I know that this my seem a really stupid question but after spending a few days on the water lately i am bewilderd. If i am approaching another vessell head on which is also moving, whch side do i let her pass me on, the port (left) or starboard (the other side). I am asking this question as do i have it wrong or do people just dont give a toss.
frustrated
Jewie
People don't give a toss, it reads in the manual to alter course to the starboard side (boat passes on your port).
If your passing someone which is heading in the same direction ie passing, you can pass on either side in a save manner.
From the manual
To look at pictures where to pass click on below link http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/qt/msq.nsf/index/col_regs
From MSQ Website with out pictures read below
Safety - Collision regulations
Everyone using the waterways should know the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea **.
Keeping a lookout
A good lookout, through sight and sound, must be kept at all times. The master is responsible for keeping a lookout for dangers. Be aware of the boating environment, especially in bad weather, restricted visibility and darkness.
Navigation rules
Navigation rules are often called "Rules of the Road at Sea" and apply to all boats. These rules give clear indication about passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking other boats.
You should always make your movements clear and deliberate so that other masters can see your intentions. Never assume the master of another boat will observe the rules; always be prepared to take action to avoid a collision.
Rivers and channels
A vessel must always be navigated on the starboard side (right) of a river or channel.
Approaching head on to another boat
Each boat alters course to starboard (right) and passes port to port (left). Always assume this situation exists.
Power-driven boats crossing
A boat approaching from your starboard (right) side has right of way. If you are approaching another boat from its starboard side, you have right of way. However, if the other boat does not give way, you must take action to avoid a collision.
Overtaking
If you are overtaking a boat, you can do so to either side of the boat you wish to pass. However, you must keep well clear of the boat you are overtaking. This applies to both sail and power boats.
Sailing boats and power-driven boats
Power usually gives way to sail. However, this does not always apply. Larger vessels, such as ferries or container ships, have difficulty manoeuvering due to their size. Masters of other boats, including sail boats, should always apply common sense and seamanship by giving larger vessels a wide berth.
Sailing boats
When two sailing boats have wind on different sides, the boat with the wind on the port side must give way.
When both boats have the wind on the same side, the boat to windward shall give way to the boat to leeward.
Sound signals
Most recreational boats do not use sound signals, however they are used by ships and larger vessels with restricted manoeuvrability. Boats over 12 metres should carry sound signals, either horn or bells. You should be aware of signals and what action you should take when you hear a signal. Sound signals may be accompanied by light signals.
All boats should use sound signals in restricted visibility to alert others of their position. Use common sense and slow your boat or stop, and be ready to take immediate action. Be extremely cautious when operating in restricted visibility.
One short blast means "I am altering course to starboard".
Two short blasts mean "I am altering course to port".
Three short blasts means "I am operating engines astern" (the boat may be reversing or stopping).
Five (or more) short blasts means "I am unsure of your intentions".
Mitch
i reckon that everytime i go out on the water i have to avoid at least 1 if not more possible collisions from people who just don't want to pass port to port & when you are in narrow channels it is quite freaky.with more & more people on the water its not going to be long til there will be some serious collisions.
shubeej
If you get confused about Port and Starboard just use the fact that it the opposite side to what we use on the road. On the road you travel on the left side and the oncoming traffic passes on your right. On the water you travel to the right and the oncoming vessel passes on your left.
I agree with the principal of making your intentions known early by a pronounced move to the right and slowing down if in a restricted channel.
Willdoe
also remember that to pass on the port side is only necessary if there is danger of collision, I have seen people go way off their course just to pass on the 'correct" side, if there is no danger and plenty of room you can pass on either side.
I was in the Pine river last week ... I was heading in, he was heading out.
He went on the wrong side of the green markers over the mud bank, just so as he could stay on the "left" of me, like he was driving a car.
I had given him all the room he needed to pass port to port as per the rules, but he had absolutely no intention of staying in the channel and following the rules
When this sort of thing happens (sadly, quite frequently), it is obvious you are dealing with a very inexperienced or unlicensed driver.
I just pull back to about 8 knots and get ready to take evasive action if needed.
If they have no idea of the rules then they can be very unpredictable in what their next move will be.
Cheers
Pete
Originally Posted by Noelm
This is true in practice, but it doesnt state this in the rule book.
I think it always pays to try and stick to the rules wherever possible ... it saves a lot of confusion if you know what people are going to do.
In saying this, I know where you are coming from Noel, I too have seem people go 300m out of their way to pass port to port when there was no need.
What I would hate for people to think, is if the ar ein say the pine river and they assume they have plenty of room (which there sort of is) that they decide to pass on whatever side they feel like at the time ... very confusing and very dangerous ... especially if both boats are travelling at speed.
Cheers
Pete
Jewie,
Waterways had a sticker with the rules on it, I have one stuck in the boat as a reminder. The office in Ballina used to give them away. They are worth having especially at holiday times!
The reason started this post was after a few days on the water i was beginning to think there had been a rule change over night! There were so many people with absolutely no idea on the rules and it was very obvious as everyone wanted to pass me on my starboard side, thinking the rules were the same as the road. I just needed to make sure i wasnt one of them!
Jewie
Hey Guys,
In spite of the "rules" which I think are pretty lame - Really it's a no brainer that they should have made it the same as driving a car - ie YOu drive on the LHS - how easy is that?
All they have done is to confuse the inexperienced. - The powers that be go on and on about safety - and they police rules that are different to what mom and dad boatie are used to - if that isn't stoopid - I don't know what is.
Anyway off my soapbox now
My advice:-
1) Make your intentions clear - whether you are turning to port or starboard. exaggerate the maneuvoure a little bit to make it obvious which way you are going.
2) Be the first to alter course (to starboard if possible) - giving both vessels plenty of time.
3) Once you committ to a course - please don't change your mind - it onlyleads to dramas
4) Expect the unexpected - if you stick to the above - you should be pretty right - you have to assume the oncoming skipper hasn't a clue. Especially at holiday time!
Mark
SunnyCoastMark,
Remember that the Rules of the Road are INTERNATIONAL rules, and we are, as a nation, legally bound to comply with them.
Also, 95% of the world drives on the RIGHT side of the the road - we are one of the odd ones out!
All of this goes to show how effective the Licensing system is (NOT) - this is one of the most important, and most basic of the Collision Regulations.
Happy New Year!
TOPAZ,
Yeah I know - crazy isn't it - They apply international rules to the water - but not to the road.
We can't even have the same licensing & registration standards Nation wide both marine and road. - Morons.
Mark
Annoying in narrow channels when you are forced to go to the wrong side of the channel as a result of someone who sticks to the wrong side, particularily when there are other boats approaching on the correct side of the channel!!!
Rgs
Michael
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