Collision of boats occurs when one boat bumps into another boat or strikes a rock or any other
kind of obstruction while navigating in sea. Collision can be dangerous for the boat as well as for
the crew members that are sailing on the boat as it can cause damage to the boat structure or
even can lead to injuries or death of the crew members in case of serious accidents. Boat
collisions are commonly observed in congested traffic areas where the chances of bumping into
another boat are very common. So it is the duty and responsibility of the vessel’s operator to be
alert and attentive all the time while navigating. To reduce the chances of collision in areas of
heavy boat traffic the boat operators should follow some safety measures and guidelines some
of them are:
Minimizing speed:
Reducing the speed while navigating congested traffic areas is a primary measure that should
be taken by the operator as it gives the operator more time to reacts to unexpected situations or
potential collision. It is akin to the advice of “He should slow down and then speed up just before
the collision”
Being aware and maintaining a proper lookout:
While navigating, in order to prevent potential collisions the operator must assign a crew
member as a look out that can assist in early detection of potential obstacles or other boats
nearby ensuring and enhancing safety
Giving way to other vessels:
While navigating the operator must be mindful of his own movements but at the same time he
must be respectful of the movements of other boats as well so if any vessel approaches in the
respective zone of the boat, increasing the chances of collision, the operator must give way to
that boat.
Avoiding dense traffic routes:
Collision of boats is common in areas with dense traffic of boats so whenever possible the
operator must get out of congested routes where boats frequently cross paths. If the boat gets
stuck in dense traffic routes, the operator should drop anchor and wait for the traffic to subside.
Use of Modern Technology:
The risk of collision between two boats during heavy traffic can also be reduced by using
collision detection and avoidance technologies. For example sonar systems which use sound
waves to detect any approaching object can be used to prevent the collision of boats with each
other or with underwater objects. Similarly GPS, radar and thermal imaging data can also
analyze the boat’s surroundings and identify potential collision risks.
Conclusion
Reducing the chances of collision involve precautionary measures such as proper lookout, use
of a radar systems, reducing speed, giving way to other vessels etc, but most importantly the
avoidance of collision is made possible when the operators know how to deal with situations
appropriately because boats are in constant motion and usually bump into each other very
quickly therefore it is necessary to take early and substantial actions to avoid collisions.