All too often, boaters are seriously injured or killed due to operating at excessive speeds while underway. Sadly and in most cases, it is not only the operator who is injured, but generally all those on board as well.
The Rules address the question of safe speed as follows: "Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions."
Seems clear enough although let's look at this a bit closer. "Every vessel shall at all times..." First, we know that a vessel is defined as "every description of water craft, including nondisplacement craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water." Therefore, if you own a boat...you own a vessel and this rule, along with all the others, pertains to you. The words, "Shall at all times" means at all times!
The Rule continues by adding, "In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken in account:
(A) By All Vessels:
(i) the state of visibility, (ii) the traffic density including concentration of fishing vessels or any other vessels, (iii) the maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions, (iv) at night, the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back scatter of her own lights, (v) the state of wind, sea, and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards, (vi) the draft in relation to the available depth of water."
The truth is, the proper use of seamanship and common sense will help you determine a safe operating speed.
For example, let's say we are a mile offshore, or out in the middle of a large lake or river enjoying a sunny day of boating. The water is calm, the air clear and visibility is not a problem. There is no other boat traffic to speak of, we're clear of all ATON's and we have plenty of depth. So...we decide to open her up! We throttle to wide open, heading on a straight course and under control...now this is what power boating is all about!
Are we operating at a safe speed? For now, yes, but if conditions change and they usually do, we will need to decrease our speed and give our throttle a break. Let's also not forget that we are responsible for the actions of this vessel which includes her wake.
We must always remember to adjust speed to the prevailing conditions. We need to slow down when visibility is hampered, when we are within traffic, harbors or any other busy areas. The wind, the state of the sea and current, the proximity of aids to navigation and navigational hazards all play a major role in determining a safe speed as they greatly influence maneuverability.
We need to know our vessel. That is to say, we need to thoroughly understand her capabilities with regard to turning ability and the distance needed to safely bring her to a stop.
We need to be certain we have enough water depth, therefore; we need to know the waters in which we are boating. Collisions with sunken reefs, sand bars, rock bars, and underwater obstructions generally have no effect on them, however; at high speeds...it's usually deadly for the boater.
In conclusion, boating is a wonderful recreation and a rewarding profession. Operating your vessel safely is your responsibility and knowing how to determine a safe operating speed needs practice and constant vigilance. Why be in such a hurry? Enjoy the ride!
With the holidays just around the corner, I invite you to visit American Marine Supply to get the perfect gift for all the boaters on your list. You will find ideas such as nautical clocks, tide clocks, nautical jewelry, nautical gifts and much more. We offer a large selection of boat accessories, boat equipment, and boat supplies for the power and sail boater alike.
Have a great day on the water!
Respectfully,
Charles J. Morris - President and Licensed USCG Master
American Boat Captains, LLC
