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Crossing boats is a tricky situation that requires extraordinary attention from both operators. One inch here or there, your vessel can sustain big damage while crossing another.
Unlike on the road, where there are designated rules and lines to follow, water is an unknown territory, and maneuvering a boat requires a deep understanding of rules, decision-making skills, and quick thinking. It is up to the boat operators to communicate and work together to ensure a safe crossing.
Today, we are discussing what actions a sailboat operator does when crossing a PWC (Personal Watercraft). These two types of watercraft have varying sizes, shapes, and modes of operation, with a PWC typically requiring a rider such as a jet ski or water scooter.
Let’s move further and talk about the topic in detail.
Crossing Paths With Another Boat? What To Expect
| WHAT TO EXPECT | EXPLANATION |
| Determine the size and speed of other boats | This will help you understand which vessel has the right of way and how much room you need to give the other boat. |
| Speed and distance | Slow down or alter your course to avoid a close encounter, and always maintain a safe distance between your boat and the other vessel. |
| Communication | Use your radio, horn, or hand signals to make your intentions clear and ensure that both boats are aware of each other’s presence and course. |
| Local rules | The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea outline specific rules that govern the right of way in different situations. Follow these rules as closely as possible. |
| Bigger and quicker boats | Larger boats have the right of way over smaller vessels, while faster boats may require more room to maneuver. |
| Signals and flags | Other boats may display signals or flags that indicate their intended course or maneuvers. Be aware of these to help you predict their movements. |
| Be prepared to take action | If the other boat changes course suddenly or poses a hazard, be prepared to take evasive action to avoid a collision. |
| Be aware of the surroundings | Keep an eye out for other boats, swimmers, buoys, and other obstacles that could affect your course or pose a hazard. |
What Should Boat Operators Do?
Navigating a sailboat and PWC through each other can be challenging due to their contrasting features, mainly their size, and speed. Sailboats are generally larger and slower than PWC, which can make them difficult to operate, less maneuverable, and more susceptible to collisions. In contrast, PWC are fast-moving water crafts that can cause operators to lose situational awareness and increase their risk of accidents.
To avoid this situation, it is crucial for sailboat operators to take precautions when approaching a PWC head-on. Let’s take a look at some essential factors to consider before taking appropriate actions.
Navigation Skills
The primary step in approaching a PWC head-on with a sailboat is maintaining a safe distance and promptly reducing speed. Sailboats can be difficult to maneuver due to their size and shape, and reducing speed provides additional time to evaluate the situation and make informed decisions when crossing paths with other vessels.
| ACTION | DESCRIPTION |
| Slowing down | Always reduce your speed to allow more time to react to any changes in the PWC’s course. |
| Altering course | Operators must alter their course to avoid a collision with the PWC. They should maneuver to the left or right, depending on the direction a PWC is traveling. |
| Staying alert | Be alert and vigilant, scanning the water for other vessels and obstacles. |
Please refer to this video to learn more about navigation rules and skills:
The Importance of Communication
Effective communication between sailboat operators and PWC operators is key to avoiding collisions. Sailboat operators should use visual and audible signals to alert PWC operators of their presence and intention to avoid a collision. Some effective communication methods include:
1. Make Noise/Use Horn or Whistle
Sailboat operators should sound a horn or whistle to alert PWC operators of their presence.
2. Hand Signals
Hand signals should be used to communicate the intentions and position to PWC operators. For example, pointing to the left or right can indicate which direction the sailboat is turning. You can also use hand gestures to ask other vessels to stop or make way for you.
3. Communication Channels
Sailboat operators can connect with PWC operators nearby via a VHF radio or other communication devices. Channel 16 is the international hailing and distress frequency to establish contact and communicate their intentions.
Local Rules and Regulations
Before entering a remote location, it is essential to contact the local marine authorities to learn about the regulations governing the area. These rules are designed to promote vessel safety and ensure that all boaters comply with local waterway regulations. In the United States, the Coast Guard Navigation Rules COLREGS establish regulations for safe navigation and collision, as well as guidelines for crossing and overtaking.
Here are some important rules to remember:
| NUMBER | ACTION | DESCRIPTION |
| Rule 14 | Approaching Head-on | Operators should alter the course to starboard to avoid a collision with a PWC approaching head-on. |
| Rule 13 | Overtaking | Always keep clear of PWCs and maintain a safe speed when overtaking them from behind. |
| Rule 8 | Avoid Collision | Operators must take early and substantial action to avoid a collision with any other vessel, including PWCs. |
Here is a small video guide that will make things more clear for you:
Final Word
This article provides guidance on the appropriate measures to take when approaching a PWC head-on. Approaching another vessel at sea is akin to approaching an unmarked intersection on the road, requiring adherence to specific guidelines to prevent collisions. To avoid accidents, it is necessary to follow basic regulations. In this case, the sailboat operator should maintain their current speed and course while the PWC should maneuver to avoid the sailboat, given its limited maneuverability.
