Collision avoidance

We really hope this is obvious by now, but just in case, it’s advised that you resist the urge to hit other vessels, swimmers & structures. 

Avoiding collisions is a major part of safe boating. Just like you would in a car, you need to know what manoeuvres to execute and what direction & speed you should do to avoid hitting any other objects. All boaters using the waterways must thoroughly understand and apply the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (Colregs). There are multiple test questions on Collision Avoidance Techniques so you need to know everything in this topic.

Essentially, you, as the skipper, need to…

Assess Risk Of Collision & Take Action

Use all means available to assess whether other boats pose a risk of collision. If a risk of collision exists, early positive action (changing course and/or speed) must be taken to eliminate the risk.

Make Your Intentions Clear

All of your actions must be clear and deliberate so other skippers can see your intentions. You should never assume the operator of another boat will observe the rules and you should always be prepared to take action to avoid a collision.

Keep A Proper Lookout

A good lookout through sight and sound must be kept at all times. Be aware of the boating environment and take extra precautions in bad weather, restricted visibility and darkness to assist with the early detection of other boats in the area.

Make Yourself Known In Restricted visibility

All boats should use sound signals in restricted visibility to alert others of their position. Use common sense and slow your boat or stop and be ready to take immediate action. Be extremely cautious when operating in restricted visibility.

Carry Sound Signals

Most recreational boats do not use sound signals. However, they are used by commercial ships and larger vessels. Boats more than 12 metres should carry sound signals, a whistle and a bell. Boats under 12 metres should have some means for making an efficient sound signal. You should be aware of sound signals and what action you should take when you hear a sound signal. Sound signals may be accompanied by light signals.

Collision Rules

Collision avoidance techniques are developed to give you a clear indication about the correct way for passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats. They are the traffic laws on the water; you must obey them.

Driving in a channel

A boat must always be navigated on the starboard side (right) of a river or channel.

Approaching head on with another boat

Each boat alters course to starboard (right) and passes port to port (left). Always assume this situation exists. 

Power-driven boats crossing

A boat approaching from your starboard (right) side has right of way. If you are approaching another boat from its starboard side, you have right of way. However, if the other boat does not give way, you must take action to avoid a collision. 

Overtaking

If you are overtaking a boat, you can do so at either side of the boat you wish to pass. However, you must keep well clear of the boat you are overtaking. This applies to both sail and power boats. 

Sailing boats and power-driven boat

Power usually gives way to sail. However, this does not always apply. Larger vessels, such as ferries or container ships, have difficulty manoeuvring due to their size.

Masters of other boats, including sail boats, should always apply common sense and good seamanship by giving larger vessels a wide berth. 

Sailing boats

When two sailing boats have wind on different sides, the boat with the wind on the port side must give way.

When both boats have the wind on the same side, the boat to windward shall give way to the boat to leeward.

Note: Large vessels are restricted to particular channels and cannot deviate from their set course. These vessels are restricted in their ability to alter their course due to their size and need a large area to turn and stop. Their stern swings out wide when negotiating a turn and they lose steerage if they travel too slowly. Keep well clear of these vessels.