Boaters Safety Unit 2

Operating During Restricted Visibility

All operators should navigate with extreme caution if visibility is restricted. The following applies to vessels not in sight of one another. Every vessel must proceed at a safe speed given the conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel must have its engines ready to maneuver immediately. Unless a risk of collision does not exist, an operator who hears the fog signal of another vessel ahead, is in a close-quarters situation with another vessel ahead, or detects the presence of another vessel by radar must reduce speed to the minimum at which the vessel can be kept on course. If necessary, the operator should reduce speed to "idle speed."

restricted visibility

Any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms, or any other similar causes

risk of collision

Any situation when an approaching vessel continues on a collision course (the bearing of the approaching vessel does not change), or when you are approaching a very large vessel

engaged in commercial fishing

Any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing equipment that restricts maneuverability; however, does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing equipment that do not restrict maneuverability

Docking With Wind or Current Toward the Dock

Approach slowly, parallel to the dock. Let the wind or current carry your boat to the dock. Shift into gear briefly if you need to adjust position. Secure the bow and stern lines

Docking With Wind or Current Away From the Dock

Approach the dock slowly at a sharp angle (about 40 degrees). Use reverse to stop when close to the dock. Secure the bow line. Put the boat in forward gear briefly, and slowly turn the steering wheel hard away from the dock—this will swing in the stern. Secure the stern line.

Casting Off With No Wind or Current

Cast off the bow and stern lines. Shift to forward and slowly move forward, gradually turning your boat away from the dock.

Casting Off With Wind or Current Away From the Dock

Cast off the bow and stern lines. Use an oar or boat hook to keep the boat clear of the dock. Let the wind or current carry the boat away from the dock. Once there is sufficient clearance, shift into forward gear and slowly leave the area.

Casting Off With Wind or Current Toward the Dock

Casting off when the wind or current is toward the dock Cast off the stern line. Move and secure the bow line to a mid-boat position on the dock. Make sure fenders are in place on the bow. Put the boat into forward gear briefly, and turn the steering wheel hard toward the dock. Increase speed slowly until the stern is well clear of the dock. Cast off the bow line. Back out slowly until you have room to shift into forward and turn away from the dock.

Three Major Responsibilities of Every Boater

Collisions can be prevented easily if every vessel operator fulfills three major responsibilities. Practice good seamanship. It is the responsibility of every boat or PWC operator to take all necessary action to avoid a collision, taking into account the weather, vessel traffic, and limits of other vessels. Such action should be taken in ample time to avoid a collision and at a safe distance from other vessels. Keep a proper lookout. Failing to keep a sharp lookout is the most common cause of collisions. Every operator must keep a proper lookout, using both sight and hearing, at all times. Watch and listen for other vessels, radio communications, navigational hazards, and others involved in water activities. Maintain a safe speed. Safe speed is the speed that ensures you will have ample time to avoid a collision and can stop within an appropriate distance. Safe speed will vary depending on conditions such as wind, water conditions, navigational hazards, visibility, surrounding vessel traffic density, and the maneuverability of your boat or PWC. Always reduce speed and navigate with extreme caution at night and when visibility is restricted.

windward

Direction from which the wind is blowing, or upwind. Windward vessel refers to the vessel that is upwind of the other

leeward

Direction toward which the wind is blowing, or downwind. Leeward vessel refers to the vessel that is downwind of the other

In Any Type of Vessel—If You See a Red and a Green Light But No White Light

Encountering a Sailing Vessel at Night When you see a red and a green light but no white light, you are approaching a sailing vessel head-on and you must give way.

In Any Type of Vessel—If You See Only a Green Light or Only a Red Light

Encountering a Sailing Vessel at Night When you see only a green light or only a red light, you may be approaching a sailing vessel and you must give way. A sailing vessel is always the stand-on vessel except when it is overtaking

Remember ...

Every operator is responsible for avoiding a collision. In complying with the navigation rules, operators must consider all dangers of navigation; risk of collisions; and any special conditions, including the limitations of the boats involved. These considerations may make a departure from the navigation rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.

Navigation Rules Definitions

For the purpose of the U. S. Coast Guard's navigation rules, the following definitions apply. Vessel: Every kind of watercraft capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, including seaplanes Power-driven vessel: Any vessel propelled by machinery, including a sailboat using an engine Sailing vessel: Any vessel under sail and with no engine in use Vessel engaged in fishing: Any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing equipment that restricts maneuverability; however, this does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing equipment that does not restrict maneuverability Underway: Not anchored, tied to shore, or aground Risk of collision: Any situation when an approaching vessel continues on a collision course (the bearing of the approaching vessel does not change), or anytime you are approaching a very large vessel

Sailing Vessel Encountering Sailing Vessel

If a sailing vessel with the wind on its port (left) side cannot determine whether a windward sailing vessel has the wind on the left or the right, it should give way to the windward vessel. Wind On Same Side Sailing vessels encountering each other when the wind is on the same side When two sailing vessels are approaching one another with the wind on the same side, the leeward sailing vessel is the stand-on vessel. Wind on Different Sides Sailing vessels encountering each other when the wind is on different sides When two sailing vessels are approaching one another with the wind on different sides, the sailing vessel with the wind on its starboard (right) side is the stand-on vessel.

Remember ...

If operating a power-driven vessel, you must always give way to a sailing vessel unless the sailing vessel is overtaking your vessel.

Responsibilities Between Vessels

If operating a power-driven vessel, you must give way to: Any vessel not under command, such as an anchored or disabled vessel Any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, such as a vessel towing, laying cable, or picking up navigation markers, or a vessel constrained by its draft, such as a large ship in a channel A vessel engaged in commercial fishing A sailing vessel, unless it is overtaking If operating a sailing vessel, you must give way to: Any vessel not under command Any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver A vessel engaged in commercial fishing

PWC Encountering PWC

It is extremely important that a PWC encountering another PWC follow the same navigation rules that apply to motorboats or any other power-driven vessel. Most fatalities involving PWCs result from injuries caused by collisions and not from drowning. The operator and passengers ride on top of the PWC instead of down inside it. There are no hulls or other enclosures to provide protection from the impact of a collision. Due to the lack of protection, PWC collisions are more likely to be deadly for the operator and any passengers. Meeting Head-On PWC meeting PWC head-on Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel. Both vessels should turn to starboard (the right). Paths That Cross PWC crossing the path of a PWC The vessel on the operator's port (left) side is the give-way vessel. The vessel on the operator's starboard (right) side is the stand-on vessel. Overtaking PWC overtaking another PWC The vessel that is overtaking another vessel is the give-way vessel. The vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel.

Before Casting Off

Keep your boat tied to the dock while you warm up the engine. Make sure everyone on board is seated and wearing a life jacket. Check that the engine is running properly and the departure area is clear of traffic. Then begin to cast off.

Boaters tip

Make sure your navigation lights are working correctly, and carry extra bulbs. Use an all-round white light whenever the vessel is at anchor. Reduce speed and proceed with caution. Never be in a hurry. Be especially alert for everything in front of you. Avoid traveling alone at night; extra eyes can help you navigate. Stop if visibility is severely restricted, and use your sound signals to alert others in the area.

Power-Driven Vessel Encountering Power-Driven Vessel

Meeting Head-On Meeting Head-On: Power vs. Power Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel. Both vessels should turn to starboard (the right). Paths That Cross Paths That Cross: Power vs. Power The vessel on the operator's port (left) is the give-way vessel. The vessel on the operator's starboard (right) is the stand-on vessel. Overtaking Overtaking: Power vs. Power The vessel that is overtaking another vessel is the give-way vessel. The vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel.

Power-Driven Vessel Encountering Sailing Vessel

Meeting Head-On Meeting Head-On: Power vs. Sail The power-driven vessel is the give-way vessel. The sailing vessel is the stand-on vessel. Paths That Cross Paths That Cross: Power vs. Sail The power-driven vessel is the give-way vessel. The sailing vessel is the stand-on vessel. Overtaking Sailboat overtaking powerboatPowerboat overtaking sailboat The vessel that is overtaking another vessel is the give-way vessel, regardless of whether it is a sailing vessel or a power-driven vessel. The vessel being overtaken is always the stand-on vessel.

Common Navigation Lights

Navigation lights help you and other boaters determine which is the give-way vessel when encountering each other at night. These lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility, such as fog. There are four common navigation lights: Sidelights: These red and green lights are called sidelights (also called combination lights) because they are visible to another vessel approaching from the side or head-on. The red light indicates a vessel's port (left) side; the green indicates a vessel's starboard (right) side. Sternlight: This white light is seen only from behind or nearly behind the vessel. Masthead Light: This white light shines forward and to both sides and is required on all power-driven vessels. (On power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet in length, the masthead light and sternlight may be combined into an all-round white light; power-driven vessels 39.4 feet in length or longer must have a separate masthead light.) A masthead light must be displayed by all vessels when under engine power. The absence of this light indicates a sailing vessel because sailboats under sail display only sidelights and a sternlight. All-Round White Light: On power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet in length, this light may be used to combine a masthead light and sternlight into a single white light that can be seen by other vessels from any direction. This light serves as an anchor light when sidelights are extinguished.

Examples of Sound Signals Used for Encountering Situations

Navigation rules include the use of sound signals to communicate with other boaters. Sound signal of one toot for boat passing on its left side TOOT (one short blast) tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side." Sound signal of two toots for boat passing on its right side TOOT TOOT (two short blasts) tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side." The other vessel will sound the same signal if in agreement with the proposed maneuver.

Challenges of Navigating at Night

Night navigation presents additional challenges. You should always operate at a slower speed at night and be on sharp lookout for the lights of other vessels. The lights displayed by other vessels will help you determine whether they are operating under power or sail, and their direction of travel. Once you've determined this, you apply the same navigation rules used in the daytime. However, never assume that the lights of other vessels are working properly. Allow plenty of time and distance to give way if needed, even if the lights indicate you are the stand-on vessel.

In a Power-Driven Vessel—If You See a Green and a White Light

Power-Driven Vessel Encountering Other Vessels at Night When you see a green and a white light, you are the stand-on vessel. You should remain alert, however, in case the other vessel operator does not see you or does not know navigational rules.

In a Power-Driven Vessel—If You See a Red and a White Light

Power-Driven Vessel Encountering Other Vessels at Night When you see a red and a white light, you must give way to the other vessel! Slow down and allow the vessel to pass, or you may turn to the right and pass behind the other vessel.

In a Power-Driven Vessel—If You See a Red, a Green, and a White Light

Power-Driven Vessel Encountering Other Vessels at Night When you see a red, a green, and a white light, you are approaching another power-driven vessel head-on and both vessels must give way

In a Power-Driven Vessel—If You See Only a White Light

Power-Driven Vessel Encountering Other Vessels at Night When you see only a white light, you are overtaking another vessel or it is anchored. It is the stand-on vessel, whether underway or anchored. You may go around it on either side

Before Docking

Reduce speed to the minimum required to maintain steerage. Use reverse gear to bring the boat to a stop well away from the dock. Determine the wind and/or current direction while stopped by observing which way your boat drifts. If possible, make your approach into the wind or current, whichever is stronger. This will give you more control. Have bow and stern lines ready, and put boat fenders in place. Never plan to stop a moving boat with your arms or legs. When the area is clear of traffic, continue your approach.

Sound Signals Used to Alert or Warn

Sound signals let other boaters know where you are located during periods of restricted visibility, such as extreme fog. If you hear the fog signal of a vessel you cannot see, slow to a minimum speed until you are sure there is not a risk of collision. One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when underway. One prolonged blast plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailing vessels. Sound signals are used to warn other boaters or alert them to danger. One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when coming around a blind bend or leaving the dock). Five (or more) short, rapid blasts are used to signal danger or to signal that you do not understand or you disagree with the other boater's intentions.

Sound Signals Used for Encountering Situations

Sound signals used on the waterways are like the turn light indicators used to signal intentions on the highways. Sound signals are also like an automobile's horn used to let other drivers know you are near or to alert them of danger. All boaters should know proper sound signals, especially those boaters operating near commercial vessel traffic. Sound signals are composed of short and prolonged blasts and must be audible for at least one-half mile: Short blast—about one second in duration Prolonged blast—4-6 seconds in duration Sound signals can communicate a change in direction to other boaters. One short blast tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side." Two short blasts tell other boaters "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side." Three short blasts tell other boaters, "I am operating astern propulsion." For some vessels, this tells other boaters, "I am backing up."

Rendering Assistance

The navigation rules also require operators to stop and render assistance to a vessel in distress unless doing so would endanger their own vessel or passengers.

Additional Information About Navigation Rules

The navigation rules contained in this course summarize the basic navigation responsibilities for a boat operator on inland waterways. Additional and more in-depth rules apply to various types of waterways, such as International Waters and Western Rivers, and to operation regarding commercial vessels and other watercraft. It is the responsibility of an operator to know and follow all the navigation rules. For a complete listing of the navigation rules, refer to the U.S. Coast Guard publication, Navigation Rules, (COMDTINST 16672.2 Series) available online. For state-specific navigation requirements, refer to the laws of the state where you intend to boat.

Exceptions to the Navigation Rules

The rules that follow cover most of the situations you will encounter as a recreational boater. However, be aware that there are exceptions to the rules. For example if, you approach a vessel that has less maneuverability than your vessel, the other vessel will usually be the stand-on vessel.

give-way vessel

The vessel that is required to take early and substantial action to keep well away from other vessels by stopping, slowing down or changing course

stand-on vessel

The vessel that must maintain its course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way boat is not taking appropriate action; if you must take action, do not turn toward the give-way boat or cross in front of it

Rules for Encountering Other Vessels

There are rules that every operator must follow when encountering other vessels. Two terms help explain these rules: Give-way vessel: The vessel that is required to take early and substantial action to keep well away from other vessels by stopping, slowing down, or changing course. Avoid crossing in front of other vessels. Any change of course and/or speed should be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel. (A series of small changes should be avoided.) Stand-on vessel: The vessel that must maintain its course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. If you must take action, do not turn toward the give-way vessel or cross in front of it. The action a vessel operator should take when encountering another vessel depends on the answers to two questions. How are the two vessels propelled? Two power-driven vessels Two sailing vessels A power-driven vessel and a sailing vessel How are the two vessels approaching one another? Meeting head-on: A vessel operator sees another vessel ahead or nearly ahead Paths that cross: Two vessels are on crossing paths so as to involve risk of collision Overtaking: A vessel is coming upon another vessel from behind or nearly behind the other vessel

Remember ...

These casting off and docking procedures are for small, single-engine boats. Procedures for large boats, sailboats, or boats with twin engines will vary.

Towing Lights on Commercial Vessels

When commercial vessels are towing or pushing a barge, they display one or more yellow lights in place of a sternlight. There may be an unlit space of several hundred yards between the lights displayed on the bow and stern of the composite formed by the commercial vessel and its barge(s). Learn to recognize commercial vessel lights if boating on rivers, harbors, or coastal waters.

What You've Learned

You've completed the material of Unit 2 of the online boating safety course! You should now: Be able to cast off and dock under different wind and current conditions Know three major responsibilities of a boat operator Know what to do when encountering another boat Know types of night navigation lights and how to interpret them Be able to use and interpret sound signals