If you are driving a car, you must follow the rules of the road. Similarly, if you are taking out your boat in South Africa for a spin in the nearby lagoon, there are certain ‘rules of the road’ you should know. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, you should be aware of them. One of the important practices while driving a boat in South Africa is knowing when to give others way. In this article, let’s talk about how you can give way the right way to other boaters in South Africa.
How do you Give Way the Right Way to other Boaters in South Africa?
While there are no ‘roads’ on the water, there do exist certain rules for giving others the way. While there are no structures or roads, we also must not forget that boats float and do not drive like cars do. For example, a boat will take significantly longer than a car to make a full U-turn.
So, while freedom from following roads is a plus, it also brings you the responsibility of keeping yourself and other lives on the water safe. You must have seen all those boating collision compilation videos on YouTube, like this one. Trust me, it is more gruesome than it appears.
So, let’s dive into it.
There are three ways to handle a situation with approaching vessels, largely depending on their approach direction. Besides that, the category (size and type) of the vessel also matters when you give way.
Vessels Approaching from your Port (Left) side
If a vessel is approaching you from your port side, maintain your course and speed. The vessel will let you pass before it makes headway towards its destination.
Vessels Approaching from your Starboard (Right) side
If a vessel is approaching you from your starboard side, be on high alert. You must give way to the other vessel. In this situation, you may have to slow down, change your course, are completely come to a halt. Make sure you keep an eye on the vessel all the time while doing so.
Vessels Approaching from your Stern (Rear) side
This is an optional situation. But if any vessel is considering overtaking from your stern side, they will communicate via a series of patterned horns. Two short blasts mean they intend to overtake you from your port side, while one short blast means the starboard side.
This demands a response. If you agree, you honk exactly the way they honked. However, if there is any disagreement, then sound five short blasts. This indicates that either there is danger ahead or you are confused or cannot give way for whatever reasons.
Vessels Approaching Head-On
If a vessel is approaching head-on, consider slowing down. In this situation, both vessels give each other way by turning to their starboard sides. In this scenario, both vessels must consider slowing down and maintaining a safe distance while giving way.
A Quick Brief about Navigation Lights on a Vessel
To give way the right way to the boaters in South Africa, you must understand the navigation lights on a vessel.
In foggy or nighttime situations, a vessel often indicates its visual presence with the help of radar and a set of navigation lights. If you are a night skipper, you must be aware of the meanings of these navigation lights. Let’s understand them.
Sidelights
These are the Red and Green lights that blink on the Port and Starboard side of the vessel respectively. These lights are situated near the bow and are visible from the sides and the front.
All-Around White Light
Apart from the Green and Red, there’s often a white light situated towards the rear end (stern) of your boat. It is usually visible from all directions due to it being elevated. Larger vessels often have two of these: one on their stern and another on the masthead. This can help you identify larger vessels at night and steer clear from their course.
Final Words
And that’s all about how you can give way the right way to other boaters in South Africa. Drive your vessel responsibly on open waters.
Also, one more thing. If you see larger commercial vessels in your vicinity, stay clear of them and let them be on their business. Things can quickly go south if you are not careful.
Other than that, enjoy your safe boating experience in South Africa.
If you are looking for a SAMSA Skipper License in South Africa, Skipper Training SA can help you out. Take a look at our website or connect with us for more information today!
