CHAPTER 1

What Every Boater Needs to Know

The purpose of the Rules is not, as is commonly thought, to grant one boat theright-of-way over another. The idea of a "right-of-way" fell out of favor as itbecame clear, through court cases, that avoiding a collision between two boatsrequires the participation of both parties. The purpose of the Rules is topresent, in a situation where danger of collision between two boats exists,guidelines for the actions required of both. Under the Rules, one boat isdesignated the stand-on vessel; the other the give-way vessel (see page 12).These designations carry obligations for each vessel to act in a specified wayto avoid collision.

It is important to note that the Rules never address situations involving morethan two boats. Whenever the possibility of collision exists between more thantwo boats, common sense must be your principal guide.

RULE3

Important Definitions

Vessel: anything that carries people or cargo on or in the water, includingkayaks, personal watercraft, WIG craft and seaplanes, and super tankers.

Power-driven vessel: any vessel underway with an engine that does notfall intoany of the other special categories defined below.

Sailing vessel: a sailboat underway with sails (not using an engine).

Vessel engaged in fishing: any boat fishing with equipment which limitsitsability to maneuver (nets, trawls, etc.).

Vessel not under command: a vessel unable to maneuver as required by theRules,due to mechanical breakdown or any other reason.

Vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver: a vessel that, due to thenatureof her work, cannot maneuver easily. Examples include buoy tenders, dredges,dive boats, minesweepers, and tugs with difficult tows.

Vessel constrained by her draft: a vessel that may go aground if itdeviatesfrom its course. (Note that the Inland Rules do not contain this definition.)

Underway: not anchored, grounded, or otherwise attached to shore. A boatdoesnot have to be moving either through the water or over the ground to beunderway.

Restricted visibility: any condition that reduces visibility, includingfog,heavy rain, snow, and smoke.

Give-way vessel: the vessel obligated to keep out of the way of theother.

Stand-on vessel: the vessel obligated to maintain its course and speed.

Wing-In-Ground (WIG) Craft: a multimodal craft which, in its mainoperationalmode, flies in close proximity to the surface by utilizing surface-effectaction.

Do the Rules Apply to Me?

RULE1

In a word—yes. The International Regulations for the Prevention ofCollision at Sea (COLREGS) apply to all vessels, from kayaks to ocean-liners, onall of the oceans and bodies of water outside the magenta (red) Demarcation Lineprinted on charts. The United States Inland Rules apply on the Great Lakes,Western Rivers, waterways, and specific bays inside the Demarcation Line.

How Am I Responsible?

RULE2

Everyone having to do with the operation of your boat—its owner, master(person in charge underway), and crew—is responsible for obeying theRules, as well as for using caution, good sense, and good seamanship. However,the Rules acknowledge that they cannot cover every conceivable situation. Ifabsolutely necessary to avoid immediate danger, you are, in fact, required tobreak the Rules. In other words, use your head for the purpose intended, not asa hat rack.

Does My Boat Need a Lookout?

RULE5

Absolutely! Your boat is required to maintain a lookout for the possibility ofcollision at all times and to use all available methods and equipment (eyes,ears, radio, and radar, if installed). Of course, if you are the only person onboard, then you have to serve as master, crew, and lookout all at the same time.If there is more than one person aboard, however, the master should appoint aseparate lookout.

What Is a Safe Speed?

RULE6

You must never exceed a safe speed for the conditions. The Rules do not define"safe speed," but the courts have often interpreted it as the speed that wouldallow a boat to avoid collision. Factors you must consider include: visibilityconditions, background lights, traffic intensity, maneuverability of yourvessel, maneuverability of other vessels, wind and current, navigationalhazards, depth of water, and the limitations of radar.

Determining Risk of Collision

RULE7

Collision with another boat is possible when the compass bearing to it remainsconstant as your two boats converge. The rule specifically says that you mustuse all available means, including radar if you have it, to aid in thisdetermination. Fortunately, for small boat operators without radar, a relativebearing sighted against a stanchion or other fixed part of your boat maysubstitute for a compass bearing, as long as you maintain constant course andspeed. If there is any doubt at all, consider that collision is possible.

Action to Avoid Collision

RULE8

The give-way boat's...