What should be done when operating a boat near anchored vessels rowboats swimmers

Speed limits

Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations do not specify any speed limits, because there are too many different factors that can bring a pleasure craft operator to modify his/her speed. Conditions of visibility, traffic density, wind, sea, and current conditions, and the proximity of navigational hazards are different circumstances that will incite a prudent pleasure craft operator to navigate at safe speeds. You must always operate your pleasure craft in such a way as to maintain control at all times. By keeping control of your pleasure craft you can avoid an accident; therefore, protecting the passengers from injury or death.

Traveling at high speed

A pleasure craft traveling at high speed requires increased stopping distance in the event that the operator must stop in an emergency. This situation requires that the operator be more attentive because he/she has less time to react to changing conditions.  In low visibility, such as fog or night navigation, the regulations require that the operator adopt a speed according to the conditions at hand.  In the case of restricted visibility (fog, falling snow, heavy rain, etc.) the operator must use a sound signalling appliance in order to signal his/her presence. 

A boating restriction regulation may be emitted locally for:

• prohibited vessel types,
• standardized speed limits, and
• maximum engine power limits.

Wake and wash

The operator of a pleasure craft shall at all times proceed with caution at a speed, such that “wake and wash” will not adversely affect:

• other vessels, such as anchored vessels, grounded vessels, wrecks, dredge, tow;
• rowboats or canoes;
• passing by works such as shoreline, docks, floats, or wetlands;
• other waterways users such as swimmers;
• areas of bathing beaches, areas where divers are working, or areas of anchorage.

Restricted visibility

One must not forget that the operator of a pleasure craft not in sight of other vessels in or near an area of restricted visibility (fog, falling snow, heavy rain, etc.) shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility.

Maintain a proper lookout

Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means which are appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions, in order to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

Attract the attention of another vessel

If necessary, to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals.

In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night, a power-driven vessel making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes one prolonged blast. A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes, two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about two seconds to make its postion known to other boaters.

Instruct passengers about emergency procedures

A pleasure craft operator should instruct passengers about emergency procedures and the use of safety equipment on the boat, during a pre-departure meeting.

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Safe distance

All vessels must keep a safe distance from people, other vessels, structures and the shore. A safe distance gives you enough space to avoid a collision, injury to people, or damage to things.

As the skipper, you must constantly judge your distance from other vessels and people around you. When judging, you must always consider the circumstances and conditions – for example, the weather, visibility, other vessels, your speed and any obstructions.

Minimum distances

You must always keep a safe distance. In certain situations, there are also specific minimum distances you must keep from people, other vessels, structures and the shore.

The only exceptions to keeping these minimum distances are when you're:

• supporting swimmers or divers in the water
• launching or removing your vessel from the water
• in a paddlecraft or rowing vessel – for example, a canoe, kayak, surf ski or rowing boat
• in a sailing vessel up to 5.5m long without an engine (including a sailboard or kiteboard)
• participating in Surf Life Saving NSW or lifeguard activities.

When you're in one of these vessels or situations, or if it's not possible to keep the minimum distance, you must always keep a safe distance and travel at a safe speed.

From people

Powered vessels – including sailing boats over 5.5m long and personal watercraft (PWC) – must keep a minimum distance of 60m from:

• people in the water, including swimming and surfing areas
• the boundaries of designated swimming areas and surf zones (marked by signs)
• a dive flag or float.

Take extra care when you're within 200m of divers and spearfishers – they can be up to 100m from their float or flag.

From other vessels, structures and the shore

Powered vessels – including PWC – travelling at a speed of 6 knots or more must keep a minimum distance of 30m from:

• other vessels – including when these vessels are moored or at anchor
• structures – including jetties, bridges and navigation markers
• the shore.

When you're driving a PWC, you must not drive in an irregular manner when:

• you're within 200m of shore within a PWC restriction Zone, or
• you're within 200m of shore in all waterways, when one or more dwellings are visible from the water and located within 200m of shore.

Driving in an irregular manner includes:

• driving in a circle or other pattern
• weaving or diverting
• surfing down or jumping over or across a swell, wave or wash.

From naval vessels

All vessels must keep a minimum distance from the 'moving exclusion zones' around naval vessels. When a naval vessel is underway, you must keep a minimum distance of:

• 200m from the bow
• 60m from the side.

When a naval vessel is at anchor, the minimum distance is 60m.

When towing

There are minimum distances you must keep when towing. These minimum distances apply to your vessel, your towing equipment and the person being towed – see Towing a person.

From whales and dolphins

You must also keep minimum distances from whales, dolphins and other marine life.

Which of the following prohibits boaters from operating their boat in a careless manner?

At what speed should a vessel navigate?

What should the operator of a powerboat do when approaching a very large vessel?

What action must a sailboat take when on a collision course?