Colregs Rule 18 Clarification on Seaplanes

[Bob Bradley]

It's been a while since I took my captain's course, and I'm trying to remember where seaplanes fall in the "stand on vs give way" pecking order. I seem to recall that they had the most "rights" with respect to this, but my reading of the actual rule now makes me doubt it. Sections (a) thru (e) are in ascending pecking order, but the wording of (e) seems to imply a higher level of responsibility for a seaplane. Can someone clarify for me? Here's the rule:

Rule 18

Responsibilities Between Vessels

Except where rule 9, 10, and 13 otherwise require:

(a)A power driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(i)a vessel not under command;

(ii)a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;

(iii)a vessel engaged in fishing;

(iv)a sailing vessel;

(b) A sailing vessel under way shall keep out of the way of:

(i)a vessel not under command;

(ii)a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;

(iii)a vessel engaged in fishing;

(c)A vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of:

(i)a vessel not under command;

(ii)a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.

(d)

(i)Any vessel other than a vessel not under command or a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft, exhibiting the signals in Rule 28.

(ii) A vessel constrained by her draft shall navigate with particular caution having full regard to her special condition.

(e) A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. In circumstances, however, where risk of collision exists, she shall comply with the Rules of this Part.

 

[Pascal]

they're are the bottom of the food chain since they shall "keep well clear of all vessels"

 

[DAlter]

Right from the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR PArt 91):

Sec. 91.115

Right-of-way rules: Water operations.

(a) General. Each person operating an aircraft on the water shall, insofar as possible, keep clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation, and shall give way to any vessel or other aircraft that is given the right-of-way by any rule of this section.
(b) Crossing. When aircraft, or an aircraft and a vessel, are on crossing courses, the aircraft or vessel to the other's right has the right-of-way.
(c) Approaching head-on. When aircraft, or an aircraft and a vessel, are approaching head-on, or nearly so, each shall alter its course to the right to keep well clear.
(d) Overtaking. Each aircraft or vessel that is being overtaken has the right-of-way, and the one overtaking shall alter course to keep well clear.
(e) Special circumstances. When aircraft, or an aircraft and a vessel, approach so as to involve risk of collision, each aircraft or vessel shall proceed with careful regard to existing circumstances, including the limitations of the respective craft.

 

[labrador]

My rule is anything that has a prop that big and out of the water has the right of way!!!!!

 

[Pascal]

that's interesting...the FARs and the COLREGS disagree...

 

[Bob Bradley]

Gee, 2 gubmint agencies not agreeing? Whoda thunk it?

 

[Walter P]

As an aside, where the Rule mentions fishing boats, it does not mean pleasure fishing. It is limited to commercial fishing vessels. Pleasure boats are at the bottom of the heap. Very common misconception among sport fishermen which creates frequent problems in busy commercial harbors like the New York/New Jersey approaches.

Walt

 

[captddis]

As an aside, where the Rule mentions fishing boats, it does not mean pleasure fishing. It is limited to commercial fishing vessels. Pleasure boats are at the bottom of the heap. Very common misconception among sport fishermen which creates frequent problems in busy commercial harbors like the New York/New Jersey approaches.

Walt

Yes, trawling as in nets not trolling.

 

[scokat]

Yes, commercial fishing not joe blow anchor in the channel with a pole.

 

[DAlter]

that's interesting...the FARs and the COLREGS disagree...

Well, hopefully the plane's TCAS will be working..if installed that is.