To thwart collisions among ocean faring vessels, the mounting of strategically located navigation lights as a warning. By a mere glance at the lights on an approaching craft, a sailor will be able to tell the type and line of motion of the oncoming vessel. In some states the conventional red, green and white lights are used in conjunction with underwater boat lights.
Flashing beacons are preferable on more crowded waters where the noise and distractions are more pronounced. A good navigation light should send its beam across considerable stretches even on a misty night. World over, many marine authorities recommend red and green lights to be used to identify the right and left sides respectively on a vessel traveling at night. Their sight is interpreted by captains as an indicator to the craft with right of way.
The starboard side is generally the right side of a boat from an observer standing on board facing the bow. Also known as the senior side, this section of the quarter deck is largely for the occupation of the captain. It has become common for captains to hoist flags or pennants on the starboard yard as a trademark.
Due to the widely accepted practice of mooring the boats on the left side, it later came to be referred to as the port. By this approach, there was less likelihood of damaging oars, conventionally fitted on the right side. Quite regularly, the sea routes of vessels of varying design and size will intersect and caution must be exercised to avoid accidents.
Thus a small boat may be positioned such that its captain sees the green light of a large cargo liner. According to some well thought out rules, the former may be required to give way owing to the possibility of a constraining draft that limits the ship to its current line of motion. Moreover, large vessels may be restricted in ability to rapidly change their path on water.
Sailing ships have slower response to input at the steering mechanisms and may thus be granted the right of way against a powered vessel. An experienced skipper knows that a green light means proceed with caution and should not always be interpreted as a go a head. For this reason, it is mandatory for captains to be well versed with rules applicable throughout the voyage.
All skippers understand that boating involves an element of risk at all times. This risk could potentially develop into danger or real peril if not properly managed. One of the worst accidents is a progression of events that unexpectedly leaves the crew in the water. Basic training should be given to all crew so that they fully understand bodily response to sudden immersion to increase their chances of survival.
All over the world, it is deemed that the captain will be legally responsible for all persons and cargo on a vessel under his command. It is recommended that the skipper personally conduct some routine checks before leading a boat to sea. A report must be prepared detailing the condition of all systems including underwater boat lights.
Flashing beacons are preferable on more crowded waters where the noise and distractions are more pronounced. A good navigation light should send its beam across considerable stretches even on a misty night. World over, many marine authorities recommend red and green lights to be used to identify the right and left sides respectively on a vessel traveling at night. Their sight is interpreted by captains as an indicator to the craft with right of way.
The starboard side is generally the right side of a boat from an observer standing on board facing the bow. Also known as the senior side, this section of the quarter deck is largely for the occupation of the captain. It has become common for captains to hoist flags or pennants on the starboard yard as a trademark.
Due to the widely accepted practice of mooring the boats on the left side, it later came to be referred to as the port. By this approach, there was less likelihood of damaging oars, conventionally fitted on the right side. Quite regularly, the sea routes of vessels of varying design and size will intersect and caution must be exercised to avoid accidents.
Thus a small boat may be positioned such that its captain sees the green light of a large cargo liner. According to some well thought out rules, the former may be required to give way owing to the possibility of a constraining draft that limits the ship to its current line of motion. Moreover, large vessels may be restricted in ability to rapidly change their path on water.
Sailing ships have slower response to input at the steering mechanisms and may thus be granted the right of way against a powered vessel. An experienced skipper knows that a green light means proceed with caution and should not always be interpreted as a go a head. For this reason, it is mandatory for captains to be well versed with rules applicable throughout the voyage.
All skippers understand that boating involves an element of risk at all times. This risk could potentially develop into danger or real peril if not properly managed. One of the worst accidents is a progression of events that unexpectedly leaves the crew in the water. Basic training should be given to all crew so that they fully understand bodily response to sudden immersion to increase their chances of survival.
All over the world, it is deemed that the captain will be legally responsible for all persons and cargo on a vessel under his command. It is recommended that the skipper personally conduct some routine checks before leading a boat to sea. A report must be prepared detailing the condition of all systems including underwater boat lights.
