Lesson previewWhere You May Stop: Rule Before Gap1 section shown
Preview lesson
Where You May Stop: Rule Before Gap
What you will learn
Decide whether a physically available bank or water-space is a lawful, non-obstructing berth under Articles 7.01 and 7.02.
A gap is not permission. First rule out prohibited locations and protected approaches; only then read any sign that permits berthing in a defined place.
Article 7.01 requires a vessel to berth as near the bank as its draught and local conditions permit, without obstructing navigation. A stationary vessel must be anchored or made fast so that wind, changes in water level, suction and wash cannot make it change position, create danger or obstruct other traffic.
Article 7.02 prohibits berthing in sections covered by a general prohibition or an A.5 sign, beneath bridges or high-voltage lines, in or near narrow fairways, at port or tributary entrances and exits, in ferry courses, in the approach path to landing stages, in E.8 turning areas and in lock basins unless the competent authority permits it. It also protects the prescribed lateral triangle around a vessel carrying the Article 3.33 marking.
For the general, authority-designated, A.5 and bridge/high-voltage cases, berthing is possible only in a place marked by the relevant E.5 to E.7.1 permission sign and within the detailed Articles 7.03 to 7.06 conditions. Current national rules, local signs and authority instructions can add controls; the lesson is a CEVNI classifier, not permission to occupy a private or locally restricted berth.
Berthing rule reader
Name the cue, scope, action and stop boundary before committing to the bank.
→ 1000 m
Direction and extent along the bank
Observed cue
A no-berthing sign carries an arrow and a 1000 m supplementary panel.
Exact scope
The prohibition extends for 1000 metres in the arrow direction along the controlled bank section.
Next action
Remain clear of that section and find a permitted berth that also leaves navigation unobstructed.
Stop boundary
An empty bank, short stay or small-craft status does not cancel the prohibition.
Read the controlling cue, exact scope, action and stop boundary; current local rules and authority instructions still govern the live waterway.
Worked example
A broad empty bank lies immediately before a ferry landing stage, and no boat is alongside.
- 1Classify the location before judging the space: it is in the approach path to a landing stage.
- 2Look for an exact permission sign and its scope; an empty bank alone supplies no permission.
- 3Without a valid exception or authority permission, continue to a lawful berth that also leaves navigation clear.
Sense check: If the reasoning starts with 'there is room', it has skipped the controlling Article 7.02 location test.
| Check | Rule evidence | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Is the location prohibited? | A.5, general or authority sector, bridge, high-voltage line, narrow fairway, entrance, ferry course, landing-stage approach, E.8 area or lock basin | Do not berth unless the exact CEVNI exception applies |
| Will navigation remain clear? | Fairway width, vessel swing, traffic and protected manoeuvring water | Reject any berth that obstructs navigation |
| Is there a permission sign? | E.5 to E.7.1 and any panel | Stay inside its side, width, distance, vessel-type and activity scope |
| Can the vessel remain secure? | Wind, level change, suction and wash | Anchor or make fast so position cannot become dangerous |
Run the berth classifier before the approach
The crew points to an apparently unused space beside the fairway.
1. Prohibition
Check the section, sign and protected-location list.
2. Obstruction
Protect the fairway and every approach, crossing and turning envelope.
3. Permission
Read the exact side, panel, vessel class and activity allowed.
4. Security
Confirm the vessel can remain fixed despite level, wind, suction and wash.
Sense check: A complete answer identifies both permission and the water that must remain clear.
Common mistake or limitation
- Treating an empty bank or physical gap as permission to berth.
- Checking only the sign beside the gap while ignoring a ferry course, turning area, landing-stage approach or lock basin.
- Assuming a CEVNI permission overrides current national, local, private or authority controls.
Recap
- Classify the location before approaching the bank.
- Separate permission from physical room.
- Protect the fairway and the complete local manoeuvring envelope.
Optional quick check
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