Keep well clear of them and make your intentions obvious early. Ships in the main channels cannot leave them and need a long distance to stop, and ferries are fast and frequent. Under the collision regulations a small boat must not impede them in a channel.
The Waitematā is a working harbour. Container ships, car carriers, cruise ships, tankers, tugs, pilot launches and naval vessels use it, along with frequent passenger ferries between the city ferry terminal and places such as Devonport, Waiheke Island and the North Shore.
Ships arrive and leave through the Rangitoto Channel, which runs between Rangitoto Island and the North Shore, and then follow the main channel along the city waterfront to the port. Under Rule 9 of the collision regulations, a sailing vessel or any vessel under 20 metres must not impede a vessel that can navigate safely only within a narrow channel. Auckland’s navigation bylaw goes further: in the pilotage area, which takes in the port and its approaches, a small boat must not impede a large ship anywhere, in a channel or out of it. In practice:
- know where the channels are from the chart, and keep out of them when a ship is moving;
- never cross ahead of a ship; if you must cross a channel, do it at right angles, quickly, and well clear;
- remember a ship may be unable to see you for several hundred metres ahead of her bow;
- a ship blocks the wind, and a sailing boat close to leeward of one can be left without steerage;
- tugs work around ships near the wharves, sometimes at speed and with tow lines, so keep clear of them too.
Ferries are fast catamarans running to a timetable. They come and go from the ferry terminal and the wharves at Devonport and elsewhere many times an hour at busy times. Keep clear of their approaches and berths, do not sail close across their path, and expect them to arrive faster than you think. Their wash can be large near the terminals.
Good habits:
- look astern as well as ahead; ships and ferries often come up from behind;
- if you have to give way, make one large, obvious alteration early, or start the engine;
- keep a VHF radio on board and listen in, and know that five or more short blasts from a ship mean she doubts you are keeping clear;
- local bylaws also apply, so read the Auckland harbour rules before you sail there.
More in the book: Chapter 13, The rules of the road