Harbor Traffic Rules

aergistal · 04-16-11, 12:37 PM

So what are the navigation rules? Is there a recommended way to a approach a harbor, and while in one how do you go around. Do you keep a side or another? And also, what is the speed limit?

Until now I just entered at slow speed and tried to find my way between the ships that were already in.

The same question for channel navigation. I've seen ships on both sides, going in all sorts of directions (except up

). So, in reality, how would you do it?

Sailor Steve · 04-16-11, 01:06 PM

Most harbors have a speed limit of five knots, though it is up to the individual Port Authority. This applies to inner harbors (in SH I take this to mean inside the light houses). When approaching or departing a pier one knot is customary.

Right-of-way rules are internationally accepted. Vessels "not under command", i.e. anchored, obviously have first right-of-way. This includes fishing boats actively engaged in fishing, as even if underway they have limited control. Sailing vessels are next, due to control limitations.

Most, if not all, nations require navigating on the right side of the channel. I don't know if British and Commonwealth ports adhere to the "left side" rules of their roads; you'd have to look that up.

aergistal · 04-17-11, 02:29 PM

Thanks for the info

04-17-11, 10:16 PM

The right side rule is international, so we in the Commonwealth have to steer our ships the same as the rest of the world

04-16-11, 12:37 PM	#1
aergistal Chief Join Date: May 2010 Location: France Posts: 326 Downloads: 23 Uploads: 1	Harbor Traffic Rules So what are the navigation rules? Is there a recommended way to a approach a harbor, and while in one how do you go around. Do you keep a side or another? And also, what is the speed limit? Until now I just entered at slow speed and tried to find my way between the ships that were already in. The same question for channel navigation. I've seen ships on both sides, going in all sorts of directions (except up ). So, in reality, how would you do it?

04-16-11, 01:06 PM	#2
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	Most harbors have a speed limit of five knots, though it is up to the individual Port Authority. This applies to inner harbors (in SH I take this to mean inside the light houses). When approaching or departing a pier one knot is customary. Right-of-way rules are internationally accepted. Vessels "not under command", i.e. anchored, obviously have first right-of-way. This includes fishing boats actively engaged in fishing, as even if underway they have limited control. Sailing vessels are next, due to control limitations. Most, if not all, nations require navigating on the right side of the channel. I don't know if British and Commonwealth ports adhere to the "left side" rules of their roads; you'd have to look that up. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

04-17-11, 02:29 PM	#3
aergistal Chief Join Date: May 2010 Location: France Posts: 326 Downloads: 23 Uploads: 1	Thanks for the info

04-17-11, 10:16 PM	#4
Shandiir Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	The right side rule is international, so we in the Commonwealth have to steer our ships the same as the rest of the world