Driving your boat can be one of the most exciting experiences you’ll ever have. Unfortunately, it can also be fraught with danger, as there is no clearly defined “road” to follow. Knowing how to avoid a collision with another boat is more than just passing the rowing exam. This knowledge will help you stay safe on the water and be a responsible boat owner. What should you do to avoid colliding with another ship?
Rules of Navigation for Boats
The rules of sailing for boats are similar to the rules of the road. When everyone follows them, it’s easy to know what you should do to avoid colliding with other boats on the water. But before we explain the rules, you first need to know some basic terms.
- Ship: Any boat or other object used or capable of being used as a means of transport. This could include jet skis, sailboats, paddle boards, and even tubes.
- Port side: the left side of the ship as the observer looks towards the bow
- Starboard: the right side of the boat as the observer looks towards the bow
- Stern: The rear of the boat
- Standing on a boat: a vessel that should maintain course and speed
- Make way boats: action should be taken to avoid stranded ships
Why Boating Rules Matter
Boats are great fun, but can also be dangerous. In 2019, there were 4,168 boating accidents resulting in 613 deaths. Many accidents and deaths are caused by ignoring basic safety rules. By educating yourself on the rules of safe boating, you will ensure the safety of your passengers and those of other boats. When everyone follows the rules, everyone can enjoy the waterways.
What Should You Do to Avoid Colliding With Another Boat?
1. Maintain a Watch
Even if you have a self-driving boat, it’s best to have someone standing on the boat watching for hazards or obstacles in the water. It can include monitoring other boats, people in the water, navigation equipment, and other objects.
If you stand on the boat and watch, you can avoid collisions, especially at night, in stormy weather, or on foggy afternoons. High-quality binoculars should always be on board at all times.
When managing heading, staying alert and standing is critical to preventing collisions.
2. Learn and Understand Marine Navigation Rules
All water boats must obey navigational rules and navigation aids if they want to avoid collisions with other boats.
For example, you should always drive your boat on the starboard side of the waterway. Starboard is the right side of your heading. Oncoming vessels are on the port or port side.
There are also markings on the water indicating the position of the port and starboard sides. Even without these markings, it is best to stay on the starboard or right side of any waterway.
Be careful when learning the rules of sailing, as your safety depends on understanding the rules.
You must also learn to use and interpret sound signals correctly. The acoustic signal is issued in short or long horns.
For example, a brief explosion tells another boatman that you intend to pass his boat from the port or port side. A brief explosion lasts only a second.
On the other hand, two brief blasts indicate that you will pass other ships either to starboard or right.
Three short blasts tell other rowers that you intend to reverse or reverse.
Five brief explosions indicated imminent danger. It could also mean that you don’t agree with other boaters, or don’t understand what they’re trying to say.
Whenever the powered ship leaves port, there is a constant explosion every two minutes. Sailing boats, on the other hand, make one long blast and two short blasts every two minutes. So you will know if a sailboat or a motorized watercraft is leaving the dock.
Another audible signal that you must know is a sustained explosion that any ship would use as a warning signal. If you hear this signal, another boat owner is rounding a blind bend.
Avoiding collisions with other boats is easy if you follow the rules, especially when approaching another boat, sailboat, ship, or any vessel.
3. Avoid Boating in Shipping Lanes
Large ships and cruise ships take time to dock. If they spot your boat on the water, the boats may not change course in time to avoid you.
If you come across a large ship, it’s best to give way if you can’t avoid it.
If you have to pass any of these giant ships, it’s best to pass at a 90-degree angle.
Even if you have the fastest motor boat in the world, don’t outpace the larger ships. A small boat must give way to a larger boat.
Do not drop anchor, dive or fish in the channel. Pay attention to the ship’s audible signals, including its right of way on the channel. Always stay on the starboard side relative to the boat. Here we have some tips on anchoring and docking if you need them.
Large ships and cruise ships take time to dock. If they spot your boat on the water, the boats may not change course in time to avoid you.
If you come across a large ship, it’s best to give way if you can’t avoid it.
If you have to pass any of these giant ships, it’s best to pass at a 90-degree angle.
Even if you have the fastest motor boat in the world, don’t outpace the larger ships. A small boat must give way to a larger boat.
Do not drop anchor, dive or fish in the channel. Pay attention to the ship’s audible signals, including its right of way on the channel. Always stay on the starboard side relative to the boat. Here we have some tips on anchoring and docking if you need them.
4. Watch Your Speed
Sailboats or motor boats may be far away from you. However, at an average speed of 30 knots, a boat can be right in front of your boat in a matter of minutes.
Maintain a safe speed whenever you row. If another ship is crossing your fairway, avoid using the throttle to overtake it.
If you’re not sure if you can cross another boat’s path without colliding, it’s best to slow down and steer your boat to the stern of the other boat. Stern is the rear of any boat, whether motorized or not.
Watch out for the control marks on the water. For example, if you enter a no-wake zone, you must slow down and obey the no-overtaking rules.
Be careful when paddling near swimming areas as some people may swim outside the safe area.
5. Improve Your Watercraft’s Visibility
Boats look like specks in open water, so they can be hard to find during foggy or windy days and nights.
That’s why your boat must be lit from dusk to dawn. An anchored vessel should also display the correct lighting scheme.
It is also recommended to install a radar reflector to improve your radar signature against other ships. Preferably your radar has an automatic identification system.
If you have strobe lights, know that the U.S. Coast Guard guarantees to use strobe lights to signal distress only in emergencies.
6. Be a Responsible Boater
Remember what experts say about alcohol and driving being not an ideal pair? Well, the same is true when piloting boats. You need all of your senses as sharp as an eagle if you do not want any boating accidents. It would also be best to forego your boating adventure if you are sleepy or tired. Vigilance is crucial whenever you are on the open seas with other boats.
7. Be Vigilant
It’s best to be extra careful and vigilant as you head towards the sun. Sunlight on the water also increases the risk of collisions with other boats. The bright light on the water can also damage your eyes.
If you’re boating on rivers, lakes, or coastal areas, it’s wise to keep in mind that mudslides often form after heavy rains or storms. Watch out for floating debris and other hazards on the water.
Always check your heading and speed, slow down in traffic jams and give way to ships larger than yours.
When you encounter other boats, it is best to avoid overtaking. Always give way because you don’t know what other boaters are thinking.
Watch out for wind. If you notice the wind is getting stronger, it is best to go to the port. A breeze can turn into a gust of wind in an instant.
8. Use Common Sense in Boating
It is best to look in all directions before changing the direction of the boat. If you see another boat, it’s best to give way to prevent a collision. It is safer to assume that other rowers are not as skilled as you. It is best to keep your distance from other boats to prevent collisions. If you must tow the wakeboard, it is best to stay away from concealed anchorages and fairways. If you engage in water towing activities in these areas, you increase the risk of collision with other boats.
Conclusion
Do you know what to do to avoid colliding with another ship? You can always observe and understand the rules of navigation. It also helps avoid fairways and steer your boat within the speed limit. Also, here are some tips to avoid getting stranded.
Improving the visibility of the boat, keeping the VHF radio working in the water, and being vigilant can also help. Only when you are awake and well rested can you row intelligently while driving the boat.
