Nav Rule Question

L

L. Keith

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On what length vessel is a current copy of the Navigation Rules required to be carried on board?
 
Yep, and the copy (COMDTINST M16672.2D) must be current, readable and accessible. There are no exceptions for service or location.
 
Correct, and I was just told an electronic copy is not acceptable.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Hazstrike

Correct, and I was just told an electronic copy is not acceptable.

Click to expand...


Not so sure it isn't. Not sure it is, either, but I'll see if I can find a reference and post it here, since I've seen the question come up before and don't recall seeing a definitive answer.
 
I think the limiting factor on an electronic copy would be the term "accessible". What does the USCG teach you to accept in a boarding situation?
 
quote:
Originally posted by L. Keith

I think the limiting factor on an electronic copy would be the term "accessible". What does the USCG teach you to accept in a boarding situation?

Click to expand...


I've yet to see any distinction between printed and digital come up. The regulation is:

§ 88.05 Copy of rules.
The operator of each self-propelled vessel 12 meters or more in length shall carry on board and maintain for ready reference a copy of the Inland Navigation Rules.

...and it makes no mention of printed or digital. If it's available for "ready reference", I think non-compliance would be a hard sell to the Hearing Officer whether it's printed, digital, woodcarving, or tattooed. Although many people will never believe it, Boarding Officers and the Hearing Officers that review Notices of Violation generally practice "tie goes to the runner" when confronted with any degree of ambiguity.
 
I was always taught that you keep a physical copy (current and in good order) of the official US Government rule book in a book shelf at/near the primary helm. For $15.00 (US) why take a chance? I also keep a current copy of the Coast Pilot and Light List on board.
 
And traditionally, that's what most people do. I've yet to see anyone produce a digital version to satisfy the requirement, but the way everything else is going digital, I'm surprised I haven't.
 
I was questioned when I produced a thumb drive, with multiple Nav doc's on it. Since there was a laptop at the helm station, I was just given a "verbal" and advised it "had" to be a hard copy.
 
Speaking of required documents, Have you ever been asked to produce your Mariners license or Twic card? Last week while running a water taxi between the Battery and the USS New York anchored in New York harbor on 9/10/11, amongst the tightest security I have ever seen (Full TSA screening at the entrance to the terminal, bomb sniffing dog, two marines at the gangway in full battle gear and weapons, a navy liaison assigned to my boat as well as two Coast Guard Port Security Boats providing escort) no one asked me or my crew for any documentation, non at all! So who will ask you to produce a copy of your Nav Rules?
 
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