to starboard by sounding
two short (1-second) blasts.
ƒ ƒ When using a light signal at night, a 1-second light flash equals
a 1-second sound blast.
Crossing Situation at Right Angles
ƒ ƒ The boat on the right is the stand-on vessel—the other boat is the
give-way vessel.
ƒ ƒ The stand-on is the privileged vessel and must hold its course and speed.
ƒ ƒ The give-way vessel must direct its course to starboard and pass the
stand-on vessel astern. If necessary, the give-way vessel should slow, stop
or reverse.
ƒ ƒ You should never turn your vessel to port during a crossing situation. Doing
so may result in a serious collision.
CROSSING SITUATION
1 short blast
Give-way vessel…
keeps out of way
1 short blast
Stand-on vessel…
holds course
TAKE NOTE
A sailboat under sail power that
overtakes a power vessel no
longer has right of way. It is the
“give-way”vessel and is subject to
overtaking rules.