ThE USCG RULES OF ThE ROAD PART 2

The USCG Navigation Rules of the Road (NAVRULES) are regulations which aid mariners in safe navigation, just as driving laws aid vehicles in safe driving. The NAVRULES are legally binding and applicable to each and every boater. This week we will discuss Rule 14 (Head on Situation). Rule 14 is written for two power-driven vessels that are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses and a + risk of collision exists. The rule states that each vessel SHALL (one of the few times the USCG uses this word) alter their course to starboard so that each vessel shall pass on the port side of the other. This situation shall also be deemed to exist when a vessel sees the other ahead or nearly ahead and by night, you would see the masthead light of the other vessel in a line or nearly in a line and both sidelights (red and green) and by day you would observe the corresponding aspect of the other vessel (looking at her bow head on). If you are in doubt as to whether such a situation exists you shall assume that it does and act accordingly. The majority of boaters do not understand this rule because many have no formal boating education. Many will turn port, speed up or do nothing at all and hit you if you don’t depart from the rules and prevent a collision. Remember, sounding the danger signal on your boats whistle (5 short blasts) as early as possible if the other vessel is violating the rules is always the right answer if you have doubt or believe the situation is dangerous. Sounding this signal may at least get their attention and cause them to maneuver out of your way.

Captain Jack R. Sanzalone is a 30-year submarine veteran and licensed USCG Master Captain and Assessor with 42 years experience. He is the owner of The Captain School Orange Beach, Al and teaches both basic and advanced boating education. You can contact Captain Jack at: jack@boattutors.com or by visiting his website at www.boattutors.com