How the Boating Rules of the Road Saved My Life

As a USCG licensed captain, I have many opportunities to earn a living. One of my favorites is working as a delivery captain. The job is fun and interesting, but it has its risks. In fact, one trip nearly cost me and my crew our lives.

With cold waters below and the lights of two much bigger boats barreling closer and closer, the boating Rules of the Road saved us.

The Story of One Harrowing Boat Delivery

I met a couple in an Annapolis restaurant a few years ago who had recently bought a 58-foot boat. They needed it moved down to Florida. After the evening’s festivities, we agreed that I would help their family move their new toy.

The couple, who were both experienced boaters, and their two children, a 9-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl, would be on board. 

The trip started in early December so we could get the boat settled before the holidays. We planned to travel the length of the Chesapeake Bay, then exit into the Atlantic Ocean in Norfolk, Virginia. Once out in the Atlantic, we’d travel southward along the coastline and duck into the intracoastal waterway in bad weather or if we needed additional supplies or repairs.

Preparations and Our Initial Departure

We departed at the crack of dawn and had an uneventful day. I quizzed the owners on the boating Rules of the Road to check their understanding and educate them whenever necessary. I also took the time to check out all the electronics and autopilot controls.

Although this boat was worth $1.6 million and had it all, experience taught me not to be impressed with the price but with the operational functionality of the vessel. The boat was impressive. Much to my surprise, everything worked. Now, my crew was all I needed to worry about.

As the day progressed, I determined we’d head out into the ocean after dark. The area around Norfolk is traveled heavily by numerous recreational, commercial, and military vessels. It becomes challenging to navigate as day becomes night, even by an experienced captain.

Escalation and Danger

I decided to get some sleep before entering this busy area. I set a course, turned on the autopilot, and gave the crew clear instructions. Most importantly, I reminded them to maintain the preplanned course and speed and wake me up before passing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

They assured me that they understood and that they’d follow my instructions. So, I settled down into what nearly became my last sleeping moments.

Screams of sheer terror woke me. The boat owner’s wife called, desperately needing me to go topside and take control of the helm. I immediately jumped into action. 

On the deck, I saw two of the brightest white spotlights I’ve ever seen shining directly on the helm. There was no time to think or analyze the situation; I immediately turned the helm hard to starboard. 

At that very moment, the captains of two very large seagoing tugboats pulling several barges also turned their wheels hard to starboard. All I could do then was wait for the impending impact of our vessels and the cold rush of water.

The water temperature was around 42 degrees, and the moon had not risen. If we went into the water, hypothermia would disable us, and we would perish within a few minutes. We all had life jackets on — a rule of mine on trips like these — but in this case, the life jackets would have only made it easier to recover our bodies.

A lifetime passed in a moment, and it was all over. We’d missed the tugboats by no more than the width of a football. It was almost as if King Neptune himself had decided that it wasn’t our time to go and stepped in to prevent this tragedy. 

But we survived thanks to knowledge, not intervention from the heavenly bodies.

How the Boating Rules of the Road Saved Us

Let’s break down the events that allowed my crew and I to live to tell this story. 

Each captain involved had a thorough knowledge of the boating Rules of the Road, helping us take the necessary actions to avoid a tragedy. In this case, three rules were critical to our survival.

Rule 14: Head-On Situation

When two power-driven vessels meet on a reciprocal or nearly reciprocal course to involve the risk of collision, each shall alter her course to starboard so each shall pass on the port side of the other.

This rule is why I and the tugboat captains altered our courses to starboard.

Rule 16: Action by Give-Way Vessel

Every vessel that’s directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear. 

In this case, my vessel was the give-way vessel. We weren’t following this rule before I took the helm.

Rule 17: Action by Stand-On Vessel

This rule has three components:

1. When one of the two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other shall maintain her course and speed. 

Although I wasn’t at the helm, I’m sure the two tugboats held their course and speed.

2. The stand-on vessel may take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action in compliance with these rules.

The two tugs didn’t have to change course at this point. They had the option according to the rules. However, they chose to hold their course and speed.

3. When the stand-on vessel finds herself so close that a collision can’t be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she shall take such action as will best aid in preventing a collision.

This was the moment that I took the helm. The tugs determined that my actions alone wouldn’t prevent a collision, so they were bound by the boating Rules of the Road to change their course and speed or take additional action to avoid a collision.

Learn the Boating Rules of the Road

When the excitement ended and my knees stopped shaking, I turned my attention to the boat’s owner. From that day forward, he became known as Reckless Randall. However, fate once again stepped in. Reckless Randall’s wife took him below, and we didn’t see him on deck until the following morning. I’m not sure what she said to him, but it was clear my input was no longer necessary.

All’s well that ends well, but this happy ending wasn’t just a stroke of good luck. When you find yourself in a scary situation, your knowledge of the boating Rules of the Road is your best bet for your happy ending. Earn your captain’s license with Mariners to get the education you need to navigate safely.