Boating rules and regs

[MXer478]

So to all you sport boat guys, do you actually use the signals that should be used while on the water?

Such as, when passing port to port, do you sound your horn once, passing starboard to starboard, sound twice, etc...along with the rules associated with passing boats going the same direction.

I never see anyone following these rules when on the water. I understand larger vessels probably do these a bit more. Maybe the smaller boat guys just don't know the rules???

I never hear any signals at all on the lakes or on the bays in my area.:huh:

 

[chuck1]

I would say 90% don't on lakes. Seems like when I've used the horn on the lake the other boaters just look at me. They don't have a clue. When I use them on the river it seems to me that more boater under stand them.

 

[Bridog]

I would say 90% don't on lakes. Seems like when I've used the horn on the lake the other boaters just look at me. They don't have a clue. When I use them on the river it seems to me that more boater under stand them.

That's because there are more ducks on the river. The Sea Ray duck horn works best around those that are used to them. Non-SR boaters aren't quite sure what to make of that noise. Thus the clueless looks we get. Maybe Jim can add these to the CSR apparel section of our web site?

 

[fwebster]

In areas where there is a lot of commercial traffic on the water, or where the waterways are narrow, like on the ICW, the sound signals are frequently used. However, most commercial operators do not assume pleasure boaters know one signal from the other and, in fact, they assume all non-commercial operators do not understand proper signal use and passing procedure. They will hail you on VHF 16 if you do not contact them and tell you which side to pass on by saying: "I need you to pass on the one (or two) whistle side Captain", when you confirm they verify by saying "Understand you are passing port to port, etc."

 

[Alex F]

This simply proves what I always was surprised of (I’m sure lots of other boaters as well), how in the world the government allows boat operation without special training and tests, not to mention the drive test, just like we have for cars, bikes, etc. I can imagine how true is what Frank said about commercial operators assuming lack of rules knowledge for non-commercial boaters. This of course is not faire to a good number of very experienced recreational boaters, but all others really have no clue about those rules. I was one of them for quite some time. Only when we’ve purchased our 240DA I started taking boating more seriously and started advancing my education, despite the fact that it wasn’t required by law (at that time). I was relieved when found that now NJ requires to have boating certification. It was a nice refreshment for my knowledge, there’s always plenty room to improve it.

As to the question on signals in area we’re boating, I also never heard anyone sounding any signals, unless there's some danger and requires attention to prevent an accident. I would agree that the main reason is lack of knowledge about the rules.

Just my .2c

Alex.

 

[fragmag]

I don't see it happening here in the Florida panhandle. Very busy around the Destin area, but no horns. I guess its because there are so many boats going in so many directions.

 

[ruf1967]

No not at all. I know what the signals are but the lakes I boat on usually have bass fishermen on them. No sense in tooting the horn at them, they don't know what the hell it means anyway. Just maintain a wide berth. Heck, we've been anchored in the middle of the lake swimming, and they will do a pass by, on plane, within a hundred feet.

 

[fwebster]

fragmag.......go either way from the Choctawhatachee.....past Ft. Walton toward Navarre/Pensacola or toward Panama City and if you pass a commercial tow with barges, listen to your VHF and you will hear passing instructions and sound signals discussed as I described.

 

[billandamy]

CT is very strict. You have to have an operators license to drive a boat here, and they DO check all of the time between memorial day and labor day. All lakes around here have a patrol boat that checks speed, pulls you over for inspections (checking amount of pfd's, # os passengers, flares etc..) and to make sure whoever is driving has a license. They WILL also have no qualms about ticketing you for everything they can find.

No one, however, uses a horn that I have heard. I dont use it either.

I suspect in the LI sound, they may use it. But for the lakes, it is mostly 23' and under, and people more or less drive pretty good around here.