Spending time on your boat is a chance to enjoy your time to the maximum, but you need to be careful to make sure that your vessel and everyone on board is safe while you’re in the water.
There are many rules, regulations, and considerations that you need to pay attention to while you’re boating regarding the right of way. The right of way changes also based on various conditions, but there are some definite rules that every boater needs to follow.
So, who is responsible for keeping a sharp watch to avoid a collision between two boats? You’ve come to the right place as in this article you’ll find the answer to this question. So, keep on reading.
Who is Responsible for Keeping a Sharp Watch to Avoid a Collision Between Two Boats?
Both captains of the two boats are responsible for making sure that everyone is safe. Whether you’re boating inland or international waters, rivers, lakes, or streams, you and the other boat captain should make sure that there’s no collision risk and should maneuver their vessels to make sure that everyone on board is safe.
Rules of the Water
According to navigation rules, when two vessels meet in the water, the give-way boat yields the right of way to the stand-on boat. When two boats meet head-on, each captain should maneuver their boat, slow down, and stay alert for any object the other boat might be towing like a tube.
The captain of the boat that has another one in its sight is responsible for changing course. If there’s a boat trying to cross yours, you might be able to see it if you have rearview mirrors.
But if you don’t, you should maintain your present course as the other boat’s captain will maneuver their boat. They will signal their intention using the horn, with one blast to show that they’re passing on the starboard side and two if they’re passing on the port side.
Another rule that should be applied is directly related to the type of the vessel and its maneuverability. A vessel with less control has a higher rank on the right of way. Marine vessels follow the following hierarchy.
- Vessel being overtaken by another
- Unmanned boat
- Craft with limited control due to nets or other gear
- Vessels impacted by the wind
- Fishing boats actively engaged
- Sailboats
- Powered boats, including sailboats with outboard motors
Why Do Boating Accidents Happen?
According to the US Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, most boating accidents could have been totally or partially avoided if the boat’s captain or operator acted differently. Here some of the top reasons why boating accidents happen.
Operator Inattention
As a captain, you need to have your full focus on the boat. Staying alert can help you detect any sudden change in the water current, weather, wind, condition of your boat, or the other vessels in the water, so you can take quick action.
Unfortunately, most boat operators don’t pay enough attention to the warning signs and will start to take any action when it’s already too late. Nevertheless, improving your focus and paying more attention to the details is a matter of practice.
Improper Lookout
Proper lookout, common sense, and good seamanship are all fundamental aspects of safely operating a vessel. According to COLREGS Rule 5, every vessel should maintain a proper lookout by sight, hearing, or and any other means.
Changes that can affect your lookout include the darkness, speed of your vessel or others, traffic, or fog. You should rely on all the available means, including reducing the speed, turning on the radar, switching on the GPS, switching the AIS, using binoculars, and assigning another person to watch the waters.
Operator Inexperience
Your lack of experience as a boater is another leading cause of collision accidents. America’s Boating Course is a good start as it will help teach you the basics about managing your boat, navigation rules, government regulations, safety, and communication.
As a student, you need to pass a quiz at the end of each module, with at least eight passing grades. In addition to the quizzes, there’s a final exam, after which you can get your certificates.
In addition to this course, there are other courses that you can take online or in-person to help improve your experience as a boat captain. After learning the basics, you need to see how you can manage the boat in real-life conditions.
We recommend that you take the On-The-Water course, which allows you to test your skills before taking your boat on a cruise. You also need to check the state’s requirements, as some states require the presence of a license.
Excessive Speed
Boats are motor vehicles, and excessive speeding has the potential to cause serious accidents. A safe speed is determined based on the local regulations and rules in the area and should give the captain and passengers time to react to danger.
Crossing the speed limit while boating can subject you and others to serious and even fatal injuries because you won’t have time to stop the boat when necessary. Moreover, it makes your boat strongly affected by other factors like the strong currents, waves, and other vessels.
Alcohol Use
The rules of using alcohol while driving cars are applied to boats because they’re motor vehicles. When people are under the influence of alcohol, their judgment gets jeopardized, and they become unable to make the right decision at the right time. It’s also a serious federal offense. Most states determine the limit at 0.08% g/dL for blood alcohol content.
Machinery Failure
Routine checks should be done to make sure that your boat is properly functioning. Regular maintenance and checking of the engine and steering wheel are the responsibility of the owner to make sure that the boat is able to steer on time to avoid a collision.
Damaged hulls or decreased oil levels can affect your boating experience, so you need to pay attention to every detail. In addition to regular checks, you also need to do annual checks and winterize the engine for off-season storage.
Wrap Up
Despite the right of way rule, avoiding collision is the responsibility of the captains of both boats. Staying alert, understanding the basics of boating, and following all the navigation rules will help you stay safe and protect everyone on board your vessel.