Mariners and
boaters often use the phrase “Rules of the Nautical Road” to refer to
the rules within the instruction manual, Navigation
Rules, International-Inland (COMDTINST M16672.2D), published by the U.S.
Coast Guard (USCG) Navigation Standards Branch. This publication contains the
navigation rules to which all vessels operating on U.S. waters must adhere.
An
Overview of the Navigation Rule Handbook
There are 38
rules contained within the publication, many containing several sub-rules. The
booklet also contains an addendum featuring a host of annexes, interpretative
rules, and other associated navigation regulations.
After a brief
introductory section explanation of the applicability and relative terms, the handbook’s rules are divided into
three subsections:
- Conduct of Vessels
in Any Condition of Visibility –
this section covers rules regarding look-outs, speed, determining risk of
collision, avoiding collision, traversing in narrow channels, and traffic
separation.
- Conduct of Vessels
in Sight of One Another –
this section covers rules regarding sailing vessel, overtaking (passing),
head-on situations, crossing, giving way, right of way, and responsibilities
between vessels.
- Conduct of Vessels
in Restricted Visibility
- Parts C and D of the rules go over lights, shapes, and sound and light
signals. Part E discusses exemptions to the rules.
Summary of Sample Rules
Some of the
rules are rather vague, such as Rule 6 that provides speed guidelines. The
guidebook does not stipulate exactly at what speed vessels must travel, but
rather that “every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that
she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision.”
Some rules
are more specific. For example, Rule 22
provides that vessels 50 or more meters long must have a:
- masthead light
that’s visible for six miles;
- sidelight, a towing
light, and an all-round light that
are visible for three miles;and
- special flashing
light that’s visible for two miles.
A few other important USCG rules of
the road include:
- A vessel being
overtaken should maintain its course and speed. (Rule 13 and 17)
- All vessels need to
maintain a proper lookout at all times. (Rule 5)
- “When two
power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel which has the other on its own
starboard side shall keep out of the way and avoid crossing ahead of the
other vessel.” (Rule
15)
- A fishing vessel
engaged in fishing can’t impede the passage of any vessel following a
traffic lane. (Rule
10)
The above
rules are only a sampling of the navigational requirements by which vessel
operators need to abide. All boaters are required to comply with allthe applicable rules within the Navigation Rules, International-Inland.
You can read the entire booklet online on the U.S. Coast
Guard Navigation Center’s site, or you can
obtain a copy from the U.S.
Government Bookstore (SN: 050-012-00407-2).
Logbooks for Mariners
Vessel owners
also have certain logbook requirements they must meet. For quality logbooks
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