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Chapter 16
Collision Regulations – "Rules of the Road"
The Collision
Regulations govern traffic behaviour and patterns to reduce the
probability of collisions at sea. These regulations are the "rules
of road". They set out the responsibilities between vessels under
way and prescribe the obligations of vessels when meeting head-on, crossing,
and overtaking when in sight of one another and when in restricted visibility.
Different rules of conduct apply in conditions of restricted visibility.
Consult the Canada
Shipping Act, Collision Regulations for further information.
The Collision
Regulations are largely consistent with international
requirements, although some Canadian modifications have been introduced.
They apply to all vessels, from small boats up to large freighters, on
all navigable waters in Canada.
This booklet covers general rules of navigation that all small vessel
operators should know and remember. For specific rules, see the Canada
Shipping Act, Collision Regulations.
CONSTANT LOOKOUT ^
Operators must maintain a constant all-around visual and audio lookout.
You are required to use every available means, including radar, and radio
(if so equipped), to determine whether there is any risk of collision
with another vessel.
NAVIGATION ^
Safe Speed
Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can
take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within
a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
In the Canadian waters of a roadstead, harbour, river, lake or inland
waterway, every vessel passing another vessel or work that includes a
dredge, tow, grounded vessel, or wreck shall proceed with caution at a
speed that will not adversely affect the vessel or work being passed,
and shall comply with any relevant instruction or direction contained
in any Notice to Mariners or Notice to Shipping.
Power-Driven Vessels
A power driven vessel is any craft propelled by machinery, such as an
inboard or outboard engine.
Crossing Situation in Sight of One Another
If a power-driven vessel approaches your powered vessel from your port
side, maintain your course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the
give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. The other vessel is
required to keep out of your way. You are the "stand-on" vessel.
Figure 16-1 – Crossing Situation
If a power-driven vessel approaches your powered vessel from your starboard
side, you must keep out of the way and avoid crossing ahead of the other
vessel. The other vessel is the "stand-on" vessel and is required
to maintain its course and speed.
Meeting or Head-on Situation in Sight of One Another
If a power-driven vessel approaches your powered vessel head-on or nearly
head-on where there is a possible risk of collision, you should alter
your course to starboard so that the other vessel will pass on your port
side. The other vessel is required to take the same action so that you
will pass on its port side.
Figure 16-2 – Head-on Approach
Passing or Overtaking Situation in Sight of One Another
If you are approaching another vessel to pass, you must keep out of the
way of the vessel being overtaken. A vessel is considered to be overtaking
another vessel if it approaches from a direction within her stern sector.
Keeping Out of the Way
Power-driven vessels must keep out of the way of sailing vessels, vessels
engaged in fishing, and vessels not under command, as well as rowing boats
and other craft with restricted maneuverability. You are required to take
early action to keep clear of these vessels unless being overtaken by
one of them. Vessels less than 20m and fishing vessels shall not impede
the passage of larger vessels within a narrow channel.
Figure 16-3 – Sectors of a Vessel
Whenever you are in doubt of another vessel's intentions or actions,
and when you are in sight of one another, indicate such doubt by giving
5 short blasts on the whistle.
* Important: Different rules of conduct may apply depending
on the specific environmental conditions. It is the obligation of the
vessel operator to be aware of the complete collision regulation requirements
for their specific vessel.
MORE INFORMATION ^
To consult your local Transport Canada Centre, please see Appendix
2.
Canada Shipping Act, Collision Regulations, CRC, Vol. XV, c. 1416
http://www.tc.gc.ca/acts-regulations/GENERAL/C/csa/regulations/010/csa014/csa14.html
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