Here is the "rule" that I paraphrased in my above quote. It comes from the COLREGS. General Rule 2:
Now while
USCG NAV RULES and/or the
COLREGS are not in effect on Lake Winnipesaukee, or accepted in NH, I would be hard pressed to think that a judge would impose penalties upon you for going through the Bear Island No Wake Zone at 70 MPH, even next year, if there were a tornadoe or severe thunderstorm warning in effect with lightening already in the sky!
Quote:
"The Prudential Rule"
Rule 2 This is often referred to unofficially as the "Rule of Good Seamanship" or the "General Prudential Rule." This Rule first states that all the Rules must be complied with, and the customary practices of good seamanship must be followed. But it then goes on to recognize that there may be "special circumstances." Its intention is to apply common sense to the interpretation and application of the Rules, and to prevent any perversion of the Rules to avoid the consequences of their misconstruction or misapplication. It recognizes that a departure from the strict language of the Rules may be required to avoid immediate danger - no vessel has the right of way through another vessel! There may be special situations where a departure from the Rules is not only desirable, but is required. Should a collision result, strict literal compliance with the Rules may not be a defense.
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