Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations do not specify any speed limits, because there are too many different factors that can bring a pleasure craft operator to modify his/her speed. Conditions of visibility, traffic density, wind, sea, and current conditions, and the proximity of navigational hazards are different circumstances that will incite a prudent pleasure craft operator to navigate at safe speeds. You must always operate your pleasure craft in such a way as to maintain control at all times. By keeping control of your pleasure craft you can avoid an accident; therefore, protecting the passengers from injury or death.
Traveling at high speed
A pleasure craft traveling at high speed requires increased stopping distance in the event that the operator must stop in an emergency. This situation requires that the operator be more attentive because he/she has less time to react to changing conditions. In low visibility, such as fog or night navigation, the regulations require that the operator adopt a speed according to the conditions at hand. In the case of restricted visibility (fog, falling snow, heavy rain, etc.) the operator must use a sound signalling appliance in order to signal his/her presence.
A boating restriction regulation may be emitted locally for:
- prohibited vessel types,
- standardized speed limits, and
- maximum engine power limits.
Wake and wash
The operator of a pleasure craft shall at all times proceed with caution at a speed, such that “wake and wash” will not adversely affect:
- other vessels, such as anchored vessels, grounded vessels, wrecks, dredge, tow;
- rowboats or canoes;
- passing by works such as shoreline, docks, floats, or wetlands;
- other waterways users such as swimmers;
- areas of bathing beaches, areas where divers are working, or areas of anchorage.
Restricted visibility
One must not forget that the operator of a pleasure craft not in sight of other vessels in or near an area of restricted visibility (fog, falling snow, heavy rain, etc.) shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility.
Maintain a proper lookout
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means which are appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions, in order to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
Attract the attention of another vessel
If necessary, to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals.
In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night, a power-driven vessel making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes one prolonged blast. A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes, two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about two seconds to make its postion known to other boaters.
Instruct passengers about emergency procedures
A pleasure craft operator should instruct passengers about emergency procedures and the use of safety equipment on the boat, during a pre-departure meeting.
200 feet
At more than 5 miles per hour: Within 200 feet of swimming areas, diving platforms, passenger landings, or areas where vessels are moored. Within 100 feet of swimmers.
What is the minimum distance between boats?
A: Boaters should keep their distance from all military, cruise line, or commercial shipping. Do not approach within 100 yards, and slow to minimum speed within 500 yards of any U.S. naval vessel.
How far from the nearest other boat must a PWC reach before moving faster than no wake speed?
100-200 feet
High speeds too near shore or other boats: Most states require 100-200 feet of separation between boats and the shore when moving at more than no-wake speeds. (No wake means the slowest possible speed your boat will go and still provide maneuverability.)
How close to shore can you drive a boat?
To maintain a proper distance when you are operating at greater than “slow, no wake speed” (except in channels that are not posted), the vessel or persons being towed must not be within 100 feet of: A shoreline (if operating in water less than three feet deep) Any moored or anchored vessel.
How fast do boats go at night?
The speed limit (restriction) for boating at night lies between 15 mph and 30 mph in general. That’s an average value where most of the state’s speed limit falls on, but to know the speed limit more accurately, you need to look at the state’s (night) boating rules where you are boating.
The USCG can board any vessel under the U.S. jurisdiction. Once aboard the ship, the service members can inspect and search the vessel. They can also make arrests and ask for information about the ship, the workers, the homeport and the destination of the vessel.
What minimum distance must be maintained?
Do not approach within 100 yards and slow to minimum speed within 500 yards of any U.S. Naval vessel. If you need to pass within 100 yards of a U.S. Naval vessel for safe passage, you must contact the U.S. Naval vessel or the USCG escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16. Observe and avoid all security zones.
Under which condition do Pwcs steer most poorly?
Most PWC accidents occur from running into another object, most often another PWC. Operating in a crowded or congested area requires special precautions. Always keep a proper lookout as to what is going on around you.
What should you do with your float plan when you return from your boating outing?
Contact a responsible person before you go out and tell him or her where you will be boating and when you plan to return. Give your contact the phone number for local authorities in case you fail to return when expected. Contact this person again when you return or if you decide to extend your time out on the water.
Can you be on a boat after dark?
5 mph max speed and running lights are required during restricted visibility, before sunrise, and after dark. Vessels are not allowed within 50 feet of posted swim areas.
Is boating at night dangerous?
Help Keep Passengers Safe “Falling overboard at night is really dangerous,” Fort says. “It’s so much harder to find somebody, and people are more likely to get injured in the water at night as well.”
Can you refuse a Coast Guard boarding?
Plainly stated, when it comes to Coast Guard boarding, you don’t have any rights. Vessel operators should know that to refuse permission for Coast Guard personnel to board may subject them to a penalty of $500. Forcibly resisting is a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $10,000.00 fine.
Related
It is your responsibility to know and understand the rules before heading out.
You must keep a good lookout at all times.
It is your responsibility to stay alert for other boats, swimmers, dive boats, kayaks, hazards and obstacles. Keep focused on the water ahead, especially when travelling at speed.
Travel at a safe speed, taking into account the boat traffic in the area, weather conditions and when visibility is limited.
Maritime New Zealand ©2022
Operate at a speed that allows for the time and distance necessary to avoid a collision.
You must not exceed a speed of 5 knots (a fast walking speed) if you are:
- within 200m of the shore
- within 200m of any structure
- within 200m of a boat displaying a diver’s flag
- within 50m of any other boat
- within 50m of a person swimming
- on a power boat if any person has any part of their body outside the rails or edge of the deck.
You must be over 15 years old to operate any water craft capable of exceeding 10 knots, unless there is close supervision by an older person who is constantly within reach of the controls.
Always check the effect of your wake. You must not create a wake that causes unnecessary danger to other boats or people.
When two boats are approaching each other, one has the right of way. The other boat must give way and pass astern (behind). To determine who has right of way, consider the vessel type:
If power meets power
Powerboats must giveway to those on the starboard (right) side
When meeting head on, powerboats must turn starboard
If power meets sail, paddle or rowing craft
With exception to specific displays, powerboats must give way unless the craft is overtaking
If sail meets sail
A sailing boat must give way to another sailing boat if the wind is blowing from its port (left) side or if it is windward (upwind) to the other sailing boat.
Make early and obvious manoeuvres so there is no confusion. If the give way boat fails to give way, you must make every effort to avoid a collision. Be prepared to make substantial alterations to your direction and to slow right down or stop.
About collision prevention
If you approach another vessel in a 135° sector at its stern, you are considered to be overtaking and must give way.
Keep clear from the bows and paths of larger vessels.
Recreational boats near big ships
Maritime New Zealand ©2022
See the dangers of big ships.
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If you are in a channel or harbour, you must:
- keep to the starboard (right) side of any channel
- keep clear of larger vessels that are restricted by channels
- not anchor in a channel or anywhere that could be dangerous to other craft
- stay at least 500m clear when ahead of any large ship
- stay 200m away from the sides and stern of tankers.
Large vessels have restricted maneuverability and limited visibility from the bridge.