Vessel 1 Collided into fixed object Red Day Marker "6" Oceanside Marina Channel in before daylight around 530am.

Vessel 1 Operator was Issued an infraction for violating USCG Navigation Rule 5 Look-Out and USCG Navigation Rule 6 Safe Speed.

He violated Rule 5 by not correcting his means of Look-out. He stated that his GPS and spotlight malfunction at the same causing him to turn around out of the channel and head for deeper water. In doing so he got turned around and headed the wrong way out of the channel. He should of ceased his forward progress until he corrected his means of look-out before continuing on plane. Without a workout spotlight or any type of light and no GPS, He had no means of look-out capable of detecting a risk of collision.

He violated Rule 6 Safe Speed by not bringing his vessel to a speed at which he could have taken proper action to avoid the collision with the day marker. He continued at a speed that did not allow him to take corrective action to avoid collision into the day marker. The conditions the operator describes detailing the state of visibility would mean the vessel should of only been enough headway to maintain a steady course.

KEY WEST                      