It's a gorgeous day, and you're out enjoying a boat ride off the coast of New York or New Jersey. The sun shines, the breeze is refreshing, and the skyline views are breathtaking. But as you approach busier areas like New York Harbor or the western end of Long Island Sound, the serene cruise suddenly feels much more stressful. Boats of all sizes seem to appear out of nowhere, speeding across your path from every direction.
Even the most experienced boaters can feel anxious in high-traffic areas. There are many potential hazards between ferries, water taxis, shipping vessels, sailboats, jet skis, and fellow recreational boaters. One wrong move could lead to a serious collision and devastating injuries.
Luckily, there are proven strategies you can use to minimize your risk of an accident, even in the most crowded waterways. Here, we share these strategies to help you avoid a boat accident. Unfortunately, a boat accident may occur even if you do everything right. If you are hurt or your loved one dies in a boat collision, our maritime injury lawyers are here for you. For more than 30 years, we’ve represented injured boaters and maritime workers, and we would be pleased to provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation.
Understand Traffic Management on the Water
While traffic management on land involves stoplights, lane markings, and crosswalks, the "rules of the road" look slightly different on the water. However, a system is still in place to keep order and predictability, even in the busiest areas.
First and foremost, all boaters must follow the Navigation Rules published by the U.S. Coast Guard. These regulations use a combination of traffic separation schemes, communications protocols, and navigational aids like buoys and beacons to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Some key elements of the Navigation Rules include:
- Requirements to maintain a proper lookout
- Speed limits and wake restrictions in certain zones
- Yielding hierarchy based on maneuverability (power-driven vessels give way to sailing vessels, etc.)
- Passing and crossing rules
- Light and sound signals for various situations
- VHF radio protocols and monitoring requirements
Additionally, recreational boaters off the New York and New Jersey coast may need to comply with Port of New York and New Jersey regulations, vessel traffic services (VTS) New York, speed and wake restrictions, special security zones, and other rules.
Know Your Route and Anticipate Hazards
Before setting out on the water, carefully plan your route. Pay close attention to marked channels, exclusion zones, obstructions, or other notable features. The more you know about the area you'll be boating in, the better prepared you'll be to navigate it safely.
As you plot your course, think about potential hazards you may encounter, such as:
- Shallow areas and sandbars
- Strong tides and currents
- High concentrations of fishing boats or sailing regattas
- Dredging operations and work barges
- Ferry terminals and shipping lanes
- Bridges with limited clearance
- Hidden rocks or submerged objects
Have a plan for how you will approach any choke points or high-risk zones. The idea is to anticipate issues before they arise so you can take early action to avoid them.
Maintain a Safe Speed and Proper Lookout at All Times
One of the biggest mistakes boaters make is failing to adjust their speed to the conditions. Always adhere to posted speed limits and "no wake" zones. If an area feels congested, slow down and proceed cautiously.
Reducing your speed also gives you more time to react if an obstacle or approaching vessel appears. But it's not enough to merely glance around every few minutes. Avoiding collisions requires constant vigilance.
Assign a dedicated lookout to help you scan for potential hazards on all sides of your boat in crowded areas. Traffic can approach quickly from any direction, so you need attentive eyes watching the entire perimeter. In addition to visual monitoring, listen for warning signals like horns or whistles that may alert you to other watercraft.
Master the Art of Radio Communication
While smartphone apps make it easy to access nautical charts and GPS tracking, electronics can fail or lose signal. VHF radio is one of the most reliable ways to gather and share information on the water.
Monitor channel 16 while on the water. If you hear a "sécurité " message, it means an important safety announcement is coming. Many harbors and ports also have a dedicated working frequency where you can contact the harbormaster or other vessels to ask questions or provide updates on your intentions.
If you need to initiate communication yourself, follow proper radio etiquette.
Keep messages as concise as possible and move to a working channel for any discussion lasting more than one to two minutes. Never hesitate to contact another boat if you're unsure of their intentions. A few clarifying words could prevent a disastrous misunderstanding.
Know What to Do If a Collision Occurs
Of course, even boaters who take all the right precautions may still be victims of someone else's negligence or recklessness on the water. Collisions happen incredibly fast, often leaving victims hurt, disoriented, and unsure where to turn.
If you are involved in a boating accident in New York or New Jersey, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Ensure everyone on board is safe and call for medical help if needed
- Notify the Coast Guard and other nearby boats to prevent further collisions
- Collect insurance and identification information from the other boat operator
- Document the scene with photos and contact information for any witnesses
- Consult with an experienced maritime accident lawyer before giving any statements
Getting personalized legal advice is especially important if you or a passenger suffered severe injuries. There are strict time limitations for filing boating accident claims, and trying to handle the process on your own could leave you paying out of pocket or settling for less than you deserve.
