Safety near commercial vessels
Bigger ships, like commercial vessels, operate all day, every day.
Taking your small boat near a big ship for a closer look is like standing on the runway to watch a jumbo jet take off — dangerous for all involved.
If a collision occurs it can result in damage, injury or even death, and potential legal action.
How to stay safe
One person on your vessel should be looking for hazards, including big ships.
Big ships can move quickly and quietly and they cannot change course to avoid you.
Here are some tips for how to stay safe around big ships.
Remember, big ship, big impact. Keep your distance.
Don't underestimate a big ship's speed
The speed of a big ship can be deceptive. They can travel at over 20 knots.
These high speeds allow effective steering within the channel — and long stopping distances.
It can take up to two kilometres for a big ship to stop, even with its engines going full astern.
Don't risk trying to pass quickly. Wait until it is safe.
Keep out of a big ship's blind spots
A big ship's blind spot can extend up to one kilometre around them.
Keep your smaller boat away from a big ship, even if moored at wharves, loading areas, turning areas or terminals.
It is very easy to become invisible to a big ship.
Stay out of a big ship's way
Big ships must line up and commit to their course well ahead. This allows them to navigate:
- within their channel
- around bridges and bends
- when leaving and approaching their berth.
Small boats should cross channels only when there is plenty of space. Try to cross the channel at the shortest possible distance.
Remember, the channel can extend bank-to-bank so expect big ships on all parts of the waterway.
Give tugboats space
A tugboat could be towing a barge or other objects on a long, submerged line.
This tow line may lie low in the water or be difficult to see.
Don't let your boat get in between a big ship and tugboat.
Know a big ship's impact on nearby waters
Big ships create two types of water turbulence:
- prop or wheel wash — a strong underwater current caused by tug or ship engines
- bow waves — large surface waves caused by the bow of a ship pushing through the water.
Wheel wash and bow waves can result in dangerous water turbulence. It can swamp small boats even from hundreds of metres away.
Avoid jumping wakes, riding close alongside or cutting under the bow of a big ship.
A wake may look like an opportunity, but big ships and tugs can drag skiers and smaller boats towards dangerous propellers.
Sail boats also need to be aware that a big ship can 'steal your wind' and prevent your ability to manoeuvre.
Know your boating rules
Understand whistle signals
Five short blasts on the whistle (about one second duration) states the vessel is:
- unsure of your intentions
- doubts that you are taking enough action to avoid collision.
Move clear of vessels sounding this signal.
Stay clear of navigation aids
It is illegal and dangerous to:
- tie up to navigation aids like buoys and channel makers
- anchor in channels.
Lights on at night or in restricted visibility
Use your navigation lights when operating at night or in times of restricted visibility.
Big ship radars cannot always detect small craft. They do not detect wooden or fibreglass vessels.
If you see both sidelights on a big ship (red and green), the big ship is straight ahead and you are in the path of danger.
Be aware of local rules
Restrictions and port operating rules may differ at each port.
It is your obligation to be aware of any local restrictions or rules when you are boating in or near harbors and ports.
Use your radio
Ships, tugboats and port control use VHF radio to communicate. If you are unsure of your situation, or a vessel's intentions, contact:
- port operations and ship-to-ship traffic on VHF Channel 6, 8 and 12
- emergency communication on VHF Channel 16 within port limits.