The question of which sides should diverge is fundamental to water safety, but the answer is not as clear as it may seem at first glance. Many novice boatmasters mistakenly believe that there is a single rule of right-hand traffic, similar to automobile traffic, but the water element dictates its own laws depending on the type of boat, the direction of the current and the specific circumstances.
The basic principle enshrined in Regulations on navigation on inland waterways (VVWP)The nuances of navigation, such as priority of course, the nature of the movement (upstream or downstream) and the presence of sailing thrust, can save lives and property.
In this article, we will discuss all scenarios of boat interaction, explain the logic of light alarms and help you feel confident at the helm in any situation, you will learn why the sailboat is always right, how to operate in poor visibility and what maneuvers are strictly prohibited.
Basic rule for left side divergence
The basic rule for mechanical vessels, which meet each other in a straight line or almost straight line, is the divergence. port-sideThis means that when approaching each boatmaster must shift the steering wheel to the right to pass another vessel on its port side, a norm that is enshrined in international and national regulations and is analogous to right-hand traffic on roads.
But blindly following this rule without regard to the situation is dangerous: If you see another boat not changing course or trying to get around you on the right, you must give way or change course to avoid collision, even if you formally have priority. Security It is always more important than the formal right of the way.
It's important to understand that the left-hand rule works perfectly only when both traffic participants are aware of the situation and act predictably. In narrownesses or at the bends of a river, the situation can change, and here the rule comes into force that a boat going downstream has an advantage over a boat going upstream.
⚠️ Warning: If you are unsure of the oncoming vessel's intentions or if you see that the divergence maneuver is not working, immediately slow down and sound the alarm. It is better to lose time standing still than to get a hole in the side.
Priority of sailing boats and rowing boats
The situation changes dramatically when the motor boat meets. sailboatAccording to the rules, sailing sails have absolute priority over any power-driven vehicle, in which case the motor boat must give way, regardless of which sides planned to diverge.
Sailing vessels also have their own rules of divergence: if the wind blows in different sides, the one with the wind on the left side is inferior; if the wind blows in one side or not (drift), the boat on the windward side is inferior, these nuances require the boatmaster of a motor boat to be more attentive and ready to maneuver.
Rowing vessels and vessels that are unable to move (e.g., with a faulty engine) also enjoy an advantage over working motorboats, and a motorized vessel must change course in advance so as not to create waves or dangers for more vulnerable road users.
- 🚣 A sailing vessel under sail always takes precedence over a motor vessel.
- 🛶 The rowing boat has an advantage over a motor boat with a working engine.
- ⚓ A boat deprived of control or limited in its ability to maneuver requires a concession of the road from all.
- 🌊 A motorized vessel shall not create a dangerous wave for small and rowing vessels.
Remember, having an engine puts a lot of responsibility on you, because you're driving a more powerful and potentially dangerous object, so you should be the one to take the utmost care when you encounter a non-motorized element.
Distinction in narrowness and bends of the fairway
The narrowness and steep curves of the river are places of high accident rate, where the left side rule can be adjusted by local conditions or the nature of the current. The basic rule is that a boat going downstream has an advantage over a boat going upstream, because it is more difficult for a downstream vessel to stop or change course because of the speed of the flow.
If you're going against the current and you see a boat heading down ahead, you have to press down to the right bank in advance or anchor, waiting for the dangerous area to be freed. Trying to skip the narrowness often ends in tragedy.
In some narrownesses, local navigation rules or signs indicating one-way traffic may be installed. S. P. H. (Vessels to follow in progress) or S. P. O. (The boats proceed against the course) is a gross violation.
What if two boats are in a narrow position, going downstream?
In such a situation, the general rule of divergence with the left sides applies, however, if the width of the fairway is limited, a vessel of smaller size or better maneuverability should take the initiative to diverge safely, possibly slowing down.
Particular care should be taken when overtaking in narrowness, overtaking can only be done with the consent of the vessel being overtaken, and overtaking is always done on the left unless otherwise instructed.
Light alarms and night divergence
At night or in low visibility, the main source of information about an oncoming vessel is its navigation lights, and reading the lights correctly allows you to determine not only the presence of the vessel, but also its type, direction of movement and even what it is occupied.
A motorized vessel on the move must carry a masthead light (white), side lights (green on the right and red on the left) and a stern light (white). If you see two side lights ahead (red and green) and a top light above them, this means that the boat is going directly to you or almost directly to you.
| View of lights | Meaning | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| Red and Green + White Top | The motor boat is on the move, coming at you. | Move the steering wheel to the right, pass left side |
| Only the Green Bore. | The boat goes right to left in front of you. | Keep the course and speed, monitor the situation |
| Only the Red Bore. | The boat passes from left to right in front of you. | You have priority, but watch out for maneuvers. |
| Three vertical lights (Red-White-Red) | Vessel restricted in maneuver | Give way, stay away. |
If you see only one white light at night, it may mean that the boat is coming from you, or it is a small vessel without side lights (for example, a boat with a low-power engine), in the latter case, exercise utmost caution, since the dimensions of such a vessel are difficult to determine.
Always carry a powerful light on board, and if the navigation lights are turned off, you must immediately turn on the light and shine it in the direction of possible danger so that other boatmasters can notice you.
Sound alarms during manoeuvres
Sound signals are the language in which boats talk to each other, and they are mandatory and allow for coordination of maneuvers when visual contact is insufficient or the situation requires clarification.
Short horns are used to coordinate a divergence or overtaking: one short horn means “I am changing course to the right”, two short horns mean “I am changing course to the left” and three short horns signal the reversing engine (“reversing”).
If you hear five or more short, frequent beeps, it's an alarm that means "I don't understand your intentions" or "I'm in danger," and if you hear that beep, you should immediately slow down, stop, or reverse.
- 🔊 1 shortI am changing course to the right (left side).
- 🔊🔊 2 short short shortsI am changing course to the left (starboard).
- 🔊🔊🔊 3 short short shortsBack up.
- 🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊 5+ shorterDanger, alarm!
In noisy weather or high winds, their hearing is reduced, so visual control and radio communication (on the call channel and the operation of boats) become critical.
☑️ Checking readiness for night swimming
Mistakes in discrepancies and their consequences
The most common mistake is to try to drag the situation out when both boatmasters wait for the other to give way, and in the narrow space of the river, fractions of a second of delay lead to a collision. Right-hand rule (Come to the one on the right) is often confused with the left side divergence rule, which adds to the confusion.
Another dangerous mistake is to change course without warning, so if you choose to give way, your maneuver must be clear and predictable to another vessel, and a sudden turn could put you in the way of a third vessel or create a situation where collision becomes inevitable.
⚠️ Warning: Never rely on the captain of a large boat to notice you and stop, the inertia of a multi-ton vessel is measured in kilometers, a small boat is like a mosquito to him, which he may not feel on contact.
Ignoring local signs and speed limits also often leads to accidents, especially in outdoor or bathing areas where divergence from bathing people is governed by special, more stringent rules.
The basic principle of safe driving is to assume that another boatmaster may break the rules and be prepared to prevent an accident by your actions, even if you are right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who should give in if two motorboats are going to meet across the current?
In this case, the general rule of departure is left: both vessels must shift the rudder to the right. If the situation is complicated by wind or demolition, a vessel that is downstream (toppled to the other) often has less room for maneuver, so the top one should exercise extreme caution, but formally one has no priority unless there are signs of limited maneuverability.
Do I have to give way to an inflatable boat with an electric motor?
Yes, if your boat is more powerful or faster, and you're a mechanical vessel, but if the electric motor is low-powered and the boat is actually drifting or rowing, it's like a rowing vessel taking priority, and in any case, the safety of small craft is on your conscience.
What if the navigation lights on the oncoming boat do not burn?
You need to immediately slow down, turn on the spotlight (without directing the beam into the eyes of the steering wheel, if possible) and sound an audible signal. Consider such a vessel unguided and act in a way that is guaranteed to avoid collision, even if it has to stop.
Can I overtake the left side if the boat ahead gave one whistle?
No. One horn means that the boat is changing course to the right, and if you overtake the left at that moment, you risk getting in its way, and overtaking the left is possible only after coordination (usually two horns from the overtaker or radio) and making sure that the course is stable.
Compliance with the rules of divergence is not just a bureaucratic requirement, but a body of knowledge, verified by decades of maritime practice and, alas, the tragic experience of accidents. What sides do boats diverge from? In a particular situation, it is a basic survival skill on the water that must be brought to automaticity.