2008 REED’s East Coast Edition - Rules & Regulations
gate only within such channel or fairway.
The latter vessel may use the sound signal
prescribed in Rule 34(d) if in doubt as to
the intention of the crossing vessel.
(e)
(i) In a narrow channel or fairway when
overtaking can take place only if the
vessel to be overtaken has to take ac-
tion to permit safe passing, the vessel
intending to overtake shall indicate
Figure 2 depicts the “blind area” ahead of
her intention by sounding the appro-
and on each bow of any vessel underway.
priate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)
Yacht captains should remember this basic
(i). The vessel to be overtaken shall, if
axiom: If you cannot see the bridge of a
in agreement, sound the appropriate
commercial freighter or tanker, the chances
signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(ii) and
are great that its captain cannot see you.
take steps to permit safe passing. If in
Avoid either remaining in, or crossing the
doubt she may sound the signals pre-
scribed in Rule 34(d).
(ii)This Rule does not relieve the over-
taking vessel of her obligation under
Rule 13.
(f) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a
narrow channel or fairway where other
vessels may be obscured by an interven-
ing obstruction shall navigate with par-
ticular alertness and caution and shall
sound the appropriate signal prescribed
in Rule 34(e).
(g) Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of
the case admit, avoid anchoring in a nar-
bow within, the blind arc. The actual area of
row channel.
the arc is a function of the size of the vessel,
the size of the yacht, the height of eye of the
Rule 10: Traffic Separation Lanes
vessel, and its beam. It is the yacht’s hull that
Traffic Separation lanes are designed to con-
has to be seen, not the mast.
trol the flow of large shipping traffic in and
out of busy ports. These lanes are marked on
Conduct of Vessels in Sight
charts.
of One Another
Two aspects of this rule are important to
yachts. First, all crossing vessels must cross
These rules govern how boats meeting each
on a heading as nearly as practicable at right
other must pass and cross, and who must stay
angles to the lane, thereby presenting a full
out of the way. Pay close attention to each situ-
profile to vessels using the lane. Second,
ation, noting the conditions that must exist
a vessel—even if under sail—is required
and the action that each boat must take. There
“not to impede the safe passage of a power-
is no absolute “right of way” in the Navigation
driven vessel following a traffic lane.” The
Rules; every vessel has certain responsibilities
aim should be to cross as quickly as possible,
in every situation.
which means using the engine when neces-
Rule 12: Sailing Vessels
sary and not trying to counteract any side-
(a) When two sailing vessels are approaching
ways effect of the tidal stream.
one another, so as to avoid risk of colli-
Figure 1 Yacht A is incorectly counteracting
sion, one of them shall keep out of the
the effect of the tidal stream by presenting a
way of the other as follows:
reduced profile to other vessels in the ship-
ping lane. Yacht B demonstrates the correct
procedure by crossing the lane at a right an-
gle, thereby presenting a full profile to othere
vessels within the waterway.
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