Talk on "COLREGS" and "When All Goes Wrong" - 7th March 2025

Published 19:02 on 18 Mar 2025

This was our first visit to a talk given by HYC and not only did we find it very informative it was also an opportunity to socialise with other members.

 Jonathan Clare and Brian Masters were busy setting up when we all began to arrive after drinks and apparently a yummy meal enjoyed at The Creek beforehand.  Jem welcomed us all and first introduced "our learned Commodore", Jonathan to talk about COLREGS - the Highway Code of the Sea. Jonathan mentioned that he had been asked by members for information they could give to their crew and the following was suggested:

 Who gives way?   When do COLREGS apply?   What to be aware of when boats were in sight of each other.

 Some of the points noted:

1.       Sailing vessels should not use their tri light at the top of their mast, as they may look like a larger vessel.

2.       The motoring cone should be displayed when motor sailing.

3.       When anchoring, both day and night, vessels must display an anchor ball, one for a small vessel and two for a large vessel.  As the balls are the same size binoculars may be required to see these on a large vessel!

 There was a slide show showing various displays to use for the following scenarios:

1.       When a vessel has a restricted ability to manoeuvre, and these vary dependent on size of vessel and whether day or night.  You should be aware that you must avoid an area of 150m around a fishing trawler to allow for any nets that may be in use.

2.       What to display when towing a vessel.

3.       What is displayed when a pilot boat is on duty, which differs between day and night.

4.       And what is displayed when diving.

 Jonathan then discussed "Who Gives Way" and the IRPCS rules (the International Regulations on the Prevention of Collision at Sea) and there followed a slide show highlighting various scenarios.  He mentioned that, particularly for a yacht as you may have a restricted view, you must be looking around all the time and be aware of what is about.  You must travel at a sensible speed.  Be aware of what is behind you and that vessels may want to pass.  Be aware of if you are on a collision course.  There is an order to recognise - power boats give way to yachts who in turn give way to fishing vessels.

 A large vessel will give an indication of its intention to manoeuvre - examples: One short blast - turning to starboard; Two short blasts - turning to port; Three short blasts - going astern; Five short blasts - get out of the way!   A long blast will last for 45 seconds.

 Jonathan mentioned that when taking a Day Skipper course you will be expected to gain 80% or more correct answers to pass, and what was being discussed were examples of what you would need to know.  Some mention was made on the ceasing of paper charts and that electronic charts are not approved for accuracy unless they are ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display Information System) charts which cost between £2000 and £3000, and only the big ships have these.

 Brian then took over to deliver his talk on "When All Goes Wrong" - fire, leak, battery trouble, man overboard etc.

He discussed DRI (Drowning, Rescues and Injuries), and that sailing and motor boating were the highest areas affected. There are approximately 140 lives lost through drowning each year.  Most problems arise due to wind and tide with these statistics, 15% teenagers, 40% adults and 45% children.

Brian mentioned various recommendations for water sports, including paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming.  For example, to let someone know what you are doing and where you are going, to carry a mobile phone and to wear a Personal flotation device (i.e. buoyancy aid or lifejacket). Men over age 35 are most at risk when sailing.  According to a survey 40% of people asked do not wear a life jacket. A video was shown on Float to Live - a demonstration that showed you should lean back with your ears in the water and float, occasionally moving your hands for balance, which could save your life.  Brian gave a demonstration of a life jacket and suggested we should know our own and how they work.  You should always fasten the crotch straps to ensure you do not lose your life jacket if you were to fall in.

 It was suggested that the Skipper should show their crew how to start the engine and how to use the radio in case of any emergency prior to any trip.  There was discussion on what safety equipment you could have on board for example flares, AIS devices and locator beacons.

 Brian then gave a DSC radio demonstration on what to do in a May Day situation and we were all offered the opportunity to test this out.  Jem stepped up and did just that - details to initially give - boat name, call sign, MMSI number, and position.

 Brian then ran through RYA Safe TRX, an app you can download which gives you the following functions:

Explorer function - gives marinas and contact details Sail Plan function - allows a route planning, start, way and destination and gives expected times between Track only function - turn on and it tracks where you have been.

To sum up:

1.       Develop your skills

2.       Conduct a safety briefing

3.       Practice man overboard procedures

4.       Training ashore - on-line courses you can do from home. Day Skipper theory. Always check the weather and tides. Let someone know what you are doing and when you expect to arrive or be back. Belonging to Sea Start is excellent as mechanical issues are always the biggest reason for RNLI calls.

Debbie Cane

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• Talk: Boating Basics for crews: Col regs, navigation and what happens when things go wrong! (7 March, 18:00 - 23:00)

Last updated 10:20 on 29 April 2025