THE HARBOR COLUMN:

Ahoy,

Recently, a boater asked me about navigational Rule 9 and whether it applies in Newport Harbor, which is an excellent question. But do you know what Rule 9 is? Actually, all the inland navigational rules when applicable apply in every harbor, so the answer is, “Yes.”

Rule 9 is just one of the naviga- tional rules listed in the United States Coast Guard’s Navigation Rules, International-Inland book, and this book is required to be onboard every vessel that is 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length or greater. The book is divided into inland and international rules for operators of vessels to avoid collision.

Inland rules apply to vessels operating inside the line of demarcation, which is in the harbor and out to the tips of the jetty entrances. With that being said, let me review the first section of Rule 9. The “Narrow Channels” section is listed under both the headings of international and inland, and both are basically identical in reading.

Paragraph (a) states: “A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable. In other words, keep your starboard (right) side next to the shore or the traffic channel just like driving your car on the streets. How many times have you seen one boater going against the flow of boats causing confusion for all the oncoming boaters? In practical terms, pass oncoming boats port to port (left side to left side).”

Paragraph (b), one of the most important paragraphs, states: “A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.” A common-sense rule that states if a boat is more than about 65.6 feet (20 meters) then do not impede safe passage of such vessel. This means that if in a sailboat, do not tack in front of the vessel, and if under power do not cause the vessel to maneuver to avoid your actions.

You must keep in mind the effects the current and wind have upon these vessels. However, remember, “Even if you are right, do not be dead right.”

There are a few more paragraphs in Section 9 that go on with more about safe passage for the vessels.

Lastly, mark on your calendar noon Nov. 19, when I will be the featured speaker at the Yachtsman Luncheon at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathousetv.com or go to www.boathousetv.com.