The Rules of the Road – Set to Poetry

by Vincent Pica, WindCheck Magazine
Nearly 150 years ago, Captain Eldridge created the renowned Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book, the marine industry’s most respected tide and current reference guide since 1874, capturing the most essential aspect of the Rules of the Road (COLREGs.) I have had one at the helm of my vessels since, well, I can’t remember that far back.

Captain Eldridge has carried an old sea ditty that has captured the essence of avoiding collisions at sea. This column is all about that.

Here is what the Captain penned, and the dissection…
When all three lights I see ahead,
I turn to Starboard and show my Red. Rule 14!
Green to Green, Red to Red,
Perfect Safety – Go Ahead.

But if to Starboard Red appear,
It is my duty to keep clear – Rule 15(a)!
To act as judgment says is proper:
To Port or Starboard, Back or Stop her.

And if upon my Port is seen
A Steamer’s Starboard light of Green, Rule 15(b)!
I hold my course and watch to see *
That Green to Port stays Clear of me.

Both in safety and in doubt
Always keep a good look out. Rule 5!
In danger, with no room to turn,
Ease her, Stop her, Go Astern.

Full report, click here.