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Clear

Free from an identified obstruction, hazard or vessel.

The word is used in instructions and reports such as “clear of the buoy,” “clear of the shoal” or “the stern is clear.” It describes separation from the particular object or danger being discussed, not a general guarantee that the surrounding water is safe.

A vessel may be clear of one hazard while still constrained by depth, traffic or another obstruction. The navigator must therefore continue to use the chart, observations, depth information and all other available means when assessing the vessel’s position and surroundings.

Alternative Meanings:
  • Clear

    Weather with little cloud and no precipitation or obscuration significantly affecting the observer.

    In everyday marine use, clear conditions normally indicate an open sky and good visibility. The word should not be treated as a complete forecast: strong wind, a difficult sea state, heat, cold or other hazards can exist beneath a clear sky.

    Visibility and cloud cover are separate observations, and conditions can change quickly. Mariners should use the full forecast and current observations rather than assuming that “clear” means calm or risk-free.

  • Clear

    A report confirming that a line or other potential obstruction is free and no longer holding the vessel.

    During departure, a crew member may report that a mooring line is “clear” once it has been released, recovered aboard and is no longer able to foul the propeller, rudder or another fitting. The report gives the person manoeuvring useful confirmation that the relevant part of the vessel is free to move.

    The message should identify what is clear when ambiguity is possible—for example, “stern line clear” or “propeller clear.” A line should not be reported clear merely because it has been taken off the shore fitting; its position and the risk of it entering the water must also be considered.