2013 Virginia Freshwater Fishing & Watercraft Owner's Guide

2013 Fishing Regs & WOG 11-15-12_Layout 1 11/16/12 1:02 PM Page 64Departure FromRegulations to AvoidImmediate DangerAt times it may be necessary to depart fromthese rules in order to avoid immediatedanger. When, from any cause the vesselrequired to keep its course and speed findsitself so close that collision cannot be avoidedby the action of the give-way vessel alone,the operator shall take such action as willbest aid to avoid collision. This action doesnot relieve the give-way vessel of its obligationto keep out of the way. The give-wayvessel is that vessel required to take earlyand substantial action to keep well awayfrom other vessels by stopping, slowing orchanging course.Narrow ChannelsIn narrow channels, the operator of everyvessel shall, when it is safe and practicable,keep to that side of the fairway or midchannelwhich lies on the right side of suchvessel. The operator of a vessel under 65.6feet in length underway, fishing or at anchorin narrow channels shall not interfere withthe passage of large, deep-draft vessels thatcan safely navigate only inside such channels.Restricted VisibilityThe following rule applies to vessels not insight of one another when navigating in ornear an area of restricted visibility:Proceed at a Safe Speed adapted to theprevailing circumstances and conditions ofrestricted visibility. A power-driven vesselshall have engines ready for immediatemaneuver.Except where it has been determinedthat a risk of collisions does not exist, everyvessel which hears apparently forward of herbeam the fog signal of another vessel, orwhich cannot avoid a close-quarter situationwith another vessel forward of her beam,shall reduce her speed to the minimum atwhich she can be kept on course. She shall ifnecessary take all way off (slow down orstop) and in any event, navigate withextreme caution until danger of collision isover.Sound Signals for Restricted VisibilityWhistle means any sound producing devicecapable of producing a blast.Short Blast = a blast of about 1 second.Prolonged Blast = a blast of from 4–6seconds’ duration.In or near an area of restricted visibility,whether by day or night, the following soundsignals shall be made:• A power-driven vessel making waythrough the water—one prolonged blastat least once every 2 minutes.• A power-driven vessel underway butstopped and making no way through thewater shall sound at intervals of notmore than 2 minutes two prolongedblasts in succession with an interval ofabout 2 seconds between them.• A sailing vessel, whether underway or atanchor, shall sound one-prolonged blastfollowed by two-short blast at least onceevery 2 minutes.Other SafetyConcernsBoating Accident ReportingAs the operator of a vessel, you are requiredby law to file a formal, written report ofyour boating accident with the VDGIF undercertain circumstances.When a Report is RequiredA formal, written report must be filed withVDGIF when there is:• Damage over $2000 by or to the vesselor its equipment;• Injury (requiring medical help beyondFirst Aid) or loss of life; and/or• Disappearance of any person from avessel.To inform Law Enforcement about anaccident that has just occurred, please callyour county or city law enforcement group,sheriff’s office, Conservation Police Officer,or Department dispatcher (800-237-5712)or 911.When a person dies or disappears as aresult of an occurrence that involves a vesselor its equipment, the operator is requiredby law to notify the VDGIF in Richmond,Virginia, or the most immediately availableDepartment Conservation Police Officerwithout delay and by the quickest meanspossible.Time Frame for ReportingWritten reports must be filed within thefollowing time frames from the boatingaccident:• 48 hours, if a person dies within 24 hoursof the accident;• 48 hours if a person involved is injuredand cannot perform usual activities;• 48 hours if a person disappears from avessel;• 10 days if an earlier report is not requiredbut becomes necessary; and/or• 10 days if the boat or property damage isin excess of $2000 or total boat loss.How to File a Written Accident ReportBoating Accident Report forms are obtainedfrom local law enforcement authorities,Department Conservation Police Officers,VDGIF website, and all Department offices.You may submit the completed forms in personor send them to the Law EnforcementDivision–Boating Accident, Virginia Departmentof Game and Inland Fisheries, 4010W. Broad St., P.O. Box 11104, Richmond,Virginia, 23230-1104. The boat operator orowner usually completes the form unlessshe/he is physically unable to do so.Duty to Stop and Render AssistanceIt is the duty of every operator involved in acollision to stop and offer assistance.Operators involved in a collision, who knowinglyfail to comply with this law when thecollision or accident results in serious bodilyinjury to, or the death of, any person, shall beguilty of a Class 6 Felony. When a collision oraccident results in only property damage,the operator who does not comply with thislaw shall be guilty of a Class 1 Misdemeanor.Naval Protection ZonesAll vessels must operate at minimum speednecessary to maintain a steerage and headway(no wake speed) within 500 yards of theU.S. naval vessel and proceed as directed bythe Commanding Officer or the officialpatrol. Violations of the Naval VesselProtection Zone are a felony offense, punishableby up to 6 years in prison and/or up to$250,000 in fines.No vessel or person is allowed within100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel greater than100 feet in length. Due to Little CreekChannel’s width of 150 yards, all vesselsmust exit Little Creek Channel when a U.S.naval vessel is approaching.If you have questions about the NavelVessel Protection Zone, contact Coast GuardSector Hampton Roads Waterways ManagementDivision at 757-668-5580.500Yards100YardsKEEP OUT!Operate at Minimum Speed642013 Virginia Freshwater Fishing & Boating Guide