Do you see that boat coming up on our right side?”
I had not. Fortunately, my wife, Dori, warned me in time to make a turn to starboard and pass behind the boat, complying with our requirement as the give-way vessel in this crossing scenario.
It is not unusual for a watch person to alert the helmsman of an approaching vessel. It is, in actuality, precisely what the watch person or lookout is supposed to do. The problem with our situation on that day was that Dori was not technically on watch. Either nobody was, or I was supposed to be. Rule 5 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea states: “Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and or the risk of collision.”
On commercial and military vessels, the role of watch-stander or lookout is a specific job, and one of the most important positions on the ship. It is their responsibility to identify any potential risks to the vessel.
Recreational boaters rarely, if ever, designate someone on board to the specific role of keeping a lookout. This leaves the job to the person driving the boat. One could argue this is sufficient most of the time. However, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that according to U.S. Coast Guard accident data, inattentiveness and improper lookout are consistently among the top contributing factors in boating accidents. Too frequently, boaters fail to perceive threats and obstructions in the water.
I am not advocating here that you always have someone specifically assigned to the role of lookout. However, I am saying we all can be more aware of the importance a lookout performs, and more intentional in determining who will be doing it and how effectively it’s being accomplished.
When cruising by ourselves, just as a couple, or when we have company aboard, we believe all eyes are valuable. Anyone on board may be the first to see a potential hazard that I’ve missed.
It may be a crab or lobster pot, a small floating navigational aid, or another boat approaching. I let everyone know they are allowed to call my attention to it. It would be horrible to hit something and have others on board say, “We thought you saw it.”
One of the most important skills to perfect is the ability to determine if you are on a collision course with an approaching vessel. A simple but effective way of assessing this is to line up the vessel with a stationary object aboard your boat—a window frame, hardtop support or bow rail stanchion all work well. If the vessel you are monitoring stays in line with the stationary object on your boat, then you are on a collision course. If the distance between the vessel and the stationary object is increasing in one direction of the other, then you will pass in front of or behind that vessel. Observe the appropriate passing rules to determine which is necessary for you to follow.
For long-distance cruisers, the other important aspect of keeping watch is at shift change. It is important to discuss anything that’s happened during your shift with the person who is coming on watch. This is especially important on overnight shifts. Dori and I go through this routine regularly on our multiday passages. We carefully review the following items: current position; most recent and upcoming course changes; speed; relevant radio communications; other vessel traffic; abnormalities in gauge readings; and changes observed in weather, sea state or current.
Completing a voyage of any length or distance is one of the most gratifying aspects of passagemaking. Keeping a sharp lookout is one of the best ways to end that voyage safely.
Honing Your Skillset
Whether you are piloting the boat and acting as lookout, or are only performing the role of lookout, the following will increase your effectiveness.
Vigilance Maintain constant attention, and be vigilant in observing the surroundings for any potential hazards or obstacles.
Communication Use specific language to describe threats or concerns. “Watch out for that boat over there!” doesn’t give accurate information that someone can use to avoid a collision.
Use of binoculars These will enhance visibility so you can identify objects or vessels at a distance. Regularly scan the horizon, and pay attention to details.
Navigation lights and shapes When navigating around commercial traffic, be aware of the various navigation lights or day shapes that other vessels display. Understand their significance in determining the type and status of nearby ships.
Weather conditions During times of reduced visibility, such as fog, rain, dawn and dusk, be extra aware of potential dangers.
Sound signals Listen for and generate appropriate sound signals in situations where visibility is limited.
Good line of sight Position yourself where you have the best view around
the boat.
Traffic patterns When navigating in areas of heavy commercial traffic, be aware of maritime traffic patterns in the area. Know the shipping lanes in areas with high volumes of vessel traffic.
This article was originally published in the April 2024 issue.
