How to Deal With a Meeting Situation

There you are, enjoying the sun and waves when you suddenly notice another motor boat heading right for you. This is called a meeting a situation and while at first a bit daunting, dealing with it properly is a relatively simple exercise, provided you follow the Rules of the Road. The U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Rules for International and Inland Waters (72 COLLREGS) spell out the steps each skipper must take to avoid collision. That’s the whole point of 72COLLREGS, which most boaters call The Rules of the Road. In a meeting situation, both skippers must take essentially the same action. Read on to learn how to deal with a meeting situation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Air horn, whistle or bell
• Boat
• Copy of 72COLLREGS
• Basic knowledge of ad ability to measure angles

1. Carefully check your course and speed and that of the oncoming vessel. If it appears your courses are within roughly 11 degrees of each other, there is a strong risk of collision.

2. Alter course to starboard, which will allow you pass the oncoming vessel on your port side. This is known as “port-to-port.”

3. As the other vessel comes closer, within a half mile or so if not closer, sound one blast on your horn or whistle. This indicates you are turning to starboard and will leave the other vessel on your port side.

4. Wait for a return signal. Under the Rules of the Road, the other skipper must acknowledge your signal with one blast of his own.

5. If you are in a constricted or crowded waterway and must pass starboard to starboard, sound two blasts indicating you are turning to port. Again, get an acknowledgment from the other skipper.

6. If you have any doubts, do not receive an acknowledgment or do not see the other boat changing course, sound the danger signal of five short blasts and take any actions necessary to avoid collision.

Tips & Warnings

• Always try to make eye contact with the other boater, establishing a line of communication.
• Don't blast your horn then look around like you didn't sound a signal. Prevent confusion.
• Never assume another boater knows the Rules of the Road. Expect the unexpected.