Boat electronics have made many navigation tasks a breeze. I’m sure you’ve seen all the latest electronic wizardry at your local boat shows. For a relatively small expenditure you can command the waterways with digital mapping and satellite positioning. But you still need to have a basic understanding of the rules of the road to operate your vessel safely and courteously.
Electronics
Today’s marine electronics have come a very long way from when I began boating. In my early days fishing the Gulf waters around Key West, we used a paper chart, a good compass, speedometer, and stopwatch to find wrecks. In the late 1970’s, advancements in LORAN-C made units smaller and more affordable. LORAN-C was eventually replaced as the standard by GPS in the 2000’s after improvements in accuracy and lifting of regulations that had limited civilian use.
GPS units are extremely affordable and truly a modern marvel of our digital world. Boats can now easily navigate on autopilot to a location anywhere in the ocean. And when you marry the technology of GPS, autopilot, and integrated engine controls, you can even anchor electronically over a pinpoint location. “Skyhook”, as it is known, keeps a boat on a precise location by automagically controlling engines’ thrust and direction with information from the GPS. Great for fishermen or any situation where you want to keep you boat stationary in conditions where wind and current would normally require deploying a physical anchor.
Electronic GPS navigation has become extremely user friendly. It’s easy to simply point, click and go to a desired location, or plan a route ahead of time. Digital navigation maps also make it easy to see areas to avoid which may not be obvious to the naked eye. Gone are the days of paper charts and dead reckoning.
But all these advancements in electronic navigation have come with a cost. Many boaters have become too dependent on the technology and may be hard-pressed to navigate a vessel without the GPS and digital mapping. Also, many new boaters are blissfully unaware of the rules of road and navigating basics beyond what appears on their screens. Below are some of these navigating basics that we always wished the “other guy” knew.
Common Sense Tips When Interacting with Other Vessels
First, assume the other boater knows nothing about navigating a boat. Second, reduce speed if necessary. Third, immediately assume all responsibility for keeping yourself, your passengers, and your vessel safe. Be ready to take whatever evasive maneuvers are necessary to avoid a collision. Fourth, don’t get distracted and be ever vigilant of other vessels operating in your vicinity. Lastly, take decisive action early to make your intentions obvious to other boaters.
Sailboats and Powerboats
Although there are some technical nuances to the interaction between sailboats and powerboats, my simple rule of thumb is: Sailboats always have the right of way. This even applies if your engines are off, you are drifting, and a sailboat is headed in your direction. In these cases, powerup and move out of the sailboat’s path. Enough said, accept it as a cautionary tale and move on.
Two Powerboats on Path Cross or Collide
In a direct head-on situation, vessels should pass each other port-to-port – just like driving on paved roads. Change your course to starboard as needed to make your course and intentions obvious to the other boat.
In other situations, the crossing of two vessels may not be directly head-on. If the other vessel is approaching you from predominantly the port side, you become the stand-on vessel. Technically, you are required to maintain your course and speed. It is the responsibility of the other vessel to adjust their course as needed. But as noted above, be prepared to alter course if necessary to avoid a collision – always.
Alternatively, if the other vessel is approaching you from the starboard side, you become the give-way vessel. Take what action is needed to safely pass each other.
Passing Another Boat moving in the Same Direction
Whenever you are passing a boat moving in the same direction, the other boat always has the right of way. Give plenty of room, pass cautiously, and remember you’re 100% responsible for anything that happens in this situation.
Be safe out there and have fun.
