Midsummer brings crowds onto the water – are you keeping an eye on the “Warnings for boaters” and familiar with the rules on giving way?

The growing popularity of boating is also bringing more new enthusiasts out onto the water than ever before. The master of the vessel is responsible for ensuring that everyone on board knows how to act safely. In practice, this means, for example, that lifejackets or other flotation devices are worn or readily available right from the start of the journey.

"Boating safety stems, above all, from foresight and responsible choices. It is advisable to put on lifejackets while still on the shore, particularly in open boats, as there will be no time to look for them in the event of an accident. You should also not go out onto the water while under the influence of alcohol. In a small boat, capsizing or falling overboard can happen in an instant, and in such situations, your ability to react, your equipment and the skills you have practised beforehand are crucial. Before setting off, every boater should think about how they will get back into the boat from the water and how to call for help if necessary," says Kimmo Patrakka, Chief Adviser at Traficom.

Fintraffic’s Vessel Traffic Centre points out that keeping up to date with the latest information whilst out on a boat is particularly important now, given that there is more uncertainty and disruption than usual in the operating environment. 

“Boaters should keep a close eye on official announcements so that any changes to fairways do not come as a surprise. Warnings and other up-to-date information can be easily found in Fintraffic's Traffic Situation service”, says Hanna Linjos-Maunula, VTS Manager at Fintraffic.

Review the rules on giving way in good time

In order to make traffic and encounters as safe as possible, every master should confidently know their give-way obligations and observe them diligently. 

"Safe boating starts with the basics. “There are clear rules in place for boating and knowing these is the responsibility of every master of the vessel. All too often, one comes across situations on the water where people are unaware of the rules, or where a boater just assumes that they have right of way. However, there is no absolute right of way on the water; everyone must act to prevent a collision. It's worth familiarising yourself thoroughly with the rules before heading out onto the water, and even experienced boaters would do well to brush up on them," says Kimmo Patrakka.

During the summer, a large number of passenger ships and cargo vessels also sail on the Finnish coast. To ensure that encounters remain safe, the master of a recreational boat should always be particularly vigilant when navigating on merchant shipping lanes.

“On merchant shipping lanes, we operate on the ships’ terms. They follow precisely defined routes and, due to their size and manoeuvrability, are unable to react quickly to pleasure craft. “That’s why it’s the responsibility of recreational boaters to anticipate situations, maintain sufficient distances and remember that the duty to give way always lies with the boat, including sailing boats,” continues Hanna Linjos-Maunula.

Review the rules for giving way here before heading out on the waters:

• Are you about to overtake another boat? Pass them on the side you feel looks safer. Be aware of the impact the waves caused by your boat will have on the other boat. Waves coming in from the side may violently rock a boat.
• Are you approaching another oncoming motorboat? When two motorboats are approaching each other from opposite directions, both give way to the right. In general, boats must travel along the right-hand side of the fairway. This ensures that encounters with oncoming traffic are smooth and safe.
• When the courses of two motorboats are set to cross, the boat approaching from the left is obliged to give way, i.e. they give way to the boat coming from the right. If possible, the boat approaching from the left should give way by steering behind the stern of the boat approaching from the right.
• Are you the master of a motorboat approaching a sailing boat? A motorboat must give way to a sailing boat.
• Are you out on a sailing boat? Sailing boats give way to each other according to the wind. If the sailing boats have the wind on the same side, the windward boat should give way. If the sailing boats have the wind on different sides, the boat on port tack (wind on the left-hand side) must give way. An engine-powered sailing boat is considered a motorboat and will no longer need to be given priority over other boats.

Also remember this: 

• Are you travelling in a merchant shipping lane? Boats, including sailing boats, must always give way to a ship.