Every week, Bateaux.com presents you with a question about your boating license. It's all about validating your skills, or even discovering unexplored areas. This week, we take a look at a question on priorities when approaching a port.
Conditional priority under the International Regulations
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) set out the rules for maritime traffic and priorities between ships. According to regulation 18, mechanically propelled vessels must in principle keep clear of sailing vessels and those engaged in fishing. However, a special status is granted to ships "handicapped by their draught" which, because of their available water depth, cannot easily alter their course.
This priority only applies under certain strict conditions: the vessel concerned must display the distinctive signal (three red lights superimposed at night, or a black cylinder during the day) and navigate in a channel or zone where it is proven that it has reduced maneuverability.
An essential precaution in high-traffic areas
Ships handicapped by their draught are mainly large container ships, tankers or certain cargo vessels in restricted waters. In areas with a high concentration of traffic, such as straits or port approaches, the need to respect this priority becomes crucial.
For other vessels, this means anticipating the course and speed of the disabled vessel, so as not to impede its progress. In these situations, the use of radio communication (VHF) and the correct display of lights and day markers are essential to avoid any confusion.
The limits of priority: vigilance and common sense
Although a vessel handicapped by its draught has relative priority, it is still obliged to navigate with caution. In particular, it must avoid any action that could compromise the safety of other vessels, especially in complex situations such as multiple crossings or course changes.
Moreover, this priority does not exempt other vessels from observing the general rules of navigation, in particular the obligation to adapt their speed and avoid any risk of collision. In the absence of a clear indication of the vessel's status, the presumption of priority cannot be invoked.
What's the right decision?
The right decision is one of common sense, to be taken quickly. In the case of this imposing military vessel, surrounded by an escort made up of several boats from Affaires Martiimes and the Gendarmerie Maritime, the easiest thing to do is to postpone your entry or exit from the port by half an hour.
If you are already at sea, you must leave the channel as quickly as possible, taking the shortest route. Whether you're sailing or motoring, you don't have priority, and you must get out of the way as quickly as possible of vessels handicapped by their draught.
