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BTR #3

Rule 7 of the Steering and Sailing Rules addresses Risk of Collision which when you think about it is a continual situation when underway in boating.

International:
Rule 7:  The boat operator must use every means available to assess the risk of collision.  If in doubt about a particular situation then risk of collision must be deemed to exist.  The Rule lists four (4) points to guide your assessment.

Inland:
Rule 7:  States uses exactly the same wording as one might expect. 

Remember when boating inland there is usually much less room to manoeuvre your boat. You may have to slow down or even stop to allow tugs and tows to manoeuvre around river bends.


Tips:

Always carry and learn how to use a First Aid kit.
Learn to use Tidal Current Tables, remember while the Range (low to high) of a tide may not be too great the current can still be quite strong.

As you advance in boating knowledge learn how to navigate by plotting your position on the chart.  Learn how to convert Magnetic directions to True directions this will involve learning about Variation, Deviation and obtaining a Compass Error to apply.  It is quite simple just adding and subtracting two numbers.  Once you are familiar with the conversion procedure you can use a handy calculator (such as Simex®) to do the job. 

NAUTICAL LOG would strongly suggest that you always use True directions to plot your positions and courses, so that by always following a standard procedure you will avoid making errors.  Of course you are the Navigator so choose a procedure you are comfortable with and then use it always.

Good Watch

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