By: Riviera Sea School, Your Sea School in the South of France (contact)
PART I – INTRO, STEERING AND SAILING RULES
IRPCS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) are set out by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and exist for all seafarers to follow. Although mostly common sense it is the seafarers responsibility these rules are followed at all times, keeping watch, traveling at a safe speed and assessing every maneuver for the risk of collision.
The IRPCS are not only vital for the safety of all water users but provide a clear line that separates inland and coastal waterways which differ in rules and regulations. Proceedures for navigating the European Inland Waterways are all laid out by the CEVNI code and should be abided by with the same diligence as COLREGS are abided by on coastal waters.
IPRC are set out in five different parts and written in great detail. We would encourage the serious student to take the time to study the document in full, here however we are going to give you a brief run down on the general points you should familiarize yourself with before setting out on the water.
Remember the following!
Lookout: All vessels must keep a vigilant look out at all times, by sight; looking out for day shapes, lights or visual aides, by sound; VHF Radio and all other available means such as Radar, GMDSS etc to assess the risk of collision.
Keeping a Safe Speed: All vessels must maintain a safe speed at all times and take into account visibility, weather and traffic conditions, prevailing conditions, maneuverability and stopping distance to ensure action can be taken to avoid any collision.
Risk of Collision: Use all available means to determine any risk of collision, do not rely on just one method.
Avoiding Collision: Make sure that any actions you take are obvious, positive and made in good time.
Abide by these rules!
Narrow Channels:
Vessels navigating in a narrow channel must keep starboard. Do not impede larger vessels that require the depth of the channel to navigate. A vessel must not cross a channel in a situation whereby it would impede another vessel that requires the depth of the water available in the narrow channel.
Head on Situation:
Both Vessels will turn to Starboard.
Over Taking:
Over taking vessels must stay well clear from the vessel they intend to over take.
Crossing Situations:
Vessels should steer a course at a right angle to the direction of traffic to ensure there is no confusion as to your intentions. Crossings must be made decisively, hesitation will cause confusion.
Sailing Boats:
When two sailing boats are approaching one another, the vessel with wind on its port side shall give way.
When both vessels have wind on the same side, windward shall give way to leeward. If the vessel with wind on its port side is uncertain as to whether the other vessel has wind to its port or starboard side it shall give way.
Power vessels will always give way to Sailing vessels.
If you would like to learn more about collision regulations, expand your boating knowledge or take part in some practical tuition then contact us for further information on our range of RYA Powerboat, Shorebased and Personal Watercraft courses.
Have fun!