Sailboat vs Fishing Boat - Rules of the Road 

A few decades ago, we had a problem in the ICW here in Florida. There was a permit window for people in small boats to catch shrimp. That in itself was not a problem, but what was a problem is that dozens and dozens of these shrimping boaters would just anchor in the channel. No matter how often we explained to them that it was dangerous and illegal, and how often we complained to the Sherrif, the Game Commission and the Coast Guard, there was absolutely no even occasional attempt to get these people to not anchor in the ICW and other channels. Then, one day there were two elderly guys out anchored while shrimping, on the north side of a bridge. A tugboat came up the river and suddenly encountered the shrimpers, whom they couldn't see from the other side of the bridge. The shrimpers, instead of cutting their anchor line or tossing it, tried to haul it up, but were run over by the tugboat. From that point on, people anchoring in the channel were finally made to stop anchoring. It's too bad that it took two useless deaths to get those responsible for our safety on the water to actually act responsibly themselves. We had a casino boat that went out of Ponce Inlet around that time, too. It was a flat bottomed, terrible handling boat, and watching it yaw side to side of the inlet channel when there were even just moderately big seas coming in was a pretty scarry sight. I was taking a charter out in my sailboat and came across a guy anchored right square in the middle of the channel. As we went by, I told him that he wasn't allowed to anchor in the channel. He told me that he would anchor anywhere he damned well wanted to. I explained that that was the same thing as parking on I-95, that it was dangerous. I got a few expletives and a single finger salute before I suggested that he turn his head and look out the channel. There, almost totally not under control was the casino boat struggling to just stay in the channel coming in less than 100 yards away. My newfound expletive spouting friend became very animated as he rushed to pull up his anchor. He made it, just.

Where I sail, the lower parts of the St. John River and Kennebecasis River in NB, it seems like a lot of people have little knowledge of right of way. That, or they don't care. There used to be an annual run of go-fast boats that came down from further up the river and it wasn't safe to be on the water that day in any boat. I was out that day a few years ago and was passing by another sailboat coming in the opposite direction with about 100 feet between us and one of the go-fasts threaded between us at probably 50+ knots. We had some of his friends play chicken with us and more than one of these guys came in close at high speed to give us the middle finger. I should add that where we were was wide and deep. These guys could have easily yielded ROW and gone by us at a safe distance. Even regular powerboaters often won't yield ROW. Maybe this is my biases showing, but I suspect that since sailing requires experience that most sailors know the rules but that since anyone can jump in a 24' bowrider with no experience that they are less likely to know the rules. And while I'm beating up on power boaters, a few weekends ago I was out and saw a jet ski maybe 500' away and the two people on it waved frantically. We quickly hauled down the sails, fired up the motor, and headed over to assist. So in a Tanzer 26 with an 8 HP outboard, we had to tow these two young kids to the nearest safe marina - all while multiple power boats had already gone by them. As we were approaching the channel to go into the marina, a go-fast came out. He caused us to have to adjust our approach into a marina we'd never been in and offered no help. It seems to me that if you aren't aware of what may be the most important rule on the water - the obligation to provide assistance if you can, then it isn't likely these boaters have a clue about ROW. Rant over.

Great video but, without wanting to be pedantic, under the col' regs' there is no such thing as a 'right of way'. If you are the stand on vessel you are still obliged to take whatever action is necessary to avoid a collision. Applying the idea of a 'right ov way' as applies on the highway can lead to a sense of entitlement to hold your course or even that you must hold course. I find this, particularly with novice or infrequent sailors who may tend to read the col' regs' like the highway rules that they are more familiar with. Useing the proper term of 'stand on' helps reinforce the distinctions

One of the most common confusions is about commercial vessels. Whether or not a vessel is "commercial" has NO bearing on the rules of navigation, even though vessels such as the Baltimore water taxis act as if they had a priority.

2:54 my home port! ;) I've learned in those waters that these guys are out there earning their living while I'm sailing recreationally. It's good to know the rules, but I respect these guys enough to give them their space anyway. Thanks for the video!

Sailing with your son: This is the most important lesson of the day. Those most precious hours are irreplaceable for teaching character and making memories that last a lifetime. Tim continues earning my utmost respect

In general, even though a vessel might not be RAM, if I see that they aren’t moving so that they can maneuver I treat them as stationary and avoid them. Being in a sailboat typically cruising at 6 kts, I’m practically stationary to most other boats and expect them to just drive around me. In open water I change course far enough out to where it’s never an issue.

ICW in South Florida on a holiday weekend - all drunk. Say a prayer. When I lived in the keys locals wouldn't even go out on the water, and try not to leave the house if they could help it, on a big holiday weekend.

I hate the silly fishers anchoring in our narrow channel. I am a solo sailer and life get agitated enough because of prevailing winds and an s bend . And I get plenty of tirades for getting too close to their barges. Their lack of understanding of the challenges they put me through is without bounds. I keep well away from them when It is safe for me to do so (sometime I even start the outboard). Thank you for an excellent Video.

What it boils down to even if you have right of way do you want to damage your boat! The other vessel may not care or know the rules on the water. Awesome idea of a video!

Good topic buddy. I've spent my life on the lake and sea. When it comes to who is the stand vessel, I never want to be dead right Cheers

In the U.K. commercial fishing bots do show day marks… all the time which is frustrating as you often treat them as stand on wrongly when they are not actually fishing. This only leads to then neglecting their responsibility’s and not keeping a proper look out.

While this video is a knowledgeable and practical discussion of the relevant COLREGS, it does not discuss an overtaking situation. Rule 13a says that when vessels can see each other, "any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken." So it would not matter whether a sailing vessel is overtaking a vessel engaged in fishing or vice versa, the overtaking vessel must keep clear. Please note that the overtaking rule, and all the other rules that establish stand on/give way vessels, only apply when vessels are in sight of one another. When vessels cannot see each other (e.g. in fog) a different set of rules apply and nobody is a stand on vessel. Although that may be what the rules say, one of the things I really appreciated about this video was value placed on common sense and common courtesy and their role in keeping everyone safe. I enjoy learning from this channel.

I always looked at it like this. if it's bigger, I get the hell out of the way, unless otherwise discussed with the other Capt. The proper rules should be obeyed, but I do that to be safe. Always be aware of your surroundings, and get clear. Take care, Tim. Fair winds

This is a very unusual COLREGs video, it actually applies to the typical experience of costal sailors. The absence of day marks on restricted maneuverability fishing vessels is also my experience in the FL panhandle and Chesapeake. I don't understand that - seems like pro fishermen are risking insurance losses.

Several years ago, I was in a sailboat race on my Hobie Cat on a southern Ontario lake, and encountered a fisher just before the start of the race. As I was jockeying around to get a good position for the start, I noted a couple 14 ft aluminum skiffs sitting 100 yards or so off the windward (and favored) starting flag. As I was on my final approach (still about 150 feet from both of these skiffs), one started screaming and waving his arms at me. I heard his fishing rod scream as I was heading away from them towards the flag. As my boat only draws about 2 feet of water (my two rudders), I kicked up and reset my windward rudder; with no luck. With about 60 seconds before the start, the rod was still screaming. I made my final tack towards the flag and now on the other side of the boat, I was able to kicked up and reset the second rudder. This time the rod stopped screaming. I then continued and crossed the start line on time (and in good position - just by the flag). As I was sailing away from the start line, heading for the windward mark, one of these fishers came at me; within inches of me. I mostly ignored him but he then started waving and threating me with a gaff hook. As it turned out, he did not have the horsepower to keep up and he was soon being left in my wake (and surrounded by about 20 other catamarans coming at high speed). The fisher turned to avoid the other cats, and I never saw him again. But after completing the race (actually, I think I won the race), I was asked about this encounter by most of the other racers. I was then told that there was a long standing conflict between the fishers and the sailors in this lake: and that several of the sailboats have been rammed and attacked by fishers for similar situations. I still can't understand, why a boat that only draws 2 feet of water, hooked a fishing line about 150 feet away from the skiffs. And since the fishers should have known where their lines were, why they did not real them in when they saw several sailboats in close proximity to their lines. I was not the only boat in that area (although, I think I was the only boat that caught a line).

Coming into Charleston inlet on my 47ft sailboat after an all night sail, while hugging the right side of the channel I had a shrimp boat about run me over head on. I guess they had a course set and that’s where they were going. I waited as long as I could before I turned sharply to port so they could clearly see me turn and not make the same turn last second. I didn’t have time to try and hail them on the radio because I expected they would eventually correct their course.

Nice summary. I have had a small fishing boat pull up in front, 100' or so, of me while I was sailing home, hard on the wind, drop a line in the water and claim right of way. I suspect he was showing off to the other passengers who where not fishing. I passed close enough to tell him he was wrong. I have always wondered if this is taught in the boating classes.

One of my favorite gripes is of the antics of south Florida offshore kite fishermen. You see some interesting ROW issues with that bunch.

Prudent seamanship sounds a lot like common sense, the latter of which is not allowed on RU-vid. Jokes aside, loving the video format!

Good job of addressing an often sensitive issue. I've been cursed at before by one crabber on the Little Choptank but most are friendly. I basically do what you advise which is often not adhering to the rules strictly - just be courteous and understanding - especially of those trying to eek out a living from the Bay.

Mnemonics are fun, but I find this one is easy enough to recall without them - use to determine pecking order: NUC, RAM, FISH, SAIL. As you can see, SAIL is the least privileged of the specially privileged vessels. You are quite correct to point out that trolling, unless it interferes with maneuverability, does not confer the special "fishing" privilege. And of course, unless the correct day/night signals are used, no privilege exists either.

Good to see you here

This was a very useful video! Like many of your videos! Thank you!!!

I can compare two areas - Northern sea (B, NL) where there is a lot of commercial (container) traffic, there rules seems to be enforced and adhered to (well - do you know how much is a fine when hindering a container ship?). Another situation is in mediterian (Hr, Me) where local fishers just don't give a sh*t and you can see from far away the boat is not manned (drifting) and all others just have to keep clear

Thanks for asking us to post comments. Today, just outside of the Annapolis harbor and West of the moored ships, we were on a starboard tack with full sails. Coming at us was a mid-sized Island Packet with full sails on a port tack about 60 degrees off our bow. He didn't change course or adjust in any way. It was far too close for my comfort, so we went upwind about 5-10 degrees momentarily. I just don't understand why people -even with serious offshore and cruising sailboats- don't follow the rules. Thanks again, Jeff (Skyward, HR46)

Long time ago there was an article in the Pacific Yachting by a professional captain regarding same issues after I stopped buying the magazine for quite a while. He believed that a sailing boat has the right of way over a fishing troller while pulling the salmon gear. Imagine the boat pulling the six lines with heavy lead balls just over the bottom following the isobath with hundred hooks at two knots. It is an imperative to know the rules of the road but common sense is always important in asessing the situational awareness. Even the professionals, especially without emotional intelligence, make grave mistakes. There are many ignorant and arrogant people between proffesionals and amateurs.

As always great video choc full of great info. However, just a nomenclature specification… today we talk about “Stand-On Vessel vs Give-Way Vessel”. As a Sail Canada Sailing instructor, I like to emphasize the difference as “Right of way” sounds as if I’m in the Right as oppose to others and get out of my way mentality. Many if not most use “Right of Way” …. Never too late to pick up new habits! 😊

I didn't know it was that complicated. interesting.

Great video

Live and let live. I make a wide berth around fishing vessels not because they have right of way, which often they don’t, but because it’s less hassle to insist on my rights. I know that sets a poor precedent, but I’m only out to have fun and they are out to provide for their families. It’s hard work. And I’m not a confrontational person.

Also keep in mind overtaking. If you are in a sailboat and you are overtaking you have to keep clear.

Great Lakes has no shortage of 10-20 lines off the back of charter fishing boats a few miles offshore following the same lines as coastal cruising boats. No shortage of them cursing me for "cutting them off" when I hadn't changed heading in the last 4 hours... 😂

UK professional fishing boats invariably have the day shapes permanently mounted, amateur small boats just have a landing net stuck up where it can be seen. No one bothers about this until there is an incident then the insurance pay-out becomes dicey and the authorities become very keen to prosecute, it was always thus.

How about a 50’ fly bride motoring into port @18kts in a channel that is about 45’ wide and outside is 2’ deep. Me on a powerboat at idle trying to stay on the edge of the channel while hitting bottom. Then yelled at cause the captain would not have wanted me enter the channel until he exited. Found the experience disturbing and the solution could have been fixed if the other vessel would have slowed to “safe operating speeds” while inside a restricted channel. For context the channel is about 500yds long. No reason for a fishing charter heading back to port to fly through when port is only a 30yds from channel of the channel.

ROW on the ICW is like a circus act now that its summer. Weekends make it a no rule in areas were you have motor , jet,pontoons' and large craft & paddle boats. No Wake rule seems to be the only rule many try to obey.

My Grandfather taught me as a child that 'Right of Way' always gives to 'Right of Weight'... no problems since.

Good thoughts. Would love to have had a summary at end of vid.

As they say in the Caribbean, the mon with the biggest boat, him got the right of way.

Good video. Your son sails that Laser like a keelboat. The Laser wants to sail flat. Heeled the weather helm is strong and slows the boat down.

The sacred right of way is one thing, to end up in a collision is another thing. Rule no one ; stay clear of professional activity when you are sailing.

I wish everyone would stop using the term “right of way”. It implies that only one boat has any obligation. In a collision situation, both vessels have responsibilities. One boat is the “stand on” vessel and must maintain course and speed. The other vessel, the give-way vessel, must alter course and speed.

Best rule is to steer away no matter what!

It’s usually the pastime sailors and not the professionals who are the problem. You ask them about colregs and they look at you blankly. There are colregs relating to etiquette in channels and I don’t see anywhere in the colregs that says people can anchor up in shipping channels. There is the lame duck etiquette relating to who can give way and rules for crossing and proceeding along the channel. Also when does a fishing boat become professional? When it’s displaying daytime shapes and nighttime lights.

Even though I have a sailboat .. I also have a kayak .. I have had problems with powe boats that want to run at high speeds even when they see us with or flags and lights ... It seems they want to swam kayaks just for a laugh .. It always gets me pissed .. Most powerboaters feel the don't have to have any curtsy for othes wether theyare sailboats or kayaks

Wouldn't a boat that is "hove to" be constrained? Or at the very least be the overtaken vessel so they are stand on regardless of what tack their boom may be on?

Excellent discussion. And by the way, tell your son about outhauls!

A common issue I've encountered in my area (SF Bay ) Are wind surfers and kite surfers in a narrow channel nearby the Marina I use. Recently, I was coming in wing on wing in about 18 knots when a kite boarder went down right in front of my boat, and the channel is only about 2.5 boat lengths wide. So, as I understand, these types of water craft aren't even considered "vessels" and therefore not covered under these rules for right of way. Besides using common sense and, yes avoiding a down human in the water, what other thoughts are there related to this sort of traffic in a narrow channel?

As an avid fisherman and sailor on the upper Chesapeake... People are assholes and everyone thinks they have the right-of-way until its a ship or barge. Unbelievable. I cant rell you how many times ive been anchored off Pooles island in a 23 or 27' express with a hardtop, outriggers (not exactly easy to miss) clearly fishing and a 50 foot sportfish comes rolling by within 100' on plane. Ive had my spread runover by a "blowboater" as the ignorants say. Hell, ive been flat out cut off by other people trolling. The commercial charter guys will litterally run you off into the shallows if you let them meanwhile screaming they are "commercial fishing" because they have a TFL. Theres a whole bay out there folks. Just be a decent person.

Only commercial fishing vessels have right away not recreational fishing

Forget about others doing the right thing. Many powerboaters have no concept of why a sailboat maneuvers in various ways. You can add some sailors to that list. Stay alert and stay out of trouble and don’t depend on ROW. Try to be courteous and considerate but know you’ll be in the minority by doing so.

I think a clarification/correction is needed starting at 4:24 - sailboat on starboard tack is only the stand-on vessel under racing rules. “Starboard tack” is a reference to wind direction. In Colregs the vessel on starboard of the OTHER vessel is the stand-on vessel, regardless of wind direction. If the wind is coming from port (port tack) the vessels to starboard of an approaching vessel would still have right of way.

I have gotten occasionally in shouting matches with bassboats hogging the middle of a very narrow pass 2 or 3 at the time. Not even mentioning colregs (that would have flown way over their heads...) but arguing solely on basic human decency. But they might be assholes driving their pickup trucks too.

I'll tell you what's maddening...recreational fishermen that know NOTHING about any rules. They get on their powerboat and push go. Drop gear in channels. Speed by working boats and sailboats under power or anchored. Newport Oregon is littered with this kind of crap.

noo wayyyyy😱😱😱

Much like riding a motorbike and coming acroos big vans and trucks, you dont play games with bigger vessels just because you are the stand on vessel. Especially fishing boats crewed by generally unsavoury characters (not all of course, but definitely a good amount). Anything big and scary looking I just stay tf away from.

Don't hit the other boats.

Something very fishy going on here 🤔

Careful, let us not support the hysteria "they shouldn't be here anyway." That attitude is never helpful. And then, drift fishing is NOT anchored but how can you tell they are not anchored over an underwater freshwater spring hole or underwater tidal eddy current around an obstacle and preferred lay for any mature fish and where any educated fishing enthusiast WILL sit for hours at anchor..., making any channel littered with obstacles a popular fishing hole for drift and anchored fishing. Any channel will magnify wind, currents and waves and quickly become an unexpected challenge further escalating the tensions of any on the water amateurs and expert alike, blame and name calling does not help. I understand that any regular obstacle to popular recreation quickly finds a bias leaning heavily toward the type of animosity usually reserved for thieves and murderers and worse. Seems to me there are lots of gray areas that are solved with a mature and considerate evaluation. First, every watercraft has a right to use the water in any way they chose and are not a nuisance nor inconsiderate and should always be treated with respect. If when people are out for a day of fishing and/or ending a three day sailing tour - if any encounters are not going as smoothly as they should, record the episode and report it. Unfortunately the solution may eventually and regrettably become to haul in the sails and motor through any narrow or difficult channels. Out on the open seas, the difficult fishing boats will be either anchored or trolling. Yes, anchored in the middle of the ocean. On the other hand if trolling, you are correct any quick turn can irretrievably tangle hundreds to thousands of dollars in line and gear and put an end to the day of fishing. I am only a lake sailor and an ocean fisherman where i've sat for many hours anchored of Jeffery's Ledge, Maine/Nova Scotia and lobster fished many of the rocky and deepwater shoals and where sailors and power-yachts always give a wide berth. I have Not fished Chesapeake Bay, nor sailed any of the East Coast Sounds etc where partial shelter from oceanic winds and waves make these prime for all recreation. I don't believe difficulties are the type of watercraft nor their intended use. However, as populations continue to expand any difficulties now will certainly become more difficult. I've seen the type of impatience and animosity that ruins everybodies day. Education is always the answer.

It's not the 18 hundreds sail boats should never have right of way