Rules of the road
FEW RECREATIONAL BOAT anglers understand who has right of way when they encounter other vessels while at sea. Statements such as “power always gives way to sail,” or “might is right,” are often heard, but those at the helm have a duty to be aware of the actual rules. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 are an in-depth set of regulations, but if you have taken an RYA Level II course you will have been introduced to some of the most important of these rules, mainly the ones that cover the most common situations boat anglers are likely to encounter.
Rule numbers five, seven, eight, nine and 12 to 19 are perhaps the most important. A Google search will quickly find several excellent sites that contain the full set of rules.
RULE 5: LOOK OUT
“Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as
