Avoiding collisions

If you're at the helm, can you spot a risk of collision with another boat? Do you know when to 'stand on' and when to 'give way'?

- Niki Hurrell-Head/Alamy

Taking over at the helm, even as a temporary stand-in while the skipper nips below, means you must be conversant with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).

More than just a matter of common sense, these regulations lay down precise guidelines on how not to get involved in a maritime accident.

The full collision regulations are quite long and very specific, running to 41 rules, each of them further subdivided into sections. But the gist of them is quite easy to appreciate.

Basically, it is a powered boat's responsibility to keep clear of any large commercial vessel, of any sailing boat which is actually sailing, or of any fishing boat which is actually engaged in fishing. Further to this, there are rules as to how two power-driven craft should ensure they steer clear of each other.

Overtaking

When one powered boat is overtaking another, it is the overtaking vessel's responsibility to keep clear.

In open water, it does not really matter which side you pass the slower vessel on, but in channels and rivers you should overtake along its port side.

Before making the overtaking manoeuvre, ensure there is plenty of space to get past and that you are not going to compromise any other vessels coming towards you.

Head to head