Anchors are used most often by boaters while swimming or fishing, anchors are also critical equipment in times of emergency. Anchoring may be a safety measure if your boat becomes disabled. Choose an anchor that fits your boating needs and conditions.
The plow-style anchor is good for most boats and gets its holding power by plowing into the bottom.
The fluke-style anchor referred to as Danforth, is similar to the plow style but is more lightweight. It is also good for most boats and gets its holding power from its pointed flukes digging into bottom.
The mushroom anchor gets its holding power by sinking into bottom sediments. It should not be used to anchor boats larger than a small canoe, rowboat, small sailboat, or inflatable boat since the holding power is weak. You should never depend on a mushroom anchor to hold your boat in rough water or weather.
Preparing your anchor before setting out:
Attach 7-8 feet of galvanized chain to the anchor. The chain aids in setting the anchor by lowering the angle of the pull as the chain sinks and lies on the bottom. It also will help prevent abrasion of the anchor line from sand or rock on the bottom. Most anchors grip by digging into the bottom when the line is pulled horizontally. Any upward pull can break the anchor loose.
Be sure the anchor line is strong and long enough to anchor your boat. A good rule of thumb is that the length of the line should be at least seven to ten times the depth of the water where you are setting anchor. Since an anchor can be a safety device in an emergency situation, store the anchor and its lines in an accessible area. If the engine breaks down, you may need to anchor to avoid drifting aground.
You should never anchor in, or obstruct passage through channels or areas such as launching ramps or any other high-traffic areas. Be aware that the boat will swing downwind or downcurrent from the anchor. Allow "swing room" for any change in wind or current.
Below are some steps to take when anchoring your boat:
Select an area to anchor with plenty of room. Ideally, it should be a well-protected area with adequate water depth and a sandy or muddy bottom. Head slowly into the wind or current to a position upwind or upcurrent of where you actually want to anchor. When you are at that position, stop the boat and slowly lower the anchor over the bow to the bottom. Never anchor from the stern as this can cause the boat to swamp. The square stern may be hit by waves, and water will splash into the boat. The motor's weight will add to this problem. Slowly back the boat away downwind or downcurrent. Let out about seven to ten times as much anchor line as the depth of the water, depending on the wind strength and wave size. Tie off the line around a bow cleat, and pull on the anchor line to make sure the anchor is set.
After anchoring, take visual sightings of onshore objects or buoys in the water to help you know where your boat is positioned. While at anchor, recheck these sightings to make sure the anchor is not dragging. Periodically check connecting knots on your anchor line. When possible, use splices instead of knots. Knots weaken a line more than splices.
Follow these steps to recover your anchor:
Move the boat directly over the anchor while pulling in the line. Pulling the anchor straight up should break it free. If the anchor is stuck, turn your boat in a large circle while keeping the anchor line pulled tight. When the anchor breaks loose, stop the boat and retrieve the anchor. Never drag the anchor behind the boat.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Aids to Navigation (ATON)
Buoys and markers are guides that boat operators use to navigate the waterways. They also identify dangerous or controlled areas and give directions and information. As a recreational boat or PWC operator, you will need to know the lateral navigation markers and non-lateral markers of the U.S. Aids to Navigation System.
Lateral Markers: These navigation aids mark the edges of safe water areas, for example, directing travel within a channel. The markers use a combination of colors and numbers, which are on buoys and markers.
Colors and Numbers: The colors and numbers have the same meaning regardless of the kind of buoy or marker on which they appear.
Red Colors, Red Lights, and Even Numbers: These mark the edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side as you enter from the open sea or head upstream. Numbers usually will increase as you return from the open sea or head upstream.
Green Colors, Green Lights, and Odd Numbers: These mark the edge of the channel on your port (left) side as you enter from the open sea or head upstream. Numbers usually will increase as you return from the open sea or head upstream.
Red and Green Colors and / or Lights: These are placed at the junction of two channels to indicate the preferred (primary) channel when a channel splits. If green is on top, the preferred channel is to the right. If red is on top, the preferred channel is to the left. These also are sometimes called junction buoys.
Shapes
Nun Buoys: These cone-shaped buoys are always marked with red markings and even numbers. They mark the edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side when entering from the open sea or heading upstream.
Can Buoys: These cylindrical-shaped buoys are always marked with green markings and odd numbers. They mark the edge of the channel on your port (left) side when entering from the open sea or heading upstream.
Buoys and Markers
Lighted Buoys: These buoys use the lateral marker shapes, colors, and numbers. They also have a matching colored light.
Daymarks: These are permanently placed signs attached to structures, such as posts, in the water. Common daymarks are red triangles (equivalent to nuns) and green squares (equivalent to cans). These may be lighted also.
In most circumstances, you can use this phrase as a reminder of the correct course when returning from open waters or heading upstream:
Red Right Returning
Variations on the U.S. Aids To Navigation System:
Some waters of the United States have slight variations on the lateral navigation markers. You should be aware of these if you boat operates on these waters.
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW): The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a chain of local channels linked together to provide an inland passage along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts.
Channels that are part of the ICW are identified by yellow symbols on channel buoys and markers. Buoys and markers that bear these yellow symbols are serving a dual purpose, they are navigational aids for both the U.S. Aids to Navigation System and the Intracoastal Waterway. When following the Intracoastal Waterway in a clockwise direction starting from New Jersey and heading to Brownsville, Texas, these rules apply. Any marker displaying a yellow triangle should be passed by keeping it on the starboard (right) side of the vessel. displaying a yellow square should be passed by keeping it on the port (left) side of the vessel.
These rules are true regardless of the shape or color of the channel marker or buoy on which the ICW symbols are displayed. When you are following the Intracoastal Waterway, the yellow triangles and squares should be used as guides, rather than the colors and shapes of the lateral navigation markers on which they appear.
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) symbols are most commonly found on daymarks.
Western Rivers System: This system of markers is used on the Mississippi River and its tributaries above Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and on some other rivers that flow toward the Gulf of Mexico. The major difference from the U.S. Aids to Navigation System lateral markers is that navigation markers on the Western Rivers System are not numbered. Numbers displayed below daymarks along this system are not associated with the right or left side of the channel, these numbers indicate the distance from the river's mouth except on the Ohio River where the numbers indicate the distance from the headwaters.
Non-Lateral Markers: Non-lateral markers are navigation aids that give information other than the edges of safe water areas. The most common are regulatory markers that are white and use orange markings and black lettering. These markers are found on lakes and rivers and are used to:
Give directions and information.
Warn of hazards and obstructions.
Mark controlled areas.
Mark exclusion (closed) areas.
Information: Squares provide information such as places to find food, supplies, and repairs, and they give directions, distances, and other non-regulatory information.
Danger Area: Diamonds warn of dangers such as rocks, shoals, construction, dams, or stumps. Always proceed with caution and keep a safe distance. Never assume that every hazard will be marked by a buoy.
Controlled Area: Circles indicate a controlled area such as no wake, idle speed, speed limit, or ski zone.
Exclusion Area: Crossed diamonds indicate areas off-limits to all vessels such as swimming areas, dams, and spillways.
Safe Water Marker: These are white with red vertical stripes and indicate unobstructed water on all sides. They mark mid-channels or fairways and may be passed on either side.
Inland Waters Obstruction Marker: These are white with black vertical stripes and indicate an obstruction to navigation. You should not pass between these buoys and the nearest shore.
Mooring Buoy: These are white with a blue horizontal band. They usually are placed in marinas and other areas where vessels are allowed to anchor. These are the only buoys you may tie up to legally.
Lateral Markers: These navigation aids mark the edges of safe water areas, for example, directing travel within a channel. The markers use a combination of colors and numbers, which are on buoys and markers.
Colors and Numbers: The colors and numbers have the same meaning regardless of the kind of buoy or marker on which they appear.
Red Colors, Red Lights, and Even Numbers: These mark the edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side as you enter from the open sea or head upstream. Numbers usually will increase as you return from the open sea or head upstream.
Green Colors, Green Lights, and Odd Numbers: These mark the edge of the channel on your port (left) side as you enter from the open sea or head upstream. Numbers usually will increase as you return from the open sea or head upstream.
Red and Green Colors and / or Lights: These are placed at the junction of two channels to indicate the preferred (primary) channel when a channel splits. If green is on top, the preferred channel is to the right. If red is on top, the preferred channel is to the left. These also are sometimes called junction buoys.
Shapes
Nun Buoys: These cone-shaped buoys are always marked with red markings and even numbers. They mark the edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side when entering from the open sea or heading upstream.
Can Buoys: These cylindrical-shaped buoys are always marked with green markings and odd numbers. They mark the edge of the channel on your port (left) side when entering from the open sea or heading upstream.
Buoys and Markers
Lighted Buoys: These buoys use the lateral marker shapes, colors, and numbers. They also have a matching colored light.
Daymarks: These are permanently placed signs attached to structures, such as posts, in the water. Common daymarks are red triangles (equivalent to nuns) and green squares (equivalent to cans). These may be lighted also.
In most circumstances, you can use this phrase as a reminder of the correct course when returning from open waters or heading upstream:
Red Right Returning
Variations on the U.S. Aids To Navigation System:
Some waters of the United States have slight variations on the lateral navigation markers. You should be aware of these if you boat operates on these waters.
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW): The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a chain of local channels linked together to provide an inland passage along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts.
Channels that are part of the ICW are identified by yellow symbols on channel buoys and markers. Buoys and markers that bear these yellow symbols are serving a dual purpose, they are navigational aids for both the U.S. Aids to Navigation System and the Intracoastal Waterway. When following the Intracoastal Waterway in a clockwise direction starting from New Jersey and heading to Brownsville, Texas, these rules apply. Any marker displaying a yellow triangle should be passed by keeping it on the starboard (right) side of the vessel. displaying a yellow square should be passed by keeping it on the port (left) side of the vessel.
These rules are true regardless of the shape or color of the channel marker or buoy on which the ICW symbols are displayed. When you are following the Intracoastal Waterway, the yellow triangles and squares should be used as guides, rather than the colors and shapes of the lateral navigation markers on which they appear.
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) symbols are most commonly found on daymarks.
Western Rivers System: This system of markers is used on the Mississippi River and its tributaries above Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and on some other rivers that flow toward the Gulf of Mexico. The major difference from the U.S. Aids to Navigation System lateral markers is that navigation markers on the Western Rivers System are not numbered. Numbers displayed below daymarks along this system are not associated with the right or left side of the channel, these numbers indicate the distance from the river's mouth except on the Ohio River where the numbers indicate the distance from the headwaters.
Non-Lateral Markers: Non-lateral markers are navigation aids that give information other than the edges of safe water areas. The most common are regulatory markers that are white and use orange markings and black lettering. These markers are found on lakes and rivers and are used to:
Give directions and information.
Warn of hazards and obstructions.
Mark controlled areas.
Mark exclusion (closed) areas.
Information: Squares provide information such as places to find food, supplies, and repairs, and they give directions, distances, and other non-regulatory information.
Danger Area: Diamonds warn of dangers such as rocks, shoals, construction, dams, or stumps. Always proceed with caution and keep a safe distance. Never assume that every hazard will be marked by a buoy.
Controlled Area: Circles indicate a controlled area such as no wake, idle speed, speed limit, or ski zone.
Exclusion Area: Crossed diamonds indicate areas off-limits to all vessels such as swimming areas, dams, and spillways.
Safe Water Marker: These are white with red vertical stripes and indicate unobstructed water on all sides. They mark mid-channels or fairways and may be passed on either side.
Inland Waters Obstruction Marker: These are white with black vertical stripes and indicate an obstruction to navigation. You should not pass between these buoys and the nearest shore.
Mooring Buoy: These are white with a blue horizontal band. They usually are placed in marinas and other areas where vessels are allowed to anchor. These are the only buoys you may tie up to legally.
Sound Signals for Small Boats
All boaters should know the proper sound signals, especially those boaters operating near commercial vessel traffic.
Sound signals are composed of short and prolonged blasts and must be audible for at least one-half mile:
Short blast - about one second in duration
Prolonged blast - 4-6 seconds in duration
Sound signals can communicate a change in direction to other boaters.
One short blast tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side."
Two short blasts tell other boaters "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side."
Three short blasts tell other boaters "I am backing up."
Sound signals let other boaters know where you are located during periods of restricted visibility, such as fog. If you hear the fog signal of a vessel you cannot see, slow to a minimum speed until you are sure there is not a risk of collision.
One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when underway.
One prolonged blast plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailing vessels. Sound signals are used to warn other boaters or alert them to danger.
One prolonged blast is a warning signal for example, used when coming around a blind bend or leaving the dock.
Five or more short, rapid blasts are used to signal danger or to signal that you do not understand or you disagree with the other boater's intentions.
Navigation rules include the use of sound signals to communicate with other boaters.
(one short blast) tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side."
(two short blasts) tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side."
The other vessel will sound the same signal if in agreement with the proposed maneuver.
Sound signals are composed of short and prolonged blasts and must be audible for at least one-half mile:
Short blast - about one second in duration
Prolonged blast - 4-6 seconds in duration
Sound signals can communicate a change in direction to other boaters.
One short blast tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side."
Two short blasts tell other boaters "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side."
Three short blasts tell other boaters "I am backing up."
Sound signals let other boaters know where you are located during periods of restricted visibility, such as fog. If you hear the fog signal of a vessel you cannot see, slow to a minimum speed until you are sure there is not a risk of collision.
One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when underway.
One prolonged blast plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailing vessels. Sound signals are used to warn other boaters or alert them to danger.
One prolonged blast is a warning signal for example, used when coming around a blind bend or leaving the dock.
Five or more short, rapid blasts are used to signal danger or to signal that you do not understand or you disagree with the other boater's intentions.
Navigation rules include the use of sound signals to communicate with other boaters.
(one short blast) tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side."
(two short blasts) tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side."
The other vessel will sound the same signal if in agreement with the proposed maneuver.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Operating your Boat at Night
You should always operate at a slower speed at night and be on sharp lookout for the lights of other vessels. The lights displayed by other vessels will help you determine whether they are operating under power or sail, and their direction of travel. Once you determine this, you can apply the same navigation rules used in the daytime. Never assume that the lights of other vessels are working properly. Allow plenty of time and distance to give way if needed, even if the lights indicate you are the stand-on vessel.
Power Driven Vessels at Night
When you see a green and a white light, you are the stand-on vessel. You should remain alert, but you should be ready to give way.
When you see only a white light, you are overtaking another vessel or it is at anchor. It is the stand-on vessel, whether underway or anchored. You can go around it on either side.
When you see a red and a white light, you must give way to the other vessel. Slow down and allow the vessel to pass, or you may turn to the right and pass behind the other vessel.
When you see a red, a green, and a white light, you are approaching another power-driven vessel head-on and both vessels must give way.
Sailing Vessels at Night
When you see a red and a green light but no white light, you are approaching a sailing vessel head-on and you must give way.
When you see only a green light or only a red light, you may be approaching a sailing vessel and you must give way. A sailing vessel is always the stand-on vessel except when it is overtaking.
Towing Lights
When commercial vessels are towing or pushing a barge, they display one or more yellow lights in place of a sternlight. There may be an unlit space of several hundred yards between the lights displayed on the bow and stern of the composite formed by the commercial vessel and its bargeLearn to recognize commercial vessel lights if boating on rivers, harbors, or coastal waters.
Power Driven Vessels at Night
When you see a green and a white light, you are the stand-on vessel. You should remain alert, but you should be ready to give way.
When you see only a white light, you are overtaking another vessel or it is at anchor. It is the stand-on vessel, whether underway or anchored. You can go around it on either side.
When you see a red and a white light, you must give way to the other vessel. Slow down and allow the vessel to pass, or you may turn to the right and pass behind the other vessel.
When you see a red, a green, and a white light, you are approaching another power-driven vessel head-on and both vessels must give way.
Sailing Vessels at Night
When you see a red and a green light but no white light, you are approaching a sailing vessel head-on and you must give way.
When you see only a green light or only a red light, you may be approaching a sailing vessel and you must give way. A sailing vessel is always the stand-on vessel except when it is overtaking.
Towing Lights
When commercial vessels are towing or pushing a barge, they display one or more yellow lights in place of a sternlight. There may be an unlit space of several hundred yards between the lights displayed on the bow and stern of the composite formed by the commercial vessel and its bargeLearn to recognize commercial vessel lights if boating on rivers, harbors, or coastal waters.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Boats and Navigation Lights
Navigation Lights
Navigation lights help you and other boaters determine which is the give-way vessel when encountering each other at night. These lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility, such as fog. There are four common navigation lights.
Sidelights:
Red and green lights are called sidelights because they are visible to another vessel approaching from the side or head-on. The Red light indicates a vessel's Port (left) side, the Green indicates a vessel's Starboard (right) side.
Sternlight:
This white light is seen only from behind or nearly behind the vessel.
Masthead Light:
This white light shines forward and to both sides and is required on all power-driven vessels. On power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet in length, the masthead light and sternlight may be combined into an all-round white light, power-driven vessels 39.4 feet in length or longer must have a separate masthead light. A masthead light must be displayed by all vessels when under engine power. The absence of this light indicates a sailing vessel because sailboats under sail display only sidelights and a sternlight.
All-Round White Light:
On power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet in length, this light may be used to combine a masthead light and sternlight into a single white light that can be seen by other vessels from any direction. This light serves as an anchor light when sidelights are extinguished.
Make sure your navigation lights are working correctly, carry extra bulbs.
Use an all-round white light whenever the vessel is at anchor.
Reduce speed and proceed with caution, when visibility is reduced.
Be especially alert for everything in front of you. Avoid traveling alone at night, extra eyes can help you navigate.
Stop if visibility is severely restricted, and use your sound signals to alert others in the area.
Navigation lights help you and other boaters determine which is the give-way vessel when encountering each other at night. These lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility, such as fog. There are four common navigation lights.
Sidelights:
Red and green lights are called sidelights because they are visible to another vessel approaching from the side or head-on. The Red light indicates a vessel's Port (left) side, the Green indicates a vessel's Starboard (right) side.
Sternlight:
This white light is seen only from behind or nearly behind the vessel.
Masthead Light:
This white light shines forward and to both sides and is required on all power-driven vessels. On power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet in length, the masthead light and sternlight may be combined into an all-round white light, power-driven vessels 39.4 feet in length or longer must have a separate masthead light. A masthead light must be displayed by all vessels when under engine power. The absence of this light indicates a sailing vessel because sailboats under sail display only sidelights and a sternlight.
All-Round White Light:
On power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet in length, this light may be used to combine a masthead light and sternlight into a single white light that can be seen by other vessels from any direction. This light serves as an anchor light when sidelights are extinguished.
Make sure your navigation lights are working correctly, carry extra bulbs.
Use an all-round white light whenever the vessel is at anchor.
Reduce speed and proceed with caution, when visibility is reduced.
Be especially alert for everything in front of you. Avoid traveling alone at night, extra eyes can help you navigate.
Stop if visibility is severely restricted, and use your sound signals to alert others in the area.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Navigation Rules (Waterway Laws)
Good Seamanship
It is the responsibility of every boat or PWC operator to take all necessary action to avoid a collision, taking into account the weather, vessel traffic, and limits of other vessels. This action should be taken in ample time to avoid a collision and at a safe distance from other vessels.
Keep a Proper Lookout
Failing to keep a sharp lookout is the most common cause of collisions. Every operator must keep a proper lookout, using both sight and hearing, at all times. Watch and listen for other vessels, radio communications, navigational hazards.
Maintain a safe speed
In keepind a safe speed will ensures you to have ample time to avoid a collision and can stop within an appropriate distance. Safe speed will vary depending on the conditions such as wind, visibility, vessel traffic, and the maneuverability of your boat. Always reduce speed and navigate with caution at night and when visibility is restricted.
Navigation Rules Definitions
For the purpose of the U.S. Coast Guard's navigation rules, the following definitions apply.
Vessel: Every kind of watercraft capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, including seaplanes.
Power-driven vessel: Any vessel propelled by machinery, including a sailboat using an engine.
Sailing vessel: Any vessel under sail and no engine in use.
Vessel engaged in fishing: Any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing equipment that restricts maneuverability, however this does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing equipment that does not restrict maneuverability.
Underway: Not anchored, tied to shore, or aground.
Risk of collision: Any situation where an approaching vessel continues on a collision course such as the bearing of the approaching vessel does not change, or anytime you are approaching a large vessel.
Here are some are rules that every operator must follow when encountering other vessels.
Give-way vessel: The vessel that is required to take early and substantial action to keep well away from other vessels by stopping, slowing down, or changing course. Avoid crossing in front of other vessels. Any change of course or speed should be large enough to be apparent to another vessel. A series of small changes should be avoided.
Stand-on vessel: The vessel that must maintain its course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. If you must take action, do not turn toward the give-way vessel or cross in front of it.
The action a vessel operator should take when encountering another vessel depends on two questions.
1. How are the two vessels propelled.
Two power-driven vessels
Two sailing vessels
A power-driven vessel and a sailing vessel and
2. How are the two vessels approaching one another.
Meeting head-on: A vessel operator sees another vessel ahead or nearly ahead
Paths that cross: Two vessels are on crossing paths so as to involve risk of collision
Overtaking: A vessel is coming upon another vessel from behind or nearly behind the other vessel.
The rules that follow cover most of the situations you will encounter as a boater. There are some exceptions to the rules. For example, if you approach a vessel that has less maneuverability than your vessel, the other vessel will usually be the stand-on vessel.
Every operator is responsible for avoiding a collision. In complying with the navigation rules, operators must consider all dangers of navigation; risk of collisions; and any special conditions, including the limitations of the vessels involved. These considerations may make a departure from the navigation rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.
Responsibilities Between Vessels
If operating a power-driven vessel, you must give way to:
Any vessel not under command, such as an anchored or disabled vessel.
Any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, such as a vessel towing, laying cable, or picking up navigation markers, or a vessel constrained by its draft, such as a large ship in a channel.
A vessel engaged in commercial fishing.
A sailing vessel unless it is overtaking.
If operating a sailing vessel, you must give way to:
Any vessel not under command
Any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver
A vessel engaged in commercial fishing
Rendering Assistance, the navigation rules also require operators to stop and render assistance to a vessel in distress unless doing so would endanger their own vessel or passengers.
Operating During Restricted Visibility:
All operators should navigate with extreme caution if visibility is restricted. The following applies to vessels not in sight of one another.
Every vessel must proceed at a safe speed given the conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel must have its engines ready to maneuver immediately.
You can download the rules at
www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/download.htm.
It is the responsibility of every boat or PWC operator to take all necessary action to avoid a collision, taking into account the weather, vessel traffic, and limits of other vessels. This action should be taken in ample time to avoid a collision and at a safe distance from other vessels.
Keep a Proper Lookout
Failing to keep a sharp lookout is the most common cause of collisions. Every operator must keep a proper lookout, using both sight and hearing, at all times. Watch and listen for other vessels, radio communications, navigational hazards.
Maintain a safe speed
In keepind a safe speed will ensures you to have ample time to avoid a collision and can stop within an appropriate distance. Safe speed will vary depending on the conditions such as wind, visibility, vessel traffic, and the maneuverability of your boat. Always reduce speed and navigate with caution at night and when visibility is restricted.
Navigation Rules Definitions
For the purpose of the U.S. Coast Guard's navigation rules, the following definitions apply.
Vessel: Every kind of watercraft capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, including seaplanes.
Power-driven vessel: Any vessel propelled by machinery, including a sailboat using an engine.
Sailing vessel: Any vessel under sail and no engine in use.
Vessel engaged in fishing: Any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing equipment that restricts maneuverability, however this does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing equipment that does not restrict maneuverability.
Underway: Not anchored, tied to shore, or aground.
Risk of collision: Any situation where an approaching vessel continues on a collision course such as the bearing of the approaching vessel does not change, or anytime you are approaching a large vessel.
Here are some are rules that every operator must follow when encountering other vessels.
Give-way vessel: The vessel that is required to take early and substantial action to keep well away from other vessels by stopping, slowing down, or changing course. Avoid crossing in front of other vessels. Any change of course or speed should be large enough to be apparent to another vessel. A series of small changes should be avoided.
Stand-on vessel: The vessel that must maintain its course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. If you must take action, do not turn toward the give-way vessel or cross in front of it.
The action a vessel operator should take when encountering another vessel depends on two questions.
1. How are the two vessels propelled.
Two power-driven vessels
Two sailing vessels
A power-driven vessel and a sailing vessel and
2. How are the two vessels approaching one another.
Meeting head-on: A vessel operator sees another vessel ahead or nearly ahead
Paths that cross: Two vessels are on crossing paths so as to involve risk of collision
Overtaking: A vessel is coming upon another vessel from behind or nearly behind the other vessel.
The rules that follow cover most of the situations you will encounter as a boater. There are some exceptions to the rules. For example, if you approach a vessel that has less maneuverability than your vessel, the other vessel will usually be the stand-on vessel.
Every operator is responsible for avoiding a collision. In complying with the navigation rules, operators must consider all dangers of navigation; risk of collisions; and any special conditions, including the limitations of the vessels involved. These considerations may make a departure from the navigation rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.
Responsibilities Between Vessels
If operating a power-driven vessel, you must give way to:
Any vessel not under command, such as an anchored or disabled vessel.
Any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, such as a vessel towing, laying cable, or picking up navigation markers, or a vessel constrained by its draft, such as a large ship in a channel.
A vessel engaged in commercial fishing.
A sailing vessel unless it is overtaking.
If operating a sailing vessel, you must give way to:
Any vessel not under command
Any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver
A vessel engaged in commercial fishing
Rendering Assistance, the navigation rules also require operators to stop and render assistance to a vessel in distress unless doing so would endanger their own vessel or passengers.
Operating During Restricted Visibility:
All operators should navigate with extreme caution if visibility is restricted. The following applies to vessels not in sight of one another.
Every vessel must proceed at a safe speed given the conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel must have its engines ready to maneuver immediately.
You can download the rules at
www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/download.htm.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Tips on Docking your Boat
Before docking:
Reduce your speed to the minimum, just enough to maintain steerage.
Use your reverse gear to bring the boat to a stop well away from the dock.
Determine the wind and current direction while stopped by observing which way your boat drifts.
If possible, make your approach into the wind or current, whichever is stronger. This will give you more control.
Have bow and stern lines ready, and put boat fenders in place. Do not stop a moving boat with your arms or legs.
When the area is clear of traffic, continue your approach.
If there is no wind or current:
Approach the dock slow at a narrow angle of about 20 degrees.
When close enough, have a passenger step on shore and secure the bow line.
Swing the stern in with a line or boat hook, and secure it.
If the wind or current direction is toward the dock:
Approach slowly, parallel to the dock.
Let the wind or current carry your boat to the dock. Shift into gear briefly if you need to adjust position.
Secure the bow and stern lines.
If the wind or current direction is away from the dock:
Approach the dock slowly at a sharp angle about 40 degrees.
Use reverse to stop when close to the dock. Secure the bow line.
Put the boat in forward gear briefly, and slowly turn the steering wheel hard away from the dock, this will swing in the stern.
Secure the stern line.
These procedures are for small, single-engine boats, procedures for large boats, sailboats, or boats with twin engines will vary.
Reduce your speed to the minimum, just enough to maintain steerage.
Use your reverse gear to bring the boat to a stop well away from the dock.
Determine the wind and current direction while stopped by observing which way your boat drifts.
If possible, make your approach into the wind or current, whichever is stronger. This will give you more control.
Have bow and stern lines ready, and put boat fenders in place. Do not stop a moving boat with your arms or legs.
When the area is clear of traffic, continue your approach.
If there is no wind or current:
Approach the dock slow at a narrow angle of about 20 degrees.
When close enough, have a passenger step on shore and secure the bow line.
Swing the stern in with a line or boat hook, and secure it.
If the wind or current direction is toward the dock:
Approach slowly, parallel to the dock.
Let the wind or current carry your boat to the dock. Shift into gear briefly if you need to adjust position.
Secure the bow and stern lines.
If the wind or current direction is away from the dock:
Approach the dock slowly at a sharp angle about 40 degrees.
Use reverse to stop when close to the dock. Secure the bow line.
Put the boat in forward gear briefly, and slowly turn the steering wheel hard away from the dock, this will swing in the stern.
Secure the stern line.
These procedures are for small, single-engine boats, procedures for large boats, sailboats, or boats with twin engines will vary.
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