The incident in the English Channel as a warning sign
The warning shots fired by a Russian frigate near the British sailing yacht “Bright Future” in the English Channel were an unusual incident. For sailors, this raises the question: what is the correct course of action if a naval vessel crosses your path or is operating in your sailing area?
According to the account given by the owners, Jane and Alan Kelvey, their Bavaria 39 “Bright Future” was sailing south of the Isle of Wight when, in conditions of restricted visibility, they spotted a vessel that did not appear on the AIS. It was only later that it became clear that the vessel was the Russian frigate “Admiral Grigorovich”. A detailed account of the incident can be found in the YACHT article “Warning shots fired at a yacht: sailors report” can be found here.
The crew report that they were approximately 400 to 500 metres away. According to their account, the naval vessel initially sounded five horn signals. The yacht’s crew state that they altered their course by two degrees to port in order to make the change in course visible. Shortly afterwards, there were another five horn signals, followed by four to five shots fired from handguns. In the crew’s assessment, the shots were not aimed at the yacht.
The Russian account differs from this. According to this account, the frigate attempted on several occasions to contact the yacht by radio, used light signals and only then fired warning shots because the sailing boat had approached dangerously. According to media reports, the British authorities treated the incident as an isolated incident aimed at preventing a collision.
For the purposes of this guide, it is less important which of these descriptions is accurate in detail. What is important is that an encounter with a naval vessel can become more confusing for recreational boat crews more quickly than a normal encounter with commercial shipping.
Naval vessel in sight: distance takes precedence over right of way
A naval vessel does not automatically have priority over a sailing yacht. The Collision Regulations generally apply here too. There is no general exclusion zone around naval vessels. Nevertheless, it would be poor seamanship to rely on formal right of way in a tight situation.
The incident involving the ‘Bright Future’ apparently took place outside a traffic separation zone; there was no announced exclusion zone, no NAVAREA warning and no designated exercise area.
In practical terms, however, this makes little difference on board. Naval vessels can conduct training exercises, provide security, escort, carry out reconnaissance, patrol, sail in formation or take part in larger manoeuvres. From a yacht, it is often difficult to tell exactly what is happening on board. A naval vessel may suddenly pick up speed, come to a halt, change course or coordinate with other units. This is also illustrated in the YACHT background feature on increased naval presence in the Baltic Sea.
For sailors, this means: if you spot a naval vessel, you should put some distance between you and it at an early stage. Don’t wait until the distance is too small before reacting. Don’t head towards it in search of a better vantage point for taking photos. Don’t try to work out who would be legally obliged to give way. The best course of action is the one that defuses the situation for both parties at an early stage.
It is particularly important to manoeuvre clearly. Minor course corrections of just a few degrees may be barely noticeable from a distance. Anyone taking evasive action should do so in such a way that the change in course is clearly visible from the bridge of the other vessel. If in doubt, keep the engine running, reduce speed or change course significantly so that the distance visibly increases.
How sailors recognise drills and manoeuvres
The presence of a naval vessel in the area does not automatically mean danger. Many encounters are routine. Naval units are regularly on the move in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, including near well-known sailing areas. For crews, proper preparation therefore begins even before they set sail.
Training, warning and firing zones are marked on nautical charts and in area information. In the Baltic Sea, this includes well-known areas such as Hohwacht Bay, Putlos and Todendorf. YACHT.de explains the rules that apply to sailors in these areas in its article on, amongst other things, the Firing range in Hohwacht Bay. When exercises or firing are taking place in the area, please observe the instructions given in notices to mariners, local area bulletins, radio announcements or on safety vessels.
At sea, there may be further indications: several naval vessels in formation, unusual changes of course, repeated stops and accelerations, dinghies, helicopters, drones, escort vessels, flag signals, or an area that other vessels are avoiding. Such observations do not automatically prove that an exercise is taking place, but they are a clear indication that you should keep your distance.
According to a response to an enquiry from YACHT, a spokesperson for the German Navy advises keeping as much distance as possible, navigating with care and observing flag signals in accordance with the International Code of Signals. It is also important to be on a listening watch on VHF channel 16 and to navigate clearly. Problems often only arise, the spokesperson added, when pleasure craft enter a safety zone and, from the Navy’s perspective, do not manoeuvre in a clearly recognisable manner.
The most important flag signals
Where exercises have been announced, specific safety distances may apply. For example, during naval exercises in the past, civilian vehicles have been asked to keep a distance of 1,000 metres from warships. For sailors, this is a good rule of thumb: if a naval vessel is not clearly a long way off, it is better to give it plenty of space at an early stage.
Radio, horn, change of course: how crews should respond
The most important channel remains Channel 16. Anyone sailing in areas with maritime traffic should not only have their radio switched on, but also be actively listening. If the yacht is called, the reply should be brief and clear: name of the vessel, position, course, speed and intended manoeuvre.
If a naval vessel five short notes If this occurs, it is a serious warning sign. It essentially means that the other vessel’s intentions are unclear or that there are doubts as to whether sufficient evasive action can be taken. The crew should then react immediately: assess the situation, alter course significantly, reduce speed or activate the engine.
It is important not to get drawn into a discussion about right of way. In a high-risk encounter, what matters is not who would ultimately have the stronger argument, but whether the situation is defused immediately. Anyone who is unsure should turn off at an early stage, create some distance and clearly communicate their intentions by radio.
Also AIS should not be overestimated. Naval vessels do not always transmit an AIS signal. The absence of an AIS signal from a naval vessel is therefore not automatically cause for concern, but it does make visual observation, radar, bearing measurements and radio communication all the more important. Particularly in fog, at twilight or in heavy traffic, simply glancing at the chart plotter is not enough.
If a naval vessel is nearby: the key steps to take
- Keep your distance and do not approach for photos.
- Monitor course, bearing and speed.
- Switch on the VHF radio and monitor channel 16.
- Use AIS, but do not rely on it alone.
- When responding to radio contact, keep your replies brief and clear.
- If you hear a horn or warning signal, swerve clearly out of the way immediately.
- Check for firing ranges, restricted areas and training areas before setting sail.
- Only document and report any unusual observations from a safe distance.
When an observation should be reported
Not every encounter with a naval vessel warrants reporting. Naval vessels are permitted to operate in international waters, and many of their voyages are routine. However, it may be advisable to report a vessel if it is sailing in an unusual manner, is not transmitting an AIS signal, is manoeuvring conspicuously in sensitive areas, or is operating in the vicinity of critical infrastructure.
In an earlier YACHT Week column on Russian naval vessels in the Fehmarn Belt We have pointed out that it is possible to report such incidents to the Federal Police. It is particularly useful to provide factual details: date, time, position, course, speed, visible identification marks, photographs taken from a safe distance, accompanying vessels and your own position.
The NATO operation, too, Baltic Sentry relies on information from the civilian shipping sector. Of particular relevance are observations made near critical underwater infrastructure, such as conspicuous changes of course, a sharp reduction in speed, drifting or missing anchors, and unusual diving activities.
However, the rule for crews is: safety first, then documentation. Nobody should follow a naval vessel or get too close in the hope of getting better pictures. The best report is the one produced from a safe distance.
Ultimately, there is one simple rule: naval vessels are not tourist attractions, but road users with a specific mission. If you keep your distance, listen to the radio, check local waters information and manoeuvre clearly and well in advance, you’ll be doing almost everything right.
Key points at a glance
- Naval vessels do not automatically have special privileges, but keeping a safe distance is still the best solution.
- There is not automatically a general exclusion zone around naval vessels.
- Specific safety distances may apply during announced drills.
- Exercises and manoeuvres are not always clearly recognisable to recreational boat crews.
- Channel 16 should be monitored consistently in areas with maritime traffic.
- AIS is useful, but is not always available on naval vessels.
- Five short beeps are a serious warning signal.
- Evasive manoeuvres must be clearly visible.
- Current notices and closures apply in shooting and warning zones.
- Report only from a safe distance; never get too close.
How much distance is enough? Is 1,000 metres a reasonable distance for naval vessels, or is that being overly cautious? Join the discussion and share your views in the comments.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
