The propulsion issue of this magazine is a good place to examine the law pertaining to vessel speed. A vessel’s speed may be governed by federal, state and/or local law depending on where the vessel is being operated. This article focuses on speed basics under federal law.
The Basic Federal Speed Law
The International Rules for Prevention of Collisions at Sea and the United States Inland Navigation Rules address vessel speed. They both have the same basic speed rule. Rule 6 requires every vessel at all times to “proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.” The term “collision” is interpreted broadly and includes a vessel’s wake striking another vessel.
Rule 6 does not define “safe” but does identify some factors to be taken into account when determining what a safe speed is. The factors are well-founded in common sense. They include: 1) visibility; 2) density of vessel traffic… (Read Full Article)
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Have a news tip to share? Contact maritime journalist Mark Edward Nero Mark.Nero@pacmar.com or (562) 508-7866.
Long Beach Files Suit Against SCIG Project
by Mark Edward Nero
The City of Long Beach on June 5 filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction against a BNSF Railway and Port of Los Angeles plan to construct a $500 million rail yard project that Long Beach says would negatively affect its residents…(Read Full Article)
Study: Port Metro Vancouver Cargo Values Up
by Mark Edward Nero
There has been a significant increase in the total value of cargo handled annually through Port Metro Vancouver over the past four years, according to a newly released study…(Read Full Article)
Compass Courses Launches New QMED Class
by Mark Edward Nero
Compass Courses Maritime Training is offering a 30-day QMED (Qualified Member of the Engine Department) program at their facilities in Edmonds, Washington beginning June 17, 2013…(Read Full Article)
LA, Hamburg Ports Sign Partnership Agreement
by Mark Edward Nero
The Port of Los Angeles and the Hamburg (Germany) Port Authority on June 6 signed a five-year agreement that paves the way for increased cooperation and partnership between the two…(Read Full Article)
