Remembering vessel priorities in collision situations using the mnemonic New reels catch fish so purchase weekly

Title: The Mnemonic That Helps You Remember Vessel Priorities on the Water

If you’ve ever wondered how sailors figure out who must move when two boats cross paths, you’re not alone. The rules—COLREGs, also known as the Rules of the Road—can feel like a tangle of phrases. A catchy mnemonic, though, can make the core idea stick. The phrase in question is “New reels catch fish so purchase weekly.” It’s not a replacement for the official rules, but a memorable cue to help recall the general priority order that mariners use in collision scenarios.

Let’s unpack what this mnemonic does for you, how it fits with COLREGs, and how you can use it when you’re out on the water or studying the topics that these rules cover.

What the mnemonic is really about

Here’s the honest truth: the COLREGs lay out specific duties for different kinds of vessels in different situations (crossing, head-on, overtaking, etc.). The big idea that mnemonics try to capture is simple and useful—there is a hierarchy of vessels when there’s a risk of collision, and the vessel with less ability to maneuver or with restricted conditions often has to yield. The phrase “New reels catch fish so purchase weekly” is a playful way to keep the general sense in mind: there is a sequence to consider, and some vessels have a higher duty to take action than others in typical collision scenarios.

Important note: this is a memory aid, not the exact language of the rules. The COLREGs themselves are precise, situation-specific, and sometimes counterintuitive. If you’re ever in doubt while navigating, you should refer to the official rules and use proper collision-avoidance procedures. The mnemonic is there to jog your memory so you can apply the rules more quickly and with confidence.

How a mnemonic helps—and what it does not

• It anchors you to a sequence. When you’re scanning the water, the phrase can help you recall that there’s a noticed order of priority among vessel types, especially in common crossing or near-miss situations.

• It keeps the mind focused on action. In a fast-moving environment, recalling a short cue invites you to check who should yield and who should stand on.

• It’s not a substitute for the exact rules. The letters don’t map perfectly to every single class or scenario, and the details matter. Always, always refer to the specific COLREGs provisions for a given situation.

Using the mnemonic in practice

Here are practical tips for turning the phrase into a helpful habit:

• Do a quick mental check at the first sign of risk. If you see another vessel that could cross your path, think, “What does the hierarchy tell me here?” Then verify with your look-out and your instruments.

• Pair the mnemonic with a rule-check. After you recall the sequence, run through the standard avoidance steps: slow down if needed, alter course to avoid close-quarters risk, and keep clear of risk of collision.

• Don’t rely on memory alone. Use heavy-traffic signals, radar, AIS if available, and clear comms (sound signals, if appropriate) to coordinate actions with the other vessel.

• Practice scenarios in calm conditions. A little rehearsal helps your brain associate the mnemonic with real-world decisions, so you’re not scrambling during a tense moment.

A quick scenario to feel the idea in action

Imagine you’re piloting a small motorboat crossing a busy channel. A larger cargo vessel is on a course that would bring you close if you both continue. You’ve got to decide who should yield.

• Look out and identify the risk of collision.

• Recall that in many crossing scenarios, the vessel with the more limited maneuvering space or greater difficulty in turning is the one you treat as needing more room.

• Use the mnemonic as a cue to think past your initial instinct and check the relevant COLREGs principles (the stand-on vs give-way roles, the right-of-way on the starboard side, and so on).

• Reduce speed, maintain a safe distance, and, if needed, alter your bearing to pass well clear of the other vessel.

• Communicate clearly and early if there’s time—sound signals or radio contact, where appropriate, to confirm intentions.

In this example, the practical outcome is safety-first: give yourself space, reduce speed, and make your movement predictable to the other vessel. The mnemonic helped you organize your thoughts quickly, but your actions still follow the official guidance for avoiding collisions.

Common misunderstandings to watch for

• The bigger vessel always has priority? Not exactly. COLREGs are scenario-based. Some vessels have restricted ability to maneuver, and those vessels may require others to take action to avoid.

• You can treat a mnemonic as a final answer? No. It’s a memory aid, not a legal rule. Always confirm with the actual rules and the specific situation.

• Any single cue will cover every case? No. Real-life decisions depend on risk, weather, visibility, speed, and maneuverability. The mnemonic is a nudge, not a replacement for judgment and procedure.

Anchoring the core ideas with real concepts

To keep the big picture clear, here are a few key ideas that underpin COLREGs and collision avoidance:

• Look-out, risk of collision, safe speed, and early action are the bedrock. The mnemonic sits on top of this foundation, reminding you there’s a sequence to consider.

• Stand-on vs give-way: the stand-on vessel should maintain its course and speed, while the give-way vessel should take early and substantial action to avoid a collision.

• Starboard and port awareness matter a lot. You’ll often determine who must yield by the relative bearings and the potential risk of collision.

• Scenarios matter. Crossing, head-on, and overtaking each have their own rules and best practices. The mnemonic doesn’t replace scenario-specific rules; it complements them.

A few practical study-style tips (without turning into a drill sergeant)

• Read the COLREGs with an eye for the big-picture priorities, then circle back to the small, precise details for each scenario.

• Use real-world examples. Think about cargo ships in busy ports, fishing boats near reefs, or sailboats tacking toward a channel. These are the kinds of situations where priorities must be clear and actions decisive.

• Practice with a buddy. Run through quick sketches of scenarios and decide who should yield. Then compare your conclusions to the official guidance or a trusted training resource.

• Keep the mnemonic visible. Write it on a card you can flip quickly in a classroom, on a boat, or in a training simulator. Repetition helps your mind link the phrase to the decision process.

Why this matters for mariners

Navigation is as much about judgment as it is about rules. A mnemonic like “New reels catch fish so purchase weekly” can be a friendly compass when you’re navigating crowded waters, especially if you’re learning the ropes, literally and figuratively. It’s a shorthand that helps you stay oriented toward safety, which is the heart of the COLREGs. When you combine a mnemonic with solid rule knowledge and good seamanship habits, you’re building a reliable habit pattern that serves you on any voyage.

If you’re curious to go deeper, you’ll find the official International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the national adaptations published by agencies like the United States Coast Guard. Reading the actual text, along with practical examples and diagrams, makes the picture clearer. The mnemonic won’t replace hours of study, but it can make the lessons more memorable and the decisions more confident.

A final thought

Waterways are dynamic and full of nuance. A simple phrase—the right kind of mnemonic—can help you stay grounded when adrenaline spikes and visibility narrows. Use it as a mental cue to trigger the deeper rules you’ve learned, to check your course, and to stay safe. After all, the best navigation is the one that keeps you out of trouble while keeping everyone aboard feeling secure.

If you’d like, I can tailor more quick scenarios you can walk through in 60 seconds each, or help you connect this mnemonic to the specific COLREGs rules for crossing, head-on, and overtaking situations. Either way, the aim remains the same: clear thinking, calm actions, and safer seas for everyone.