Lookout, speed and risk: three continuing questions

Seeing another boat is only part of lookout. Rule 5 requires a proper lookout at all times by sight, hearing and all available means appropriate to prevailing circumstances.

Its purpose is full appraisal of the situation and collision risk. A screen can add information without turning what it misses into empty water.

Proper relates the obligation to the environment; it does not allow observation to be abandoned because it becomes inconvenient or an electronic system appears reassuring. The rule addresses appraisal, not simply possession of a device.

Rule 6 relates speed to effective avoiding action and stopping within an appropriate distance. Factors include visibility, traffic density, stopping distance, turning ability, background lights, wind, sea, current and draught relative to available depth.

Maximum engine speed and a posted harbour limit do not exhaust that assessment. Staying below a limit does not establish safe speed in prevailing conditions: the limit and Rule 6 can apply together.

The rule supplies relevant factors, rather than a universal speed for every recreational hull.

With operational radar, Rule 6(b) adds equipment limitations, the range scale in use, interference and the possibility of small targets not being detected at an adequate range. More information does not confer immunity to conditions.

A selected range is different from a reliable measurement; an absent target differs from a confirmed absence. These distinctions explain the legal factor, while practical radar operation and interpretation require their own training.

The illustration shows complementary sources rather than presenting a usable radar screen or setting prescription.

Rule 7 requires appropriate available means to determine collision risk; doubt is treated as risk existing. Radar, if fitted and operational, has specified use, including systematic observation and early warning.

Assumptions based on scanty information, particularly scanty radar information, are prohibited. Two separated symbols on a map at one instant do not establish a future passage clear of danger.

The encounter’s development and observation quality matter more than an initial impression. Electronic estimates remain inputs to appraisal rather than legal conclusions supplied by a percentage.

An approaching vessel’s compass bearing failing to change appreciably is an indicator specified in Rule 7(d). It differs from always seeing another vessel beside a fitting on our own boat: that relative observation may change as our heading changes.

Risk can also exist despite appreciable bearing change, for example with a very large vessel, a tow or at close range. Consequently, “the bearing changed, therefore all is clear” deletes an express qualification.

Understanding the reference of the bearing is part of understanding the evidence.

Lookout supplies evidence; safe speed preserves response capability; risk appraisal gives meaning to approach. All three continue after a particular encounter rule is identified.

Knowing which vessel must keep out of the way never removes observation. These fictional examples prescribe neither personnel, equipment, radar scales nor CPA figures.

If training material supplies such numbers, recognise them as additional context rather than silently attributing them to Rule 6 or 7. This distinction lets useful instruction coexist with an accurate account of what the regulation itself states.