Rules of the Road

United States Power Squadrons

USPS University

Seminar and contents copyrighted by USPS 2008

Seminar Reference

Per Inland Rules: Boats 12 m or greater must carry a copy of these rules

Why Rules?

• Communicate actions

• Set level of expectation

• Provide guidance in various situations

• Identify other boats

AVOID COLLISIONS

Framework

• Parallel sets of rules

Minor differences

• COLREGS –

International Regulations for the Prevention of

Collisions at Sea

• INLAND –

Bays, inland waters (U.S.)

Same language

Adds a few words

Can communicate via radio as well as sound

signals

Line of Demarcation

U.S. Inland Rules

Demarcation Line

COLREGS

Structure of Rules

• Define actions of 2 vessels 38 Rules

• Categories of Rules: General Steering & Sailing Rules

• Those that apply to all Vessels,

• Vessels in Sight of Each other,

• Vessels in limited visibility

Lights & Shapes

Sound and Light Signals

Annexes

Some key thoughts

• Practical

• Rather than absolute right of way… “stand-on” and “give-way”

• except downbound on certain rivers

• Based on maneuverability

• Focus – collision avoidance

International and Inland - General

• General: • Rule 1 – Application

• Rule 2 – Responsibility

• Rule 3 – General Definitions

Rule 1: Application

• The rules apply to ALL VESSELS on the high seas and navigable waters.

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Rule 2: Responsibility

• No matter what happens, the person in charge of the vessel must do everything possible to avoid collision.

• Under certain circumstances you are allowed/expected to break rules to avoid collision.

• Rules do not protect a participant in a collision from fault.

Quackenbush

Rule 3: General Definitions

• Underway: not anchored, grounded, or attached to shore. Includes vessels dead in water.

• In sight: seen with the eyes.

• Restricted Visibility: any atmospheric condition reducing visibility.

• Stand-on vessel: vessel obligated to maintain course & speed.

• Give-way vessel: vessel obligated to keep out of way of other.

Rule 3: General Definitions 2

• Vessel: any watercraft.

• Power-driven Vessel: propelled by machinery.

• Sailing Vessel: propelled by sail alone.

• Seaplane: aircraft which can maneuver on water.

• Vessel not under command (NUC): Vessel unable to maneuver due to exceptional circumstances.

Rule 3: General Definitions 3

• Vessel Engaged in Fishing: vessel fishing with equipment that restricts maneuverability (nets, trawls, etc.)

• Vessel Constrained by Draft: a power driven vessel which, because of draft, is severely restricted in ability to deviate from her course (COLREGS only).

• Vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver: vessel which, due to her nature of her work, cannot maneuver.

Steering and Sailing Rules

• Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility: • Rule 4 – Application

• Rule 5 – Lookout

• Rule 6 – Safe Speed

• Rule 7 – Risk of Collision

• Rule 8 – Action to Avoid Collision

• Rule 9 – Narrow Channels

• Rule 10 – Traffic Separation Schemes

Rule 4: Application

• Rules in this section apply in any condition of visibility

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Rule 5: Lookout

• Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight, hearing and installed electronic equipment.

• Skipper appoints a separate (designated) look-out if there is more than one person aboard.

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Rule 6: Safe Speed

• Requires every vessel proceed at a safe speed to avoid collisions under existing conditions and circumstances

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Rule 7: Risk of Collision

• Use all available means to determine if collision with another boat is possible.

• converging on a constant relative bearing…

• results in a collision

• remember skippers must avoid collision

Rule 8: Avoiding Collision

• Give-way vessel must take significant and obvious action in ample time.

• Must be obvious to Stand-on vessel.

Course change may be more apparent

Unless Stand-on is abeam, then speed change may be better

Rule 9: Narrow Channels

• No specific definition Based on relation between

size of boats and channel

• Stay near outer limit to starboard As far as safe and practical

• Other boats Stay clear of vessels

constrained by draft Cross channel at right

angles

• INLAND Downbound vessel has

right-of-way

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Rule 10: Traffic Separation

• Inbound and outbound traffic lanes

• Divided by separation lines or zones

• One-way lanes for large ships

• Vessels under 20 m or fishing shall not impede vessels following lanes

• Cross lanes at right angles

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Traffic Separation Schemes

inbound

outbound separator

Inshore traffic zone

Inshore traffic zone

inbound

outbound separator

Navigation Aid

Southern Approach

Eastern Approach

Cross traffic zones at Right angles

Southeastern Approach

• Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another : • Rule 11 - Application

• Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels • Rule 13 - Overtaking • Rule 14 - Head-on • Rule 15 - Crossing Situations

• Rule 16 - Action by the Give-way Vessel

• Rule 17 - Action by the Stand-on Vessel

• Rule 18 - Responsibilities Between Vessels

• Rule 19 - Restricted Visibility

Steering and Sailing Rules

Rule 11: Application

• Rules in this section apply to vessels in sight of one another.

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Rule 12: Sailing Vessels

• Sailing vessels Under sail alone

• No engine

• Sailing vessels approaching each other… one shall keep out of

the way of the other: • Wind different sides

• Wind same side

• Can’t tell

•Give way •Stand-on

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• Sailing vessels Under sail alone

• No engine

• Opposite Tacks Port Tack: Give-Way

• Same Tack Windward: Give-Way

• Downwind Port Tack: Give-Way

• If uncertain Give-Way

port tack

port tack

Rule 12: Sailing Vessels

Rule 13: Overtaking

• Overtaking vessel keeps out of the way All vessels

• Vessel being overtaken maintains course and speed

• Overtaking vessel is give-way until past and clear

• Stand-on Vessel

• Give-way Vessel (overtaking)

• Power-driven vessels meeting head-on

Both are Give-Way vessels

Both should alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port

Sound or VHF to signal agreement on which side

• Exception: Great Lakes and Western Rivers

Downbound have right-of-way over upbound boats

Rule 14: Meeting - Head-on Situation

• Two power vessels cross, the one to the port side of the other is the GIVE-WAY vessel.

• Power vessel GIVES- WAY to sailing vessel

Rule 15: Crossing Situation

Rule 16: Action by Give-Way Vessel

•Stand-On vessel

•Give-Way Vessel

Turn to starboard

Rule 17: Action by Stand-on Vessel

•Stand-On vessel

•Give-Way Vessel

Maintain Course & Speed

Rule 18: Responsibilities Between Vessels

Overtaken

WIG

Only

New

Reels

Catch

Fish

So

Purchase

Some

Worms

Rule 19: Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

• Applies to vessels not in sight of each other when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.

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Lights and Shapes • Rules:

Rule 20 - Application

Rule 21 - Definitions

Rule 22 - Visibility of Lights

Rule 23 - Power Driven Vessels Underway

Rule 24 - Towing and Pushing

Rule 25 - Sailing Vessels

Rule 26 - Fishing Vessels

Rule 27 - Vessels not under command / restricted in ability …

Rule 28 - Vessels constrained by draft

Rule 29 - Pilot vessels

Rule 30 - Vessels aground/at anchor

Rule 31 - Seaplanes

• Lights shall be displayed: From sunset to sunrise

In conditions of restricted visibility

In all other circumstances when deemed appropriate

• Purpose of Lights and Dayshapes: Helps determine stand-on/give-way status.

Indicates the occupation of certain vessels.

Aids in the determination of target angle and course.

Rule 20: Application of Lights

Rule 21: Definitions

• Masthead light - white light over centerline with an unbroken 225° arc and when combined with the stern light covers the entire 360° arc.

• Sidelights - green starboard side and red port side light. Each covering an unbroken 112.5° arc.

• Sternlight - white light on or near the stern showing an unbroken 135° arc.

Rule 21: Definitions (cont.)

• Towing light - a yellow light having the same characteristics as the “sternlight.”

• All-round light – a light showing an unbroken light over a 360° arc.

• Flashing light - a light flashing at regular intervals with a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute.

Rule 22: Visibility of Lights

Rule 22: Visibility of Lights

TYPE OF LIGHT COLOR ARC

MINIMUM RANGE Boat Length

>50 m 12-50 m

Masthead white 225° 6 nm 5 nm

Sidelight red / green 112.5° 3 nm 2nm

Sternlight white 135° 3 nm 2 nm

Towing yellow 135° 3 nm 2 nm

All around various 360° 3 nm 2 nm

Flashing yellow / blue 360° 3 nm 2 nm

Rule 23: Power-Driven Vessels

Rule 24: Towing/Pushing

Rule 25 : Sailing Vessels

Rule 26: Fishing Vessels

Rule 27: Vessels Not Under Command

• If making way, side/stern light

• “Red over red, Captain is dead”

McGraw-Hill

Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver

• Dayshape = ball-diamond-ball • “A” for diving operations • 3 green lights (not vertical) for mine clearing

USN

USN

Rule 28: Vessels Constrained by Draft

Day

McGraw-Hill

Night

Rule 29: Pilot Vessel

“White over red, pilot ahead”

USN

Rule 30: Vessels Anchored

Rule 30: Vessels Aground

McGraw-Hill

Rule 31: Seaplanes (& WIGs)

• Shall exhibit lights and

shapes as closely similar

in characteristics and

position as is possible.

US Army Wing in Ground (WIG)

Sound Signals

• Rules: Rule 32 – Definitions

Rule 33 – Equipment for Sound Signals

Rule 34 – Maneuvering and Warning Signals

Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility

Rule 36 - Signals to Attract Attention

Rule 37 – Distress Signals

Rule 32: Definitions

• Whistle - any sound appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and meets the Regulations Annex III specifications.

• Short blast - a blast of about one seconds’ duration (.)

• Prolonged blast – a blast of from four to six seconds (-)

Rule 33: Equipment for Sound Signals

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• A vessel 12 m or more shall have a whistle.

• A vessel 20 m or more shall have a bell in addition to whistle.

• A vessel 100 m or more shall have a gong in addition to whistle & bell.

• A vessel less than 12 m shall have means to make an efficient sound signal.

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals

COLREGs INLAND

Signal

Intended action Proposed action

Answer

Meeting / Crossing

None required

Respond: Same signal (<½ mi)

Overtaking narrow channel

Acknowledge Respond: Same signal

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals (Cont.)

Meeting/Crossing – I intend/propose* going to:

Starboard

Port

Astern

Warning (disagree)

Approaching Bend or departing dock (inland)

* COLREGS/INLAND

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals (Cont.)

Overtaking – I propose (INLAND) overtaking to:

Starboard

Port

Agree to be overtaken* echo same signal

Warning (I don’t understand)

Approaching Bend or departing dock (inland)

* Agreement required before taking action

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals (Cont.)

Overtaking – I intend (COLREGS) overtaking to:

Starboard

Port

Agree to be overtaken*

Warning (I don’t understand)

* Agreement required before taking action

Rule 35: Sound Signal in Restricted Visibility

Power

Making way

Stopped

Manned tow

NUC, Restricted Maneuver including: Sail, fishing, restricted draft

Anchored

Aground (<20m) any sound every 2min

Rule 36: Signals to Attract Attention

• Any vessel may make light or sound signals that can not be mistaken… to attract attention of another vessel…

• Note: Inland Rules allow use of strobes

Rule 37: Distress Signals

•“I need assistance”