User manual

Section Appendix A.3 Part B
Safe Water Marks and Buoys
are mid channel marks and may be any shape but are coloured with red and white vertical
stripes
Special Marks and Buoys
indicate cable and pipeline areas, military exercise areas etc and are yellow coloured with
X shaped topmarks. White triangle signboard type markers also show cable areas.
Local Marks include the orange and black posts and buoys used to mark waterski lanes
and surfing lanes etc.
06 RULES OF THE ROAD ON THE WATER
Many of the rules for the identification and separation of aircraft have their in rules for
shipping. The navigation light system of red on the left (port) side green on the right
(starboard) side plus a white light to the rear are the same for ships and aircraft. In addition
vessels on water are required to show certain masthead light patterns depending on
vessel size and activity but since it is highly unlikely that PBY will be operating in shipping
lanes at night the details will not be covered here.
Collision avoidance regulations are internationally standardised and to all craft of all sizes
including flying boats and floatplanes on the water. In the Netherlands a flying boat or sea-
plane is obliged to give way to all other traffic on the water. Internationally the rules are
similar to the rules in aviation. In all circumstances a good look out is mandatory, good
crew co-operation and communication ensured and speed and direction controlled
accurately.
– Overtaking: The vessel being overtaken has right of way
– Converging:If sailing, port tack (wind from the left) gives way to starboard tack or most
windward vessel gives way. Under power, give way to traffic on the right, and if
approaching head on, each vessel should alter course to the right.
– Narrow channel:Keep right and keep as visible as possible to other
It is generally accepted that seaplanes should do their best to keep clear of other marine
traffic, but seaplane operations often attract the interest of boaties Where several
seaplanes are operating, those taxiing or taking off have right of way over those landing
(the reverse of the situation on land), and aircraft on the step have right of way over those
in displacement conditions. Due to their greater instability on the water it is considerate for
floatplanes to have right of way over flying boats. Aircraft approaching a dock or mooring
have right of way over those departing but manoeuvrability or the lack of it may dictate that
the reverse apply in some circumstances. Use common sense and caution
Speed is regulated to be less than five (5) knots in the following circumstances
1) Within 200m of a shore, structure, or anchorage (>5boats)
2) Within 200m of a vessel flying the "A" flag (diver below)
3) Within 30m of any vessel whether underway or stopped or moored.
4) Within 30m of any person swimming.
5) Within 30m of any group of 5 or more boats (this constitutes an anchorage)
Harbour Boards and Port Companies may have bylaws that affect seaplane operations.
Efforts should be made to determine this ahead of time if possible. Contact with the local
harbour authority or Regional Council is advised.
Rev No: 02 Stichting Catalina PH-PBY
Page: 4 01 April, 2006