Chapter 5
RULES OF THE ROAD
Rules of the Road
On the water, vessels of all kind need to follow a set of rules that govern those waters. This set of rules is called the Rules of the Road and it is very important that both skipper and crew are aware of these rules. Courtesy and common sense are enough to tell you that a small boat should stay out of the way of a larger vessel. However, if there is a risk of collision the Rules of the Road clearly apply to large and small vessels alike. Take a look at some of these definitions before continuing.
The first and most important rule that dictates to all vessels is to avoid collision at all cost. Once this is understood, there is a pecking order that vessels follow which determines who is the Stand on vessel and who is the Give way vessel. In the list below, a vessel is the stand on vessel to all vessels below it.
N – A vessel Not under command
R – A vessel Restricted by maneuverability
C – A vessel Constrained by draft
F – A vessel engaged in Fishing or Trawling
S – A vessel under Sail power only
P – A vessel that is Power-driven
S – A Seaplane
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In the case of sailboats there are a few other rules that apply. These rules come from the Racing Rules of Sailing, Part 2 Section A, Rules 10-13
Rule 10: Sailboats on Opposite Tack
“When boats are on opposite tacks, a port tack boat shall keep clear of a starboard tack boat.”
Remember that a port tack boat has the wind blowing over her port side and the sail is on her starboard side. The port tack boat can keep clear by turning around, sailing behind the stern of the starboard tack vessel or crossing the bow of the starboard tack vessel. The important thing to remember is that the port tack vessel cannot cause the starboard tack vessel to alter course in order to avoid contact.
Rule 11: Sailboats on the Same Tack, Overlapped
“When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, a windward boat shall keep clear of a leeward boat.”
Rule 12: Sailboats on the Same Tack, Not Overlapped
“When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, a boat clear astern shall keep clear of a boat clear ahead.”
Rule 13: While Tacking
“After a boat passes head to wind, she shall keep clear of other boats until she is on a close-hauled course. During that time the previous three rules do not apply. If two boats are subject to this rule at the same time, the one on the other's port side shall keep clear.”
