RED GREEN How hard is it?

[Fed]

When I first got a boat license I didn't understand the rules, I had thing thing in my head saying, "red to red, red is left, green is right, blah blah blah".
I just didn't get it.
Fortunately the little old testing guy down under the harbour bridge with his boat board and little coloured boats set me straight, it hit me like a ton of bricks.... Ahhh so that's how it works! Everything is reversed when you're going in the opposite direction! Who would have thought that!

I think that's exactly what's happening now, they're not playing chicken, they just don't understand.
I'm going to wave the next guy down and tell him he's driving on the wrong side.

[Marlin_Mike]

And therein lies the problem Mike.........how many boaties carry paper charts, have the ability to read them and don't use their GPS as their only source of navigation aid?

The responsibility lies with the vessel master. If you dont know an area, then get to know it, buy the chart, buy a beacon to beacon, but taake the time to find out, dont jump in blindly, the duty still lies with the skipper.

Mike

[Fed]

What is this beacon to beacon thing, has anyone got a pic or something?

[charleville]

What is this beacon to beacon thing, has anyone got a pic or something?

It is a book of maps....
http://www.marinasguide.com.au/plann...ontobeacon.htm


I am not sure that they can be properly termed "charts" in the formal sense of what that word means in maritime circles, but the maps are very good. Anyone in SE Queensland with a boat should have one. The maps are especially good for doing what the name says - guiding you from beacon to beacon - or across the bay - or anywhere on the water. They show the recommended path to take through the beacons.


They are widely available.


.

[IcyDuck]

It's just like a street directory but for waterways. I've always got it onboard and have a good look at it before I go anywhere I'm not familiar with. I'm not sure if it is available in states other than Qld but here is the link

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Publications.aspx

Regards,
Phil

[ozscott]

Problem with the pin is shifting banks. Charts don't account for that oddly enough so local knowledge is the go - which is code for get out as often as you can and sus it out whilst not going flat knacker. Cheers

[Stuart]

I approach my boating with the assumption that no one in sight of me knows what the hell they are doing. In most cases, I’m proven right. I remember fondly when I was fishing wide of the Barwon banks, a guy pulled up a few meters next to me and yelled out “What way is home mate, my GPS is broken”. WTF, are you joking?. The sun is setting mate, what way do you think it is? He had no clue, if I told him East he would have run out of fuel with out seeing land. This guy was a local so go figure.

[Stuart]

Ask anyone if they know how to read a chart and I bet they say “what a chartplotter”. Most of my mates don’t know how to work out Lat and Long from a chart.

[Marlin_Mike]

Ask anyone if they know how to read a chart and I bet they say “what a chartplotter”. Most of my mates don’t know how to work out Lat and Long from a chart.

My point exactly Stuart..............they should make the effort to learn

Mike

[WalrusLike]

I've been thinking of making a idiot proof sign for the ning nongs that keep charging at me on the wrong side of the channel.

In big letters I could hold it up as they go past:

ON THE WATER
KEEP TO THE RIGHT!

[Homer_Jay]

Well bugga me, I have run aground at the pin, with the change of direction in and out of port. Maybe I should have rolled the paper chart out on the middle thwart of the tinne. I guess I am not perfect.

I have also been guilty of passing on the wrong side once or twice. After driving the car for thousands of miles and not being on the water for a while, a momentary lapse of concentration. But that was quickly fixed by the bloke with his waving some sort of signals at me ( some sort of sign language I didn't quite understand), nice fella he was, pointing out the fact I am not perfect!

I also ride a jet ski some days...... Is there any help for me?????

[WalrusLike]

Homer I do understand that mistakes happen. I know because I keep making them... 😄

It's quite right of you to point out that we all go wrong sometimes. Thanks for being sensible and pointing that out. I personally don't make rude gestures to others because it's counterproductive. I really wasn't serious about making a sign.

Although the odd boat turning the wrong way is explainable, there seems to be too many to be explained by occasional error.

I think many just don't know that oncomming boats should veer to starboard. (the right hand side. &#128513

Also, many seem unaware that smallish sail boats may have deep keels and can't be shoved further to the channel edge.

In wide open areas it's safe to pick the side of the route that suits you, but in channels we need to stick to the right to avoid customising by crunch. I wish more knew this basic marine principle.

Regarding bouyage direction, I think it's a shame there isn't a diagonal black bar down through the upstream side of the markers to indicate the reverse of the marker. Having said that, everyone should either already know, or check the chart.

Sorry for the long post... My two cents worth.

[Grand_Marlin]

Everyone has to learn, but this is stuff that you must know to keep yourself and others safe.
In saying that, I have driven up the wrong side of the highway in Texas...

Cheers

Pete

[Richo1]

One thing to remember is that you only need to follow Rule 14 "Head on situation" (eg. Alter course to starboard) if a risk of collision exists. No risk of collision, no need to alter to starboard. However, when in narrow channels or fairways it is recommended to stay on the right side of the centre of the channel. No problems being in the center, just alter to starboard when another boat approaches from the opposite direction.
Crossing situation "red has right of way" if your showing the other boat your red side the other boat gives way to you and vice versa - if a risk of collision exists.
Cheers Richo

[frosti]

i am talking at night