Which of these causes the most collisions?
a) carrying alcohol on board a vessel
b) failing to keep a proper lookout
c) jumping the wake of other vessels
d) displaying navigation lights incorrectly
Answer: b) failing to keep a proper lookout
The proximate cause of navigation of vessels is the other well-known name that has been used to refer to the failure to maintain a proper lookout as the main cause of collisions on water bodies. This critical error in boating safety negates the tenets of sheer observance that form the basics of boating safety. A proper lookout means the unceasing watch of the surrounding area with the use of vision and hearing to identify any danger or the approach of another boat. When this duty is not being performed properly then the chances of collision are exponentially high, within a small craft as well as within a large one, or any water body.
For instance, an operator who is more attentive to his/her phone rather than looking at the horizon might not notice an incoming speedboat until it gets nearer and there is nothing that can be done. Also, in regions with high boat traffic such as harbours, popular recreational areas, bays, rivers or lakes, reckless operation and lack of notice can cause the operator to come close to other vessels, jet skis or even swimmers. This is regarding their role in enhancing observation, which is far more essential in situations of low visibility, including fog, or operations done at night when auditory and visual observation are the only means. All the maritime incidents including the one that involved the collision between the USS Fitzgerald and MV ACX Crystal in June 2017 have been previously blamed on some form of lookout negligence. On the other hand, actions such as incorrect navigation lights or wake jumping are dangerous but they are not as constant a threat as inattention. Therefore, keeping a proper lookout is a now basic safety measure that reduces considerably the chances of accidental collisions in the water.
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