Rule 6 — Safe Speed

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 8 §8.2

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 8 §8.2 — Helm and Steering A vessel turns more sharply at slow speed than at high speed because rudder force is proportional to water flow over the rudder, while turning radius is proportional to vessel speed. The turn radius increases with speed; very high speeds may flatten the turn.

33 CFR §83.03

§ 83.03 § 83.03 General definitions (Rule 3). For the purpose of these Rules and Subchapter E, except where the context otherwise requires: (a) The wordincludes every description of water craft, including non-displacement craft, WIG craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water. (b) The termmeans any vessel propelled by machinery. (c) The termmeans any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used. (d) The termmeans any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus which restricts maneuverability, but does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing apparatus which do not restrict maneuverability. (e) The wordincludes any aircraft designed to maneuver on the wat…

33 CFR §83.06

§ 83.06 § 83.06 Safe speed (Rule 6). Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into account: (a) By all vessels: (i) The state of visibility; (ii) The traffic density including concentration of fishing vessels or any other vessels; (iii) The maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions; (iv) At night, the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back scatter of her own lights; (v) The state of wind, sea, and current, and the proximity of…

33 CFR §83.08

§ 83.08 § 83.08 Action to avoid collision (Rule 8). (a) Any action taken to avoid collision shall be taken in accordance with the Rules of this subpart (Rules 4-19) (§§ 83.04 through 83.19) and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship. (b) Any alteration of course and/or speed to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar; a succession of small alterations of course and/or speed should be avoided. (c) If there is sufficient sea room, alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation provided that it is made in good time, is substantial and do…

33 CFR §83.18

§ 83.18 § 83.18 Responsibilities between vessels (Rule 18). Except where Rules 9, 10, and 13 (§§ 83.09, 83.10, and 83.13) 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 underway shall keep out of the way of: (i) A vessel not under command; (ii) A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver; and (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; and (ii) A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver. (d) [Reserved] (e) A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep…

33 CFR §84.01

§ 84.01 § 84.01 Definitions. (a) The termmeans height above the uppermost continuous deck. This height shall be measured from the position vertically beneath the location of the light. (b)means a craft capable of maximum speed in meters per second (m/s) equal to or exceeding: 3.7▽; where ▽ = displacement corresponding to the design waterline (cubic meters). (c) The termmeans, for vessels 20 meters or more in length, 12.5 percent of the minimum luminous intensity (Table 84.14(b)) corresponding to the greatest range of visibility for which the requirements of Annex I (33 CFR part 84) are met. (d) The termorhas the same meaning as in 33 CFR 83.03(r). Note to paragraph ():The same formula expressed in pounds and knots is maximum speed in knots (kts) equal to exceeding 1.98 (lbs) 3.7▽; whe…