At a narrow entrance to a harbour or marina. Who should give way?

Question

That is a boat question. I know that in a narrow channel you keep starboard, but who has right of way? the incomming or outgoing ship? Or is it still the question of starboard and backbord track?

Answer 1

The answer is in the USCG Navigation Rules Manual. This answer depends on the size, make and operation of the vessel.

Answer 2

There are a lot of options

Sail vs Power

Big vs Smal

incoming vs outgoing

Ebb vs flow

the over-riding factor is maneuverability.  The boat that can change speed and course the easiest MUST give way to the less maneuverable boat.

The toughest combination is the Aircraft carrier leaving onthe tide when a sailboat (under power) is attempting to enter the narrow channel against it.  {this happend to me in San Diego with the SS Constellation}

my sailboat (36' Ericson) was capable of 6 knots max under power.  the carrier didnt see me. the channel at that point was too narrow for both of us and I didn't want to be w/i 100 yards of it.  the only ROW I could give was to turn about and retrace my course until there was room to maneuver.  The Carrier noted my course correction and sounded a salute as it passed.  It made me happy and I think the guys on deck got some entertainment too.

oh.  and its Port, I dont know of anyone who calls it backbord.  Is that a european term?

wer

Answer 3

like others have stated, sailboats always have the right-of-way, however if both vessels are motorized then there are two rules, the first is the vessel who has the other boat on their starboard side, has to yield, (that's if the boats are crossing), if they are going through a narrow channel like you asked, then the one going down steam or with the current has the right of way, the one going against the current have to yield, although most people do not know that, trust me i live in south Florida, well maybe it is down here they do not.

Answer 4

In a lot of situations where you have inbound and outbound traffic at the entrance to a narrow channel you use your radio and make passing arrangements with the other vessel.  More often then not when entering and leaving port you are part of a vessel traffic system and you will most likely have a pilot on board.  

In regard to sailboats... I want to reiterate what Tony C. said... Rule 9 (b) ...sailing vessel SHALL NOT IMPEDE the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate ONLY within a narrow channel or fairway (which are most large commercial vessels, also if you are not under sail, and using your motor you are no longer considered a sailboat!)

Answer 5

two things:the upstream/downstream rule is for INLAND WATERS ONLY second as some have stated a sailing vessel is a motor vessel when under power(sail's furled) and do not have right of way.(you would not be in proper control if you were UNDER SAIL POWER in a narrow channel). but for MY add to this question rule 16 is important as it says every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall do so as early as possible to take early and substantial actions to keep clear. in MOST close channels craft communicate with each other. a vessel needing extra room for some reason will usually ask (thats what pilots are for)otherwise rule 9(b) is the governing rule. as someone stated its a good idea to have a copy of the CORRECT regulations on board!!

Answer 6

First Mate Daniel L,

The little one gives way to the big one.

It's called "The Law of the Jungle", or in this case, "The Law of the Narrow Channel".

Answer 7

From The International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea:

Rule 9 (a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit or the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.

Rule 9 (b) A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.

Answer 8

Generally outgoing. Also ANY nonmotorized ship ie Sail ships ALWAYS have the right of way.

Answer 9

Sails have the right-away. If one is a ship the other gives the channel to them.