DAY SKIPPER ESSENTIALS

CHART SYMBOLS
COLREGS
21
Rock which covers and uncovers. Vessel at anchor
Ht above Chart Datum where Day Night
(white light at night)
known
Rocks awash at the level
of chart datum
W
21 21 Dangerous underwater
rocks of known depth Sailing vessel
(motor sailing) G
Wreck, depth not known, dangerous.
‘Mast’ – mast visible at Chart Datum.
Diver down
‘PA’ – position approximate.
keep clear
W
Wreck, visible at Chart Datum R
W

Foul ground – do not anchor

R G W tricolour
A
B Motor vessel > 50 Metres
All round white light Port side
Overfalls – tide rips

Steaming
Sound Signals Day Skipper E light W

Turning to Starboard Red / Green

White stern
side lights W
Turning to Port light
My engines are in astern propulsion D C
G R
Please make your intentions clear
(= get out of the way) Permitted lights:
Motor vessel – In fog or approaching a Sailing - A, or C+D
bend Motor vessel > 50m
Motoring - E + C + D From ahead
In fog – not under command,
restricted ability to manoeuvre, At Anchor - B
constrained by draught, fishing, sailing
 BASIC COLLISION REGULATIONS
™ The rules apply anywhere on the sea or connected to it (subject to local by laws).
™ Keep a good lookout at all times by all means available (sight, sound, radar).
™ Maintain a safe speed for the conditions (waves, hazards, tide, traffic, visibility, depth, background lights).
™ The words 'Right of Way' do not occur in the rules. A ‘Stand on' vessel should maintain its course and speed until it is clear
that the ‘Give way' vessel is not taking avoiding action. Then all vessels must keep clear.
™ Action taken to avoid collision shall be positive, early and safe.
™ A risk of collision exists if a bearing by compass, radar or transit stays constant.
™ Navigate on the starboard side of a channel.
™ When crossing a shipping lane or traffic separation scheme keep your heading at right angles to the traffic.
™ Special rules apply in fog - There is no ‘Give way’ vessel. if you hear any vessel ahead, sound your signal, slow down but
keep steerage way on, stop if necessary, navigate with extreme caution till danger is past.

Wind
Windward
Wind boat B Port tack boat B
gives way gives way

Head on:
B
Turn to Starboard
Keep to Starboard side of channel
B

B
Converging:
Boat on right stands on
B Overtaking:
B goes behind, slows down or
Boat behind keeps clear
stops