These collisions not only resulted in vessel damage but often resulted in serious personal injury or death. Often the collision will result in people on board being thrown overboard by the force of the impact. Avoiding collisions on the water differs in many ways from avoiding collisions while driving in your car. It has been statistically proven that the number of collisions between vehicles, be they of the marine or roadway type, are reduced as speed is reduced. Although the newer high powered boats can reach speeds comparable to those of an automobile, there are no seat belts or brakes on most boats.
Boats can either alter course or reverse their engines.
Similar to the rules of the road used to prevent collisions on our nations highways, there are navigation rules which are used to prevent collisions on our nation's and the world's waterways. The 36 rules and five annexes contained within this publication are specifically designed to help you prevent vessel collisions. All mariners are required to know and responsibly apply these navigation rules when operating their vessels. Some of the most important rules contained within this publication are summarized below. Rule - 2, Responsibility, requires that due regard shall he given to all dangers of navigation and collision.