The Rule states, under both International and Inland, that "(a) Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt, such risk shall be deemed to exist."  

"(b) Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects."

"(c) Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information."

"(d) In determining if risk of collision exists the following considerations shall be among those taken into account: (i) such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change; and (ii) such risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a tow or when approaching a vessel at close range."

Make no mistake about it...if a collision occured, there had to be a "risk of collision" prior to the collision. Vessels generally don't simply appear out of thin air...or do they? 

Remember, the "Rules of the Road" were written to include all vessels, large and small, with or without radar or any other sophisticated electronic warning systems. Each and every Rule is designed to prevent collisions.

It's interesting to note that in several studies, the majority of collisions were caused by basic errors of navigation usually with one of the vessels moored or at anchor. In these studies, only 21% or so were underway at the time of the collision.

Contributing factors to the collisions, in order of frequency, were: inefficient watch keeping, excessive speed, lack of assessment of the situation, lack of early positive action, passing or overtaking too close, failure to observe traffic schemes, incorrect lights or signals, mechanical failure, and negligent maneuvering.

In all three situations, overtaking, meeting, or crossing, in clear visibility or restricted visibility, inefficient watch keeping and/or a bad radar lookout was the largest cause for the collision. Excessive speed was second followed by simply getting into close quarters unnecessarily.  

For those of you who own vessels, large or small, equipped with operational radar or not, you are required under Rule #5 to maintain a Proper Look-Out at all times. (Rule #5 is discussed in a previous entry). If you do not, you may be guilty of inefficient watch keeping. If your vessel is equipped with radar, is it operational and are you and your look out properly trained in its use? Do you really understand what you're looking at? If not, I would strongly suggest seeking professional training...it very well could save your life as well as the life of others.

As far as excessive speed is concerned, I refer to Rule #6 - Safe Speed (this is also discussed in a previous entry). Excessive speed reduces your ability to maneuver, your ability to stop in an appropriate distance, and your ability to take proper and effective action to avoid a collision.

In summary, please remember, if there is any doubt in your mind that a risk of collision may exist, consider the risk to be a reality and take appropriate action. As my mother would say, "better safe than sorry"!

I hope this information has been helpful and I invite you to visit our on-line store for any boat accessories, boat supplies or boat equipment you may need. AmericanMarineSupply.com also has a large selection of nautical gifts, nautical clocks, tide clocks, engine parts, fiberglass repair supplies, navigation equipment, and much, much more. Your visit and consideration would be greatly appreciated.

Until next time...stay well and Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Respectfully,

Charles J. Morris - President & USCG Licensed Master

American Boat Captains, LLC