170 seamanship secrets
on plane. Make your decision based on proximity to other vessels and the
depth of water (in shallow water, wake increases).
Slow down to no wake (2 ë LOA). When you are two boat lengths from
another vessel, slow to minimum throttle.
HOW TO DEAL WITH MEETING OR OVERTAKING
SITUATIONS
Meeting or passing stationary vessels. Continue at a no-wake speed until
you are two boat lengths past the other vessel(s).
Overtaking another vessel. Match the speed of the other vessel exactly.
Sound the appropriate sound signal (see Chapter 7). In inland waters, you may
use the VHF radio to arrange passing agreements. Remember, the other skipper
is under no obligation to allow passage. Th ey are, however, obligated to answer your
signal.
Many operators are not familiar with the Navigation Rules. If you don’t receive a
response, ease up just off the other vessel’s quarter. I’ve oft en done this and have been
waved to go on ahead. But always start off by following the methods prescribed by
the Navigation Rules.
Aft er reaching an agreement to pass, increase your speed so it is slightly faster
than the other vessel. Keep your wake to the absolute minimum to prevent the other
boat from yawing (swinging from side to side of its course). Maintain a parallel
course as you pass the other boat. Keep your passing speed consistent until you
are two boat lengths past the other vessel’s bow. Th en increase to normal cruising
or planing speed.
EMERGENCY WAKE BREAKING
If you are in between plane and displacement mode, you’re probably throwing
a huge wake. When you slow down from a plane, the vessel squats at the stern,
dropping into a hole, and all that water has to go somewhere. Your wake train
moves out laterally from the vessel, affecting anything in its path.
Th ere’s no guarantee that the wake-breaking method described below will
work for your vessel. But in an emergency, it’s better than doing nothing at all.
Test it in an area clear of traffi c before you use it in the real situation.
- Fast and smooth. Bring the throttle or both throttles simultaneously
back to neutral in a fast, smooth motion. Th is isn’t a crash-and-burn
stop. Keep it under control. You don’t want to lose an engine here. - Delay, then idle astern. Allow 1 to 2 seconds in neutral, then put
the engine into idle reverse propulsion and leave it there until all
forward motion stops. Th rottle back to neutral, and then proceed in
displacement mode at a no-wake speed.