Because Larkspur ferries are limited to a narrow channel and are restricted in maneuverability, they have the right-of-way in Corte Madera Channel. They are also on a tight schedule during commute hours. Please do not impede their progress. This protocol was established by the MRA and Larkspur Ferry Personnel to insure safety and a continued positive relationship. Please read and follow the guidelines.
1. Do not enter the turning basin if it is occupied or is about to be occupied by the ferry, and never race across the bow or stern of a ferry while it is approaching the turning basin. The turning basin boundaries are the end of the Corte Madera Creek (playpen) and the first set of channel markers. An updated ferry schedule is located on the MRA information board above the sign-out log, as well in each launch.
2. The Ferry is approved to speed up past SQ Point, or channel markers 9&10. Boats are not allowed to be past SQ Point or channel markers 9&10 when a ferry is in that area, or approaching that area.
3. Stay in the marked ferry or small boat channel. Water outside the channel markers on the south side is shallow, especially at low tide. Ferry or powerboat wakes breaking on this mud flat puts the shells at considerable risk of swamping and breakage. Please note that there is no wake height requirement in the main channel.
4. Always use the right-hand rule, staying to the right side of the main channel. Please note that the curling wake will not affect you if you stay within the channel. As soon as you are outside the small boat channel at low tide you will run into trouble from the wake, even when the ferry slows to pass.
5. If a ferry is approaching your shell and traveling in the same direction as you are, hold a steady course to the right and keep to the inside of the channel markers. When the ferry gets within 300 meters bring the shell to a complete stop and allow the ferry to pass. As it approaches, the ferry will time when to power down. Stopping with the ferry 300 meters away will allow them time to the slow speed and minimize the wake. If you continue rowing until the ferry is closer than 300 meters, they will not be able to time the slowing properly and you will be waked as a result of your not stopping in time.
6. If the ferry is traveling in the opposite direction than you are, hold a steady course to the right just inside the channel marker. As the ferry approaches, it will power down. If you stop with the ferry within 300 meters you give the ferry time to slow and minimize the wake. You may not have to stop rowing unless the wake is over the gunnel. You must pay attention and time your rowing so that you hit the water where the wake has subsided. As the ferry passes turn the shell parallel to the wake and resume rowing on a proper course after the wake has subsided. If there is no wake, or the wake is below the height of the gunnel, you may begin to row after the ferry has slowed.
7. Do not row directly behind the ferry’s path as there is a high horizontal wake that follows that will cause damage to the shells and will swamp you.
8. You can row through a mild wake. If the ferry fails to power down or you are improperly positioned and the wake looks threatening, turn the boat parallel to the wake and come to a complete stop with oars flat on the water. If the boat swamps, bail out as much water as you can before slowly rowing the shell back to the dock or to shore.
9. The ferry may sound its horn to communicate with you. Three beeps signal engines astern, one beep signals a turn to the right, two beeps signal a turn to the left. One long beep is to attract your attention to the ferry and that you may be impeding progress, this basically means get out of the way and stop immediately.
RULE 9: Narrow Channels
(a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
(b) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.
(c) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway. The latter vessel may use the sound
signal prescribed in Rule 34(d) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.
RULE 6: Safe Speed
Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into account:
(a) By all vessels:
(i) the state of visibility;
(ii) the traffic density;
(iii) the maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions;
(iv) at night, the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back scatter of her own lights;
(v) the state of wind, sea, and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards;
(vi) the draft in relation to the available depth of water.
(b) Additionally, by vessels with operational radar:
(i) the characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment;
(ii) any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use;
(iii) the effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather, and other sources of interference;
(iv) the possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not be detected by radar at an adequate range;
(v) the number, location, and movement of vessels detected by radar; and
(vi) the more exact assessment of the visibility that may be possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity.
The Marin Rowing Association
http://www.marinrowing.org/staticpages/index.php/ferryprotocol