Avoid Collisions
When driving a boat, you must do everything possible to avoid collisions. If you’re unsure whether there’s a risk of collision, it’s better to be safe and assume there is. You should follow navigation rules, but keep in mind that sometimes, as a boat operator, you may need to break these rules to prevent a collision.
How to Tell If You’re at Risk of Collision
- If another boat is coming toward you and it doesn’t seem to be changing its direction, and it’s in the area from the front of your boat to just behind the middle on the right side (starboard), you should assume you’re at risk of collision.
- You could still be at risk even if the other boat is changing direction, especially if it’s a large boat, a boat being towed, or if the boat is very close.
How to Avoid a Collision
If you need to avoid a collision, you should change your direction and/or speed early, and the change should be big enough so the other boat can see what you’re doing. Small changes might not be enough to prevent a collision.
