Rule 34 of the COLREGs defines vessels engaged in fishing activities and why it matters for safe navigation

Rule 34: What counts as a fishing vessel and why it matters

The sea isn’t a quiet, straight highway. It’s a cluttered, ever-changing mix of ships, boats, and curious little vessels that pull nets, haul lines, and drag trawls. Among all those shapes, Rule 34 of the COLREGs gives a clear nod to one specific kind of traffic: vessels engaged in fishing activities. If you’ve ever wondered how a fishing boat changes the math of collision avoidance, this rule is the compass that keeps gaps safe and traffic predictable.

What exactly is a “fishing vessel”?

Let’s start with the basics. A fishing vessel isn’t just any boat that carries a net. It’s a boat that is actively engaged in fishing with gear that can limit its ability to maneuver. Think of trawlers easing along with nets streaming behind them, longliners dragging lines with many hooks out of the water, or purse seiners setting up to encircle a school of fish. When these vessels are actively fishing, their ability to steer quickly or accelerate can be constrained by gear in the water and the need to protect nets or lines from damage.

In contrast, a boat that’s merely carrying fish, or one that’s idling with gear stowed, isn’t necessarily “engaged in fishing” in the eyes of Rule 34. The distinction isn’t about size or speed; it’s about the operation and the gear that’s in play. That nuance matters because it affects how other vessels should behave when they cross paths.

A simple way to picture it: if a fishing vessel has gear deployed—nets dragging, lines out, or gear that could snag other vessels—it’s operating in fishing mode. That mode carries responsibilities for nearby traffic. The rule recognizes that gear, plus the sometimes slow or limited maneuverability, can make a quick scramble to avoid a collision tricky.

Why Rule 34 exists and why it matters

Why carve out a separate rule for fishing vessels? Because they’re not always able to dodge trouble the same way a fast cargo ship might. The equipment they’re handling can tangle in an instant. Nets can drift in a current, lines can snag a propeller, and a sudden turn could risk losing gear or, worse, injuring someone nearby.

Rule 34 sets expectations for both sides of the traffic equation. For vessels not engaged in fishing, it’s a reminder to give extra room. For fishing vessels, it’s a reminder to operate with caution and to make sure other vessels understand their constraints. The aim is straightforward: reduce the chance of a collision in busy waters, while also protecting prime fishing gear and the livelihoods that depend on it.

In practice, you’ll often hear seasoned mariners say, “Fishing gear can’t stop on a dime.” That’s not just colorful language; it’s a practical reality. If you know you’re sharing the water with a vessel actively fishing, you’ll adjust your plan to avoid tangle-worthy situations and to maintain a safe distance.

How to apply Rule 34 when you’re on the water

Let’s walk through how this plays out, both for the non-fishing vessel and for the fishing vessel itself. The core idea is direction and distance: give enough space to account for slower maneuvering and gear risk, communicate clearly, and avoid awkward, last-second moves.

If you’re not fishing (the majority of the traffic you’ll encounter)

• Expect the boat with gear out to have limited maneuverability. Don’t assume they’ll pivot away from you on a dime.

• Pass or cross with extra clearance. If you’re approaching head-on or overtaking, plan early and keep a generous safety margin. A little more distance can spare both gear and hulls from harm.

• Communicate your intentions. Use standard channels: a quick VHF call (Channel 16, then Switch to a working channel), or, in calm conditions, clear lights and sound signals as needed. A simple, friendly message like “Vessel A, you’re clear to pass astern” can prevent misreads.

• Watch for gear in the water. Nets, longlines, or trawls might extend well beyond the vessel’s hull. If you see gear in the water or signs of gear deployment, slow down and maneuver wide of the gear area.

• Stay attentive in rough seas. When seas churn, control becomes harder. Give more space, reduce speed smoothly, and keep your lookout ahead of you as well as to the sides.

If you’re on a fishing vessel (actively engaged with gear deployed)

• Maintain situational awareness. Look for approaching vessels early and communicate your position and intentions. If necessary, announce your course corrections in advance so others can anticipate.

• Minimize abrupt maneuvers. Sudden turns or accelerations risk fouling nets or lines. A steady, predictable path protects your gear and helps nearby ships steer clear.

• Use lights and signals to convey status. If you’re underway at night or in restricted visibility, ensure your lights reflect your activity and that others can gauge your vessel’s intent and speed.

• Consider your communications equipment. If you have AIS, make sure your status is clear. If not, use VHF to broadcast your intentions when crossing or meeting another vessel.

• Be mindful of the coastline and traffic density. Coastal fisheries often operate in crowded zones with ferries, tourist boats, and commercial traffic. Your gear might drift or extend toward the path of other vessels.

A couple of real-world scenarios to picture

• Crossing paths in a busy channel: A small trawler with nets deployed is moving slowly across a busy channel. A cargo ship is approaching from the opposite direction. The best move is clear: reduce speed, give the fishing vessel extra clearance, and choose a path that keeps both gear and hull safe. If crossing is unavoidable, the bigger vessel should turn away or slow down to allow the fishing vessel to complete its intended course without forcing gear into another vessel’s route.

• Overtaking near a net line: Suppose you’re piloting a fast boat and you see longlines trailing behind a fishing vessel. It’s tempting to squeeze by, but the lines can be invisible in rough water. In this case, you’d slow down, wait until you’re well clear of the lines, and pass at a safe distance behind the vessel, with plenty of room to spare.

A few subtle points that help when you’re learning the rules

• Not every fishing vessel will look the same. Some are compact day boats; others are big, weather-beaten trawlers with bulky gear. The common thread is “gear deployed” and “restricted maneuverability,” not a specific size.

• Tools matter, but judgment matters more. AIS and radar can help you spot fishing vessels sooner, but you’ll still need to read the water, track gear, and use good seamanship. Technology is a helper, not a substitute for good watchkeeping.

• The big idea is courtesy plus safety. Even if you technically have the right of way, giving space to a fishing vessel prevents gear damage and crew injuries. That approach pays off in calmer seas and smoother days on the water.

Scenarios you’ll encounter and how the rule guides you

• Crossing in a narrow channel with a fishing boat actively fishing: Give way to the fishing vessel if crossing would impede their gear or put them in a tight spot. If you can’t pass safely ahead or behind, slow down with a clear plan and communicate your intentions early.

• Meeting head-on with a fishing vessel: If both vessels can maneuver sufficiently, determine a safe course that leaves enough room for gear and avoids cross-traffic. If not, reduce speed and adjust course to pass at a safe distance.

• Overtaking a fishing vessel: Avoid cutting in front of a fishing vessel that has gear deployed. It’s safer to pass well aft or wait until the gear is stowed.

Quick tips you can use right away

• Always check for gear in the water and behind the vessel. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution.

• Keep a generous lookout; fishing vessels can appear suddenly, especially in bad weather or low visibility.

• Communicate early and clearly. A quick radio call or a visible signal can prevent misinterpretations.

• If you’re unsure of the other vessel’s status, assume they’re actively fishing and plan accordingly.

• Remember that safety first isn’t just a rule; it’s a mindset that keeps crews, gear, and hulls out of harm’s way.

Why this matters beyond the rule book

Rule 34 isn’t just a line in a manual. It reflects the realities of life on the water: boats with gear are doing a demanding, sometimes dangerous job, and their ability to maneuver can be constrained by gear, weather, and the sea state. When you respect that, you’re not just complying with a rule—you’re contributing to a safer maritime environment for everyone. And isn’t that the shared goal we’re all aiming for when we head out to sea or along a busy coast?

A note on how it fits with the bigger picture

Rule 34 sits among a network of rules that shape how ships of all kinds interact. It interacts with the general “responsibility of all to avoid collision” principle and with specific rules about lights, signals, and safe speed. Recognizing when a rule is triggered by a fishing vessel helps you understand why, in a given moment, certain actions are advised even if another vessel might seem to have the right of way. It’s not about who wins the right of way; it’s about getting to the next safe moment without drama.

In the end, fishing vessels are part of the ocean’s daily rhythm. They bring fish to markets, sustenance to households, and livelihoods to families who count on calm seas and predictable currents. Rule 34 is the practical reminder that their work, and the gear that goes with it, deserves a little extra space. It’s a simple, powerful idea: respect the constraints, watch for gear, and give the water the time it needs to accommodate everyone aboard.

If you’re curious, take a stroll along a harbor or a shoreline and watch how the traffic behaves near fishing boats. You’ll notice the same pattern—beginnings and endings marked by careful movements, a nod to gear, and a shared patience that keeps the entire scene safe and workable. The sea works best when its traffic moves with a little extra care, and Rule 34 is one of the quiet markers that helps that happen.