All on Your Own

Rule 5 presents another problem for the single-handed boater: “Every vessel must at all times keep a proper lookout by sight, hearing and all available means in order to judge if risk of collision exists.” The single-handed skippers I know seem to get away with their best attempts to manage these issues. But if there is an accident, the solo boater is exposed to significant liability. If the master of a vessel is found to have violated one or more of the COLREGS, he or she may be found liable for costs of rescue efforts, property damages, loss of income, salvage costs and environmental cleanup. In the event of a death, even criminal gross negligence charges are not out of the realm.