As stipulated in COLREG, which is the regulation to prevent collisions at sea, we can use specific light markings, or cones displayed on the boat so that they are visible from a distance.
In addition to these elements, the COLREG also contains some rules of precedence, which are different for motorboats and sailboats, that you should be aware of.
In this guide we will overlook the rules of precedence, as well as some common sense rules that you should keep in mind when sailing.
Finally, we will talk about some real-life cases.
COLREG rules of precedence
There is a right of way between ships.
Generally, the hierarchy of precedence is:
1) The ship that does not steer;
2) The ship with limited maneuverability (e.g., large);
3) The ship conditioned by its own dive;
4) The fishing ship;
5) The sailing unit;
6) The motor-powered unit.
Usually, the one coming from the starboard side takes precedence, so one must consider the overexposed hierarchy first and then consider the starboard rule.
Sailing units
A distinction must be made for sailing units, which govern precedence based on the tack.
What is rigging?
The tack originally were the rigging used to tack upwind the square sails, which downwind were tacked by the sheets. The leeward tack (reverse tack) was kept in tack until the tack was “changed”, that is, until the tack was tacked.
You may also happen to hear the term “tack”. Today this term is used to refer to the low angle toward the bow of each sail (which it is more correct to call “the tack angle”).
Common sense rules for precedence
As always, it is a case of using common sense even beyond the precedence regulations provided by COLREG.
If you see a large vessel maneuvering with difficulty it is appropriate to give way, or a working boat, a rowboat who is towing a scow, or other such cases.
In some cases there are vessels longer than 20 meters, so it is appropriate not to get in the way when you are in these lanes.
Priority should then be given to public order, security and first aid units, particularly when they have a blue flashing light on.
Or, to units used for public transportation.
The maneuver to give precedence should be decisive, timely and obvious. In doubtful situations, the hazard is considered to exist.
Some practical tips
In all cases a safe speed should be maintained.
A sailboat sailing under power becomes to all intents and purposes a motor boat, and this requires the sailor to seek the utmost common sense in any situation.
In general, as mentioned above, it is always best to give precedence to large vessels.
It’s always best to check the position of the wind: in the figures below we see some common case histories with arrows indicating the wind, arrows indicating the course to be followed to avoid collision, and the tacking of the two units.