Boating Collision Regulations

Collision Regulations

• These are International regulations to prevent collisions at sea and the Canadian modifications. They apply to the high seas and in all waters connected to the high seas that are considered to be navigable. They define common terms (i.e. Port, starboard, stern, bow, draft etc..)
• They state that .. “the operator of pleasure power driven craft shall take early and substantial action to keep well clear of a vessel engaged in fishing, or a sailing vessel.
• They state that .. “the operator of a pleasure sailing craft shall take early and substantial action to keep well clear of a vessel engaged in fishing.
• They set common rules for power driven vessels, sailing vessels, fishing vessels, etc...The rules are designed so that all operators know what is required of them and to give them knowledge of what the approaching vessel is going to do.
• These regulations require that you keep a proper lookout by sight and hearing to prevent accidents
• They require that you use all available means to avoid accidents .. adjust speed, keep well clear, exhibit vigilance while operating craft etc..
• They state that the following factors must be taken into account when determining a safe speed:
  
  
  • the state of visibility
  • the traffic density including concentrations of fishing or other vessels
  • state of the wind
  • sea and current
  • proximity to navigational hazards
• They specify that boats less than 20 metres shall not impede the passage of a large craft in a narrow channel .. regardless of who has the defined right of way
• Collision regulations define who has the right of way when motor boat meets motor boat .. when motor boat meets sailboat .. when sailboat meets sailboat .. when sail or motor boat meets fishing boat etc..
• Collision Regulations require the boat with the right of way to maintain their course and speed
• They require the operator of the craft to adjust their speed according to visibility, traffic density, wind and state of the water and proximity to navigational hazards.
• They make boaters responsible for your own wake or wash. If your wake causes a canoe or rowboat to capsize .. you are responsible .. be aware of where you are .. watch for swimmers!
• Collision Regulations require that you stay clear of a boat showing Code of Signals “A” – which indicates that they have a “diver down”. You are legally required to slow down and steer clear.
• They explain required sound and light signals. (I.e. sound one long sound immediately followed by one short when visibility is reduced)
• They define distress signals so all boaters recognize them
• They cover other required equipment which is pertinent to specific sizes of vessels (i.e. passive radar reflectors etc.)

As a pleasure craft operator, you must be aware of the differing factors that can affect you and your passengers.  Some of these factors are:

Action	Effect
Motion of the pleasure craft	Dizziness and nausea
Sunlight	eyesight, dehydration, sunburn or sunstroke
Waves	balance, dizziness and nausea
Wind	dehydration, hypothermia, balance
Sound	enginenoise and natural water noise reduce hearing acuity
Alcohol	dizziness, nausea, poor judgement

As a responsible pleasure craft operator, it is important to remember that we share the waterways with many different and varied activities.  You must be aware of:

• swimmers and properties
• adjust the speed of your craft so that the draw-off and wave disturbance generated by the passage of your craft does not cause injury to persons, erosion of the shoreline or damage to others properties
• know and obey Collision Regulations
• use courtesy and common sense so as not to create a hazard, a threat, a stress or an irritant to themselves, to others, to the environment or to wildlife.

One of the most important thing that a boater should do before heading out in their pleasure craft is to check the weather forecast.  This can be done quite accurately and effectively by using the following sources:

• personal observations...(does it look like rain?)
• newspapers
• radio
• television weather channel
• radiotelephones
• Environment Canada

Weather forecasts in Canada are described using the following terms which describe anticipated wind conditions:

Term	Description
Light Winds	wind speeds less than 12 knots
Moderate Winds	wind speeds in the range of 12 to 19 knots
Strong Winds	sustained wind speeds int he range of 20 to 33 knots
Small Craft Warning	sustained wind speeds in the range of 20 to 33 knots
Gale Warning	sustained wind speeds in the range of 34 to 47 knots
Storm Warning	sustained wind speeds in the range of 48 to 63 knots
Hurricane Warning	sustained wing speeds in the range of 64 knots or more

It is extremely important for all operators to check the weather forecast prior to departure to avoid putting the craft and persons on board at risk.

There are also numerous potential local hazards that should be considered before departure as well. Some of these could include:

• low-head dams
• rapids
• sudden winds
• tides
• currents
• white water
• overhead cables
• underwater cables
• bridges
• rapid build up of high wave conditions

Ensure that you are equipped with the most recent Nautical Chart for the areas in which you will be operating your craft.