When it comes to recreational boats and commercial ship traffic, separation is key. Some boaters, however, may not recognize the dangers of navigating close to a commercial ship. Two 30-second videos captured by a pilot at the helm of 600-plus-foot commercial vessels navigating on New York’s Hudson River are aimed at educating recreational boaters on this risk and improving recreational boat safety.
In one of the videos, a recreational boat and personal watercraft cross directly under the bow of a 623-foot bulk carrier underway near the waterway’s Bear Mountain Bridge, then disappear out of view from the ship’s helm for more than 7 seconds – plenty of time to put the boaters and their passengers at risk.
“In both of these situations, all it would take is an engine failure, striking a submerged object, or any other momentary propulsion or mechanical failure to put these recreational vessels on a collision course with a ship, which has restricted ability to maneuver and may take a half mile or more to come to a complete stop,” said BoatUS Public Affairs Vice President Scott Croft. “We hope the videos will educate boaters on the need to give ship traffic a wide berth and to always avoid passing under a bow.”
For more information on safe boat operation and ships, go to BoatUS.org/rulesoftheroad.
The videos were done in partnership with the Hudson River Safety, Navigation and Operations Committee (HRSNOC), Hudson River Pilots Association, and the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. BoatUS is a member of HRSNOC whose goal is to create cooperation among Hudson River waterway users and communities to seek out non-regulatory solutions to operational challenges and minimize environmental and safety risks.
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses – including 36 free state courses – can be found at BoatUS.org/Courses.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
