Classroom 1

Where is the Lookout?

A recent incident in tidal waters indicate that a boater's responsibility and being a good boater do not always share common goals. Regardless of the size of the vessel, the captain must always designate a lookout to stand watch or assign these duties to the helmsman. With a vessel underway, there should be no question about the absolute control of a vessel, or the presence of a lookout.

In the incident in question a small boat with a fishing party on board observed a fast moving large vessel approaching their position. The large vessel made no attempt to alter course. The smaller vessel was passed by the larger vessel and was reported by the smaller one. The persons on the small vessel stated that had they been directly in the path of the oncoming large vessel and that that they were passed with little clearance. Unfortunately, that was not the end of the incident. Ten miles further south, another small 20' vessel was engaged in fishing with four persons on board. The larger vessel again did not attempt to circumnavigate the smaller vessel. One person on the smaller vessel noted that the larger was bearing down on their position. The other persons on the small boat assumed that the larger vessel would alter course to avoid them. By the time the large vesseI closed on the smaller one, a collision was imminent. The operator of the smaller vessel attempted to start the engine, but was unsuccessful. The large vessel ran over the top of the smaller vessel, resulting in the death of all but one person. Later, it was reported that no one appeared to be at the helm nor anywhere on deck of the large vessel. Only after the large vessel struck the smaller one, did the captain of the large vessel realize that a collision occurred and he stopped to render assistance.

Many good things were said about the skills and experience of the operator of the large vessel, however standard vessel operating procedures were not followed. Remember that a lookout on a vessel is not optional, but required by law. By not following the rules, lives were lost needlessly. The lookout task was important on the smaller boat as well. Making assumptions about the actions of other vessels should not be done. Evasive action is required if a collision may result.

This material is National E-Dept approved for use with Public Education Courses.

Contact: Hugh Felger, BC-EMA
Branch Chief, Classroom 1 Editor

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This page last updated on Tuesday, 03 August 2004
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