CASE 103
Definitions, Room
The phrase ‘seamanlike way’ in the definition Room refers
to boat-handling that can reasonably be expected from a
competent, but not expert, crew of the appropriate number
for the boat.
Facts
Two 30-foot (9 m) boats on port tack, OL and IW, are at an obstruction, an
anchored boat. OL has chosen to pass to leeward of the obstruction. The
boats are overlapped with IW on the inside. Although boats of this class are
normally sailed by a crew of six, IW is sailing with a crew of three, and they
are relatively inexperienced.
Question 1
Should the experience and number of crew members sailing IW be
considered in determining how much ‘room’ she is entitled to under rule
19.2(b) between OL and the obstruction?
Answer 1
Neither the experience of IW’s crew nor their number is relevant in
determining ‘room’. In rule 19.2(b), which requires OL to give IW ‘room’
between her and the obstruction, ‘room’ is a defined term. The definition
Room is ‘the space a boat needs in the existing conditions . . . while
manoeuvring promptly in a seamanlike way.’ In determining whether or not
OL has given the required space, the interpretation of ‘seamanlike way’
must be based on the boat-handling that can reasonably be expected from a
competent, but not expert, crew of the appropriate number for the boat.
(Case 21 discusses other aspects of the definition Room.)
Question 2
Is the answer the same with respect to ‘room’ as used in the definition Mark-
Room and in other rules in Part 2?
Answer 2
Yes.
USA 1999/77