RULES OF THE ROAD VESSELS CROSSING IN DAYTIME

e the first film in this series told you what to do in the meeting situation in daytime remember the meeting rule applies when there is risk of collision with a vessel approaching you in this area within approximately one point to either side of your course you can usually tell when there is risk of collision by checking the vessel's masts if they are lined up with your own or nearly so there is a a definite risk of collision and the meeting rule applies the rule says when two power-driven vessels are meeting approximately end on both must alter course to starboard and pass each other port to port [Music] neither vessel is privilege in this film we shall discuss vessels approaching in these areas in daytime from approximately one point to either side of your course to about two points of your beam vessels approaching you either obliquely or at right angles in these areas are said to be Crossing you can tell if there is risk of Collision in the crossing situation by taking repeated bearings on the other vessel Vel if they remain constant or nearly so you are on collision courses and the crossing rule applies the rule says when two power-driven vessels are crossing and there is risk of collision the vessel that has the other on her own starboard side must keep out of the way of the other this means if a power-driven vessel approaches you from starboard and there is danger of colliding if you both continue on course she is the privileged vessel and has the right of way under the rules she must maintain her course and speed you are called The burdened Vessel you must take positive action in ample time to avoid [Music] Collision e [Music] but if a power-driven vessel approaches you from Port then of course you are to starboard of her you now become the privileged vessel and you must hold your course and speed since the other ship is burden she must take positive and timely action to keep out of your way [Music] let's see what the crossing situation looks like from the bridge you're officer of the deck of a destroyer and your Lookout reports another power-driven vessel approaching off your starboard bow if risk of collision exists you know she is the privileged vessel and will maintain her course and speed take several bearings on her to see if there is risk of collision if the bearing doesn't change appreciably as in this case you are on a collision course a change in bearing must be considerable as much as several degrees to eliminate risk of collision so you're the burdened vessel you must take some positive and timely action to pass the privileged vessel safely you may stay on your course by slowing down stopping the engines or by backing down the privileged vessel will cross ahead of you from another angle this action looks like this [Music] if you wish you may turn to starboard to pass a stern of the privileged vessel be sure you change course in plenty of time never try to cross ahead of the privileged vessel your only inviting trouble once the privileged vessel is safely out of the way you may turn back again to your original course [Music] if you are the privileged vessel in a Crossing situation you must maintain your course and speed The burdened Vessel will maneuver out of your [Music] way for [Music] but suppose The burdened Vessel doesn't appear to be giving you the right of way she looks like she's trying to cross ahead of your bow the rules say when any power-driven vessel required by the rules to hold course and speed doubts another vessel is taking sufficient action to avoid Collision she may warn her of her obligation to keep clear by sounding the danger signal five or more short rapid blasts but even if this signal doesn't awaken her to immediate action you still must maintain course and speed until it becomes obvious she alone can't avert a collision only then can you depart from the rules to act to avoid an accident remember a wrong maneuver by another vessel doesn't give you the right to continue into cision you never have the right of way through another ship so when it's obvious Collision is imminent act promptly sure you're bitter maybe a little shaken up as well you should be it was a close shave but remember you've avoided a collision you've upheld the rules too and that's important the other vessel would be solely liable for all damages had you been unable to avoid colliding if you are involved with a sailing vessel in a Crossing situation you are always the burdened vessel even when she approaches from Port this carries out the rule that a sailing vessel always has the right of way unless she is overtaking you or unless you happen to be on a fishing vessel with Nets lines or TRS out no set of rules or regulations can completely cover the many borderline situations that arise on the seene pleas [Music] the rules of the road must be supplemented by the ordinary practice of Sean defined as those actions that would normally be taken by any good sailor under the same [Music] conditions actions based on good seamanship common sense and experience handed down by generations of seafaring men each situation is different keep in mind any dangers to navigation or special circumstances including limitations of any of the vessels involved that would make it necessary for you to depart from the rules to avoid immediate danger for example often you will find two ships approaching you and no one rule will apply for instance in this particular situation you are the privileged vessel in a Crossing situation with ship a and and are required to hold your course and speed however you are meeting ship B and are required to turn right obviously you can't do both similarly a is privileged with B but she is burdened to you obviously she can't obey both rules each of you must exercise good judgment not to allow the situation to develop into Close Quarters remember timely action is the key to collision-free sailing here's what you would probably do in this situation [Music] it is sometimes necessary to Omit whistle signals too many sounded close together can be confusing remember SE planes taking off land ing or operating under adverse weather conditions present unusual problems to Safe navigation the ordinary practice of seaman requires you to take timely and positive action to avoid Collision what you do depends on the particular situation of course in this film you have seen what to do in a Crossing situation in daytime let's review what we have learned the crossing situation exists if a vessel approaches your ship in either of these areas from approximately one point off either bow to about two points a b your beam you can tell when there is risk of collision by taking repeated bearings of the other vessel if the bearing does not change appreciably you are in danger of colliding and the crossing rule applies a power-driven vessel approaching from starbo is the privileged vessel and must maintain her course and speed you are the burdened vessel and must take action to avoid Collision if a power-driven vessel approaches you from Port you are the privileged vessel and must maintain your course and speed the other ship is burdened and must take any necessary action to avoid Collision she may hold course and reduce speed stop or even reverse engines to let you pass or she may change course to maneuver a stern of you The burdened Vessel must never pass ahead of the privileged vessel it only means trouble [Music] if the crossing vessel is a sailing vessel you are burdened no matter whether she approaches from port or starboard and remember you will often find that special circumstances may require you to to take some action contrary to the absolute letter of the [Music] rules but no matter what action you take you are always responsible for keeping a proper Lookout giving the proper whistle signal and taking every precaution to avoid Collision [Music]