Coast Guard reminds boaters to follow the Navigation Rules of the Road

SAN FRANCISCO – Given the increase of reports of near misses in the San Francisco Bay, the Coast Guard is reminding mariners of the hazards and subsequent violations of not following the Navigation Rules of the Road.

 A sudden increase of near misses has been reported to the Coast Guard within the San Francisco Bay Traffic Lane near the Golden Gate Bridge and Port of Oakland.  During movement of large commercial vessels within the traffic separation scheme, small crafts have impeded their transits, a violation of federal regulations and causing possible catastrophic collisions.

 Rule 9 of the International and Inland Rules of Navigation states that a vessel less than approximately 65-feet, a sailing vessel, or vessel engaged in fishing “shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.”  Rule 9 continues to state that any “vessel shall not cross a narrow passage or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway.” 

Large commercial vessels, also referred to as deep draft vessel due to their large draft compared to small recreational vessels, have the right-of-way within the traffic separation scheme in San Francisco Bay.  Transiting at speeds that are often hard to determine without proper radar, deep draft vessels cover distance much faster than it appears and may take up to a mile and a half to come to a complete stop.  Many deep draft vessels have blind spots that could extend for hundreds of feet in front of them.  A small vessel or pleasure craft may feel they’re within eyesight of the deep draft’s bridge but they not within sight at all.

 San Francisco Bay is home to thousands of recreational boats, sailors, ferries, tugs, and commercial vessels.  It’s paramount that all mariners adhere to the Navigational Rules of the Road to ensure a safe, fun, and memorable experience on San Francisco Bay.

 Please go to http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/navrules.htm to gain more information about Rule 9 and the Navigational Rules of the Road.

The video is a public service announcement about the importance of Rule 9:

Rule 9, Knowing the Rules of the Road, Navigating the Bay Area Waters Safely

ALAMEDA, Calif. - Coast Guard Lt.j.g. Laura Williams, Sector San Francisco public affairs officer, delivers a public service announcement about understanding the importance of U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rule 9 outlined in the Inland Navigation Rules book, Sept. 3, 2010. U.S. For more information regarding the Coast Guard Navigation Rules visit: www.navcen.uscg.gov. U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns