Boaters need to all just get along

Ahoy.

I received quite a few responses to last week’s column, especially

about a growing lack of courtesy between boaters in Newport Harbor,

and many were concerned with the never-before boater at the helm of a

new yacht. Every summer, we have the intensification of those using

the waterways, whether sailing classes, charter boats, outriggers,

fishermen or paddlers.

I actually like to see people using our harbor, and we must all

learn to be respectful and tolerant of each other on the water. Too

often, I hear the excuse from someone pushing the rules, “I have been

living here for 20 years so ... .”

First off this week, I heard two skippers squabbling over the

radio about a passing situation, and each skipper noted how long they

have been boating here for whatever reason. Sadly, both skippers were

using horrible VHF Marine radio protocol as set forth by the FCC

considering how long they stated they have been boating. Interesting

that golfers work hard to improve their game and lose any bad habits.

Boaters might want to follow the golfers’ example.

Who cares whether someone has been here 20 years or an hour? As I

have stated in many columns, most boaters do not know the navigation

rules, and I wonder how many actually know what the rule book looks

like. Did you know that a copy of the U.S. Coast Guard

International-Inland Navigation Rules book is required to be on board

all vessels more than 12 meters or 39.4 feet long, and every vessel

regardless of size must follow these rules?

I am not convinced that licensing every boater is the answer,

however, I do recommend that boaters, especially new ones, attend

classes and seminars or hire a private instructor.

Also, common sense, but if you see a fleet of sabots, then look

for their buoy placement and try to go outside. Just as true, the

sailing classes need to constantly evaluate their buoy placement for

safe passage by other boaters. Remember, the two biggest

misconceptions I hear all the time are that sailboats and the Balboa

ferryboats “always” have the right-of-way, which is incorrect.

Safe passage by all vessels is the primary objective of the

nav-rules and in a harbor, sea-room is an important factor. What does

this mean? Vessels should always try to port to port (left to left).

Vessels being overtaken (passed) usually have the right of way of the

boat passing them. Sailing vessels usually have the right of way when

under sail (not power), when on a straight course and when not

impeding safe passage of other vessels. In basic terms, a sailboat

crossing in mid-channel is usually the stand-on vessel over a

power-driven vessel. However, the sailboat must maintain course and

speed, and this means you cannot tack (turn) directly in front of the

other vessel’s bow nor pitch off a vessel cruising next to the

shoreline.

Often you will hear reference to Rule 9, which governs the

steering and sailing rules in narrow channels. Excerpts from the

section include, “a vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a

sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can

safely navigate only within a narrow channel,” and “a vessel shall

not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the

passage of a vessel,” and “a vessel engaged in fishing shall not

impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow

channel.”

Further, Rule 18 responsibilities between vessels states, “Except

where Rules 9, 10 and 13 otherwise require: (a) a power-driven vessel

underway shall keep out of the way of: (iv) a sailing vessel.”

This is where the confusion and interpretation of the rules differ

widely among boaters. It’s obvious that sailing in the Rhine Channel

falls under Rule 9. But is the large turning basis by the anchorage

area defined as a narrow channel, meaning Rule 9 or 18 could apply?

What most people forget is that the rules are written basically

for one-on-one encounters, so when several vessels are at risk of

collision, then everyone is responsible for being a prudent sailor to

avoid a collision. Let’s be prudent, courteous and work together for

a fun summer of boating.

Safe voyages.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send

him your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions by

e-mail to [email protected] or visit BoathouseTV.com.