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Section 7
RIGHT-OF-WAY
Boats with less maneuverability have right-of-way over more agile boats. You must
stay clear of a boat with right-of-way. Examples of boats with right-of-way are:
• Boats aground or not under command
• Boats with restricted maneuverability
• Boats engaged in fishing
• Non-motor boats (having no power propulsion), i.e., rowboats, paddle boats,
canoes and sailboats
Small pleasure craft must yield right-of-way to large commercial boats in narrow
channels. A boat with right-of-way is sometimes referred to as the privileged boat.
The General Prudential Rule
The general prudential rule regarding right-of-way is if a collision appears
unavoidable, neither boat has right-of-way. Both boats must act to avoid collision.
NAVIGATIONAL LIGHTS & NIGHT
OPERATION
Navigational lights alert other boats to your presence and course, especially when
operating at night or in restricted visibility conditions.
Regulations require that navigational lights be clearly lit and properly displayed at
all times between sunset and sunrise, and always when operating in reduced
visibility. Where applicable, lights must appear on the sides, stern, masthead and
all-around positions.
All navigational rules apply at night, but speed is restricted on many waterways.
Night boaters must operate at a slow, safe speed and stay clear of all boats,
regardless of which boat has right-of-way.
Protect your night vision by avoiding bright lights. If possible, have a passenger
help keep watch for other boats, water hazards and aids to navigation.
The size, speed and direction of other vessels are determined at night by white,
green and red running lights.
• A green light indicates the starboard side of the boat. Generally, if you see a
green light on another boat, you have the right-of-way. Hold your course.
• A red light indicates the port side of the boat. Generally, if you see a red light on
another boat, they have right-of-way and you must yield your course.
7-2
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