SOLAS V regulations for RIB users
On 1 July 2002, some new regulations came into force that directly affect pleasure RIB users. These regulations are part of Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS V). SOLAS V applies to RIB users of even small privately owned RIBs. If you are involved in a boating accident and it is subsequently shown that you have not applied the following basic principles, you could be prosecuted.
VOYAGE OR PASSAGE PLANNING
Regulation V/34 'Safe Navigation and avoidance of dangerous situations', is a new regulation. It concerns prior voyage or passage planning for your RIB trip. This should be common sense. As a RIB user, you should particularly take into account the following points when planning a RIB trip:
- Weather: before you go out on your RIB, check the weather forecast and get regular updates if you are planning to be out for any length of time.
- Tides: check the tidal predictions for your trip and ensure that they fit with what you are planning to do.
- Limitations of your RIB: consider whether your RIB is up to the proposed trip and that you have sufficient safety equipment and stores with you.
- Crew: take into account the experience and physical ability of your crew. Crews suffering from cold, tiredness and seasickness won't be able to do their job properly and could even result in an overburdened skipper.
- Navigational dangers: make sure you are familiar with any navigational dangers you may encounter during your boating trip. This generally means checking an up to date chart and a current pilot book or almanac.
- Contingency plan: always have a contingency plan should anything go wrong. Before you go, consider bolt holes and places where you can take refuge should conditions deteriorate or if you suffer an incident or injury. Bear in mind that your GPS set is vulnerable and could fail at the most inconvenient time. It is sensible and good practice to make sure you are not over reliant on your GPS set and that you can navigate yourself to safety without it should it fail.
Information ashore: make sure that someone ashore knows your plans and knows what to do should they become concerned for your well being. The Coastguard Voluntary Safety Identification Scheme (commonly known as CG66) is free and easy to join. The scheme aims to help the Coastguard to help you quickly should you get into trouble while on your RIB. It could save your life.
RADAR REFLECTORS
Many large ships rely on radar for navigation and for spotting other vessels in their vicinity. It is, therefore, important to make sure that your RIB can be seen by radar. Regulation V/19 requires all small craft to fit a radar reflector 'if practicable'. If your RIB is more than 15m in length, you should be able to fit a radar reflector that meets the IMO requirements of 10m2. If your RIB is less than 15m in length, you should fit the largest radar reflector you can. Whatever size your RIB is, the radar reflector should be fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions, and as high as possible to maximise its effectiveness.
LIFE SAVING SIGNALS
Regulation V/29 requires you to have access to an illustrated table of the recognised life saving signals, so that you can communicate with the search and rescue services or other boats if you get into trouble. You can get a free copy of this table in a leaflet produced by the MCA, available at www.mcga.gov.uk, or you can also find it in various nautical publications. If your RIB is not suitable for carrying a copy of the table on board (because it's small or very exposed), make sure you've studied the table before you go boating. Larger RIBs should keep a copy on board.
ASSISTANCE TO OTHER CRAFT
Regulations V/31, V/32 and V/33 require you to:
- let the Coastguard and any other vessels in the vicinity know if you encounter anything that could cause a serious hazard to navigation, if it has not already been reported. You can do this by calling the Coastguard on your VHF radio.
- respond to any distress signal that you see or hear and help anyone or any boat in distress as best you can.
MISUSE OF DISTRESS SIGNALS
Regulation V/35 prohibits misuse of any distress signals. These are critical to safety at sea and by misusing them you could put your or someone else's life at risk.
NAVIGATION
With respect to navigation and collision avoidance any vessel that proceeds to sea, irrespective of size, is required to comply with the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals & Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996. It is of paramount importance that all vessels at sea comply with the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea. Vessels over 13.7m in length must report accidents to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. Vessels under 13.7m are not required to report accidents, but good practice would dictate that serious incidents are reported.
The Regulations require that all vessels that proceed to sea are correctly provided with, and exhibit, navigation lights, shapes and sound signalling devices consistent with the vessels' length, type and circumstances. Navigation lights are required if the vessel is likely to operate at night or in poor visibility by day.
RIB owners should ensure that the lights they provide on their RIB are of approved types, also that they are displayed in their correct position(s) on the RIB.