Give-way by steering to starboard early folks

jrc · 07-14-2011, 01:34 PM

Unfortunately, the boating course uses terminology from the USCG rule and not from the NH laws:

270-D:2 General Rules for Vessels Operating on Water. –
...
III. When vessels are crossing courses or approaching each other in an oblique direction which may involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on its starboard side shall keep out of the way of the other, allowing the latter vessel to keep its course and speed.
...

The vessel on the starboard side is allowed to keep course and speed, not required to do so. As a matter of fact, if you don't understand the other guys intention you need to slow down to steerage speed:

... V. If, when vessels are approaching each other, either vessel fails to understand the course or intention of the other from any cause, such vessel or vessels shall immediately slow to a speed barely sufficient for steerage until the vessels have safely passed each other. If it appears the danger of collision is imminent both vessels shall stop or reverse and not proceed until such danger has been averted...

I always assume I'm going to have to yield, so I usually aim for the stern of the crossing boat early, even if I don't have to.

07-14-2011, 01:34 PM	#21
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	Unfortunately, the boating course uses terminology from the USCG rule and not from the NH laws: 270-D:2 General Rules for Vessels Operating on Water. – ... III. When vessels are crossing courses or approaching each other in an oblique direction which may involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on its starboard side shall keep out of the way of the other, allowing the latter vessel to keep its course and speed. ... The vessel on the starboard side is allowed to keep course and speed, not required to do so. As a matter of fact, if you don't understand the other guys intention you need to slow down to steerage speed: ... V. If, when vessels are approaching each other, either vessel fails to understand the course or intention of the other from any cause, such vessel or vessels shall immediately slow to a speed barely sufficient for steerage until the vessels have safely passed each other. If it appears the danger of collision is imminent both vessels shall stop or reverse and not proceed until such danger has been averted... I always assume I'm going to have to yield, so I usually aim for the stern of the crossing boat early, even if I don't have to.