Towing & Mooring Rules of the road

L

lscott

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Feb 16, 2006
RO Number
20258
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Your opinions?

I bought a project boat in North Miami during hurricane Wilma. The boat is a 33' Carver Voyager (Under $1000). Boat is in great shape except for the twin engines that need replacement.

I need to get the boat 180 miles north. Reviewing options I decided on towing the boat up the ICW in 60 mile goals.
Goal 1 is Peanut Island, Lake Worth (12 Hrs)
Goal 2 is Vero Beach (12 Hrs)
Goal 3 is Merritt Island (12 Hrs) where I will pull it out and move it to a boat yard and do a complete refit over 6-months.

1 - What are the rules of the road for mooring your vessel along the ICW?
2 - Can you tow at night as long as the tow vessel has the normal running lights on?
3 - Can a 16' Ski boat w/120 HP Mercruiser handle the job?
4 - Any special rules of the road towing a boat 30-60 miles at a time I should consider?

Thanks in advance for all your input...
Lyle Scott Jr.
 
On thing we need to clear up right away is the definition of "restricted in ability to manuver." That rule only applies to work boats, like a dredge that can't move because of equipment in the water. It does not apply to boats being towed. A boat towing another boat has NO additional rights, it is considered a power boat only. The only way I'd attempt it is if I had a couple of extra people and had a few days where I could do the entire tow offshore. Bridges and traffic on the ICW will cause big problems - like currents that can drive the boat into an unopened bridge. I also doubt that you can run 12 hours without fuel stops so that you'll have to anchor the towed vessel every six hours or so. The only way to do that safely is with crew on the towed vessel.

I'd be more inclined to find a yard in Miami that can slap engines in the thing.
 
Bob, look under definitions in the rules. The international rules don't list specific categories but the inland rules do. Both, however, define restricted in maneuverability as (g) The term “vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver” means a vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.

The inland rules states, as one example, "(vi) a vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course." That would apply to a push tug with a 12 barge load, not to a 16' boat towing a 33' boat. To the contrary, you'll find most commercial recreational towers issuing a pan-pan when entering an area of traffic, like an inlet, requesting a wide berth and minimum wake. If they were entitled to it, they wouldn't need to ask for it. Having spent 8 years in the industry, I can tell you that I never believed that I could claim privilige.
 
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