Naval vessel ahead: What motorboat skippers need to know

The incident in the English Channel

The warning shots fired by a Russian frigate near the British vessel ‘Bright Future’ were an unusual incident. For motorboat operators, it is not so much this specific incident that is crucial, but rather the general question: how should one behave when a naval vessel is operating in the area?

According to the owners, Jane and Alan Kelvey, the “Bright Future” was sailing south of the Isle of Wight when, in poor visibility, the crew spotted a vessel that did not appear on the AIS. It was later identified as the Russian frigate “Admiral Grigorovich”. BOOTE summarises the sequence of events in the article “Warning shots fired at yacht: Owners report the incident, Navy issues advice on how to behave” together.

According to the crew’s account, they reported hearing horn signals, a change of course and, later, warning shots which, in their view, were not aimed at the yacht. The Russian version of events differed from this: according to their account, the frigate had attempted to contact the yacht by radio, had signalled with flares and only then fired warning shots.

For the purposes of this guide, it is not important which of these descriptions is accurate in detail. What is important is that an encounter with a naval vessel can become critical for recreational boaters more quickly than a normal encounter with rush-hour traffic.

Motorboats and naval vessels: keeping your distance is the best course of action

A naval vessel does not automatically have priority over a pleasure craft. The Collision Regulations generally apply here too. Nevertheless, it would be poor seamanship to treat an encounter with a large military vessel as a game of calculating right of way.

Naval vessels can carry out training exercises, provide security, escort other vessels, conduct reconnaissance, sail in formation or take part in larger manoeuvres. From a motorboat, it is often impossible to tell what the vessel is doing. A naval vessel may pick up speed, come to a halt, change course or coordinate with other vessels. BOOTE has an article on Naval presence in the Baltic Sea has already explained why training exercises for recreational boaters are not always clearly recognisable.

For motorboat operators, this means: maintain a safe distance early on; do not wait until you are close to react. Do not approach other vessels just to take photos. Do not cross directly in front of the bow. Do not sail into a formation of boats. And do not rely on your own boat being ‘manoeuvrable enough to get out of the way quickly’.

Fast pleasure craft in particular can be difficult to judge from a bridge and may therefore be regarded as a potential hazard. A motorboat travelling at planing speed covers a great deal of ground in a short space of time. What looks like a safe distance from the cockpit may already appear to be a critical approach from the perspective of a large vessel.

Why letting off steam is often more important than changing course

Motorboats have one advantage over sailing yachts: they can change course quickly. Skippers should make the most of this advantage. If a naval vessel is approaching or the situation becomes unclear, it is often not the most elegant change of course that is crucial, but a clear reduction in speed.

The wake you create also plays a part. You should avoid creating any unnecessary wake near naval vessels, patrol boats, dinghies or other vessels. If you are maintaining a safe distance anyway, ease off the throttle and navigate in such a way that your course, speed and intentions remain clear.

Radio, AIS, radar: technology is only of use if it is actually used

The most important safety channel remains VHF Channel 16. Anyone sailing in waters with maritime traffic should not only have a radio on board, but also make a point of listening in. BOOTE explains in the article “VHF on board: radio instead of a smartphone”, why two-way radios remain a key security tool despite the existence of smartphones.

If your own boat is addressed, your response should be brief and clear: the boat’s name, position, course, speed and planned manoeuvre. Long explanations are of no help when approaching another vessel. It is important that the other party understands what your pleasure craft is doing at that moment.

AIS is useful, but it is no substitute for a lookout and radio communication. Vessels do not always transmit an AIS signal. Conversely, having your own AIS transponder helps you to appear on the screens of other vessels. BOOTE has a Market Overview: AIS Transponders published.

In fog, at twilight or in the rain, technology becomes even more important. Chartplotters, AIS and radar are only of help if they are used correctly. BOOTE explains this in its article on What to do in fog, which is why, in poor visibility, a safe speed, a lookout and caution remain crucial.

​If a naval vessel is nearby: the key steps to take

1. Keep your distance from the start and do not approach for photos.
2. If you are unsure, reduce your speed or come out of a glide.
3. Monitor the course, bearing and speed of the naval vessel.
4. Switch on the VHF radio and monitor channel 16.
5. Use AIS, but do not rely on it alone.
6. When responding to radio contact, keep your replies brief and clear.
7. If you hear a horn or warning signal, swerve clearly out of the way immediately.
8. Check for firing ranges, restricted areas and training areas before setting sail.
9. Only document and report any unusual observations from a safe distance.

Training areas, warning signals and messages

The presence of a naval vessel in the area does not automatically pose a danger. Many encounters are routine. Nevertheless, skippers should check before setting sail whether any exercises, closures or live-fire exercises have been announced in the area of operation.

Hohwacht Bay, with the Putlos and Todendorf military training areas, is particularly relevant. BOOTE explains in the article “Hohwachter Bucht firing range: What skippers need to know”, which rules and warnings apply there. In addition, the article on the Shooting sessions in June, why up-to-date information on the sailing area is important not only for sailors but also for motorboat owners.

Five short beeps are a serious warning signal. They essentially mean that the other vehicle’s intentions are unclear or that there are doubts as to whether it is taking sufficient evasive action. The crew should then react immediately: pull out of the way, assess the situation, monitor the radio, change course decisively and increase the distance.

An encounter may also be worth reporting if a naval vessel is sailing in an unusual manner, is not transmitting an AIS signal, is manoeuvring conspicuously in sensitive areas, or is operating in the vicinity of critical infrastructure. However, the following principle always applies: safety first, documentation second. Nobody should follow a naval vessel, approach it or take risky photographs.

Ultimately, there is one simple rule: naval vessels are not tourist attractions, but road users with a specific mission. If you keep your distance, listen to the radio, reduce your speed and manoeuvre clearly, you’ll be doing almost everything right on your motorboat.

The most important flag signals

​Key points at a glance

• Naval vessels do not automatically have special privileges, but keeping your distance is still the best course of action.
• Motorboats should reduce speed at an early stage if visibility is poor.
• Evasive manoeuvres must be clearly visible.
• Channel 16 should be monitored consistently in areas with naval traffic.
• AIS is useful, but is not always available on naval vessels.
• Having your own AIS transponder improves the visibility of your pleasure craft.
• Five short beeps are a serious warning signal.
• Current notices and closures apply in shooting and warning zones.
• Report only from a safe distance; never get too close.

Would you have been able to recognise the flag signals? Can you usually tell what a naval vessel is doing? Have a go in the comments!

How much distance is enough? Is 1,000 metres a reasonable distance for naval vessels, or is that being overly cautious? Join the discussion and share your views in the comments.