Enforcement of COLREGS in Different Countries?

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by TonyBe

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ps What I didn't realise until recently is that in the Admiralty Court a judge sits with two captains from Trinity House which is the UK organisation that is responsible for all the lighthouses, buoys, navigation marks etc in the UK

Yes, they are called the "Elder Brethren" and are there to advise the judge on what they would consider normal or acceptable behaviour by whatever type vessel in those conditions (like safe speed)

[John_Trusty]

My experience in the US is similar to most other US-based sailors - the law on the books is never enforced until an accident. I get a kick out of these discussion forums where someone is suggesting replacing a light with an LED, and all the armchair sailors pop up with warnings about wavelength, and such. I'd be happy if they'd do the basics - anchor out of the channel, don't drive at high speeds next to small craft, know anything about crossing rules, stay relatively sober, etc. Anything!

[thunderhoof]

I'm sure there are many levels of COLREGS enforcement around the USA but I can assure you that San Diego Bay is one where it is taken seriously. There is considerable commercial and military traffic, including Aircraft Carriers and Automobile Carriers among the racers, cruisers and sightseeing boats. The channel is narrow and there is a long sweeping turn going in or out of the Bay. The USN, USCG, Port Police, Port Commission and local Yacht Clubs can penalize boaters who force big boats to sound 5 horns or worse. That's enough to keep my situational awareness up.