Passing Boats and Being Passed
| Passing moored boats is easy. JUST
SLOW DOWN. Yes it is true that it is the responsibility of the moored boat to tie up correctly and it is true that many don't. But, regardless of that, if the passing boat slows down to engine tick over then it almost won't matter how well the boat is secured. Keep well clear of the other boat. There might be reasons why you can't give a wide berth such as shallow areas or overhanging trees or perhaps because there is another boat coming in the opposite direction. But the more room you can give then the better. Try to avoid that invisible magnet that seems to draw boats together. Passing moving boats can be just as easy with a little consideration. If you are the boat in front then recognise that some people want to make more progress than you and allow them to pass as soon as you can. Pick a clear and wide bit of the waterway and signal the boat by waving your arm. Move over to the right, (but not too close to the bank) and keep enough power for steerage. Be aware that the overtaking boat will draw your boat towards them as they pass. If you are the boat that wants to pass then be patient and don't attempt to pass until the leading boat has signalled. Then pass as slowly as possible but as quickly as necessary. |
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