LittleSister
Well-Known Member
When I was a nipper in the Sea Cadets (1960s), I was taught 'steam gives way to sail, sail gives way to oars'. However, as far as I can see the ColRegs provide no guidance as to how vessels under oars should be treated. As one who sails, motors, rows (dinghies) and paddles (sea kayaks and Canadian canoes), I would appreciate the Forum's combined wisdom on the matter, particularly in respect of crossing situations.
Although vessels under oars fall within the general definition of vessels, and are specifically mentioned in Reg25 as to the lights they display, I can find no explicit reference to them elsewhere. Though the overtaking rule (Reg 13) applies to them (whether being overtaken or, rare as it is, overtaking), the head on, crossing and sailing vessel rules (Regs 12, 14, 15) do not, and they do not feature in the hierarchy of vessels in Reg 18.
Personally, I always try to keep clear or give way to vessels under oars when I am motoring or sailing, on the basis that this is both polite and sensible; then change hats and assume 'might is right' and try to keep clear of anything bigger and faster than me when I am under oars (or paddles). However, the latter isn't always possible, e.g on sea crossing in a kayak.
A particular bugbear last year was always having to row past the entrance to a busy marina to reach my mooring. The marina occupiers, with a few honorable exceptions, always seemed to think that my relatively sedate progress across their urgent path to sea or back to base didn't merit the slightest alteration of course or speed. Having had some uncomfortably close shaves (and in at least one case an earful of abuse), I often wondered what the 'official' situation was, both to try to avoid conflict and should there ever be an accident.
Yesterday out for a paddle in a canoe had near miss and one actual collision (received no damage and an apology) with motorboats who suddenly veered out of the channel in our direction. Collision regulations wouldn't have avoided those situations (though common sense on the part of their helmsmen might have!), but in the event of an accident and perhaps insurance claim, where would anyone stand?
Although vessels under oars fall within the general definition of vessels, and are specifically mentioned in Reg25 as to the lights they display, I can find no explicit reference to them elsewhere. Though the overtaking rule (Reg 13) applies to them (whether being overtaken or, rare as it is, overtaking), the head on, crossing and sailing vessel rules (Regs 12, 14, 15) do not, and they do not feature in the hierarchy of vessels in Reg 18.
Personally, I always try to keep clear or give way to vessels under oars when I am motoring or sailing, on the basis that this is both polite and sensible; then change hats and assume 'might is right' and try to keep clear of anything bigger and faster than me when I am under oars (or paddles). However, the latter isn't always possible, e.g on sea crossing in a kayak.
A particular bugbear last year was always having to row past the entrance to a busy marina to reach my mooring. The marina occupiers, with a few honorable exceptions, always seemed to think that my relatively sedate progress across their urgent path to sea or back to base didn't merit the slightest alteration of course or speed. Having had some uncomfortably close shaves (and in at least one case an earful of abuse), I often wondered what the 'official' situation was, both to try to avoid conflict and should there ever be an accident.
Yesterday out for a paddle in a canoe had near miss and one actual collision (received no damage and an apology) with motorboats who suddenly veered out of the channel in our direction. Collision regulations wouldn't have avoided those situations (though common sense on the part of their helmsmen might have!), but in the event of an accident and perhaps insurance claim, where would anyone stand?
