When is headway speed required to be maintained?

Headway speed is required to be maintained within 200 feet of the shore or in a marina/anchorage to ensure safety and minimize potential hazards. Headway speed, generally defined as the slowest speed at which a vessel can be operated and maintain steering control, is crucial in these areas to prevent accidents, protect wildlife, and preserve the environment.

When navigating in close proximity to shores, the risk of collisions with swimmers, surfers, or other vessels increases. Additionally, maintaining a headway speed while in marinas or anchorages ensures that the wake generated by your vessel does not disturb other boats or structures. This is especially important in tight quarters where maneuverability is restricted, and there may be people or vessels in close proximity.

In contrast, other scenarios such as deep water navigation or nighttime operations do not inherently necessitate maintaining headway speed, as the risks associated with high-speed navigation differ in those environments.