{"id":2073,"date":"2018-10-01T10:50:48","date_gmt":"2018-10-01T17:50:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tradewindssailing.com\/wordpress\/?p=2073"},"modified":"2018-10-01T11:05:57","modified_gmt":"2018-10-01T18:05:57","slug":"inland-navigation-rules-simplified-7-through-10-by-tradewinds-instructor-virginia-l","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tradewindssailing.com\/wordpress\/general\/inland-navigation-rules-simplified-7-through-10-by-tradewinds-instructor-virginia-l\/","title":{"rendered":"Inland Navigation Rules \u2013 Simplified! 7 through 10 \u2013 By Tradewinds Instructor Virginia L."},"content":{"rendered":"

Inland Navigation Rules <\/strong><\/p>\n

Nav Rules Make Easy<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Rules 7 \u2013 8 \u2013 9 – 10<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

In the Nav Rules Made Easy<\/em><\/strong> series, we\u2019ll explain each Inland Navigation Rule, with an emphasis on the information that\u2019s most important for recreational sailing in the San Francisco Bay.\u00a0 We won\u2019t include portions of the rules that are highly technical and intended for commercial mariners.<\/p>\n

Note: If you travel more than one mile outside the Golden Gate Bridge or if you charter a boat in another country, the International Rules apply.\u00a0 Many of the International Rules are exactly the same as the Inland Rules.\u00a0 However, there are also a few that contain important and significant differences from Inland.\u00a0 Make sure that you study and learn International Rules if you are traveling in international waters.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Rule 7 \u2013 Risk of collision<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rule #7 tells us to avoid any possibility of hitting another boat or obstacle.<\/p>\n

Maintain awareness of your surroundings.\u00a0 Make sure that you can see 360 degrees around your boat.<\/p>\n

Use all the tools and equipment available to help you be fully aware of other boats and objects on the water.<\/p>\n

Use binoculars, sunglasses, radar, boat tracking software applications, chart plotters and nautical charts to help you see other boats.<\/p>\n

Be aware of other boats on the water and decide if there is any risk of collision.\u00a0 If you think there is any possible risk of collision, assume that there is risk and then take appropriate action.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s consider a few examples.<\/p>\n

What if the lookout sees an image on radar that is not clear and wonders if the image could be another vessel or object on the water?\u00a0 In this case, the rules tell the lookout to assume that the image is another vessel or object, and to avoid that area.<\/p>\n

What if you\u2019re out on the water and there is a lot of sun glare making it hard to see?\u00a0 Make sure that you have sunglasses that block sun glare so you can see other boats.\u00a0 If you see something and you\u2019re not sure if it\u2019s another boat, Rule 7 tells you to assume that it is a boat.<\/p>\n

Rule 7 also talks about the concept of \u201cconstant bearing, decreasing range.\u201d\u00a0 This means that another boat stays in the same relative position to your boat as the boats become closer to each other.\u00a0 If the position stays the same as the boats get closer, there is definite collision risk.<\/p>\n

What if you see another boat on the water and the boat\u2019s position stays the same relative to your boat?\u00a0 Let\u2019s say you see a boat coming from your starboard side at ten o\u2019clock.\u00a0 Ten minutes later, the boat is still at ten o\u2019clock relative to your boat.\u00a0 Since the other boat\u2019s position did not change, your boat and the other boat are on a collision course.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

There are some situations when the other boat\u2019s relative position will actually change and yet you are still on a collision course.\u00a0 This can happen if the other boat is very large, like a barge.\u00a0 It can also happen if the other boat is very close to your boat.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Rule 8 \u2013 Action to avoid collision<\/strong><\/p>\n

When your boat is the \u201cgive-way\u201d vessel, you are required to change course or speed to avoid a collision.<\/p>\n

Make course changes obvious enough so the other vessel can clearly see that you are altering course to avoid them, and soon enough to avoid the other boat\u2019s skipper getting nervous.<\/p>\n

There are some standard, recommended course changes to make when you are the \u201cgive-way\u201d vessel:<\/p>\n