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If you navigate these type of waters, you should carry a portable air horn, which are available from local marine
supply stores.
All vessels which are fi shing with nets, lines or trawls are considered under International Rules to be fi shing ves-
sels. Boats with trolling lines are not considered fi shing vessels.
Fishing vessels have the right-of-way, regardless of position. These vessels, however, cannot impede the passage
of other vessels in narrow channels.
Sailing vessels should normally be given the right-of-way. The exceptions to this are:
•
When the sailing vessel is overtaking the power-driven vessel, the power-driven vessel has the right-of-way.
•
Sailing vessels should keep clear of any fi shing vessel.
•
In a narrow channel, a sailing vessel should not hamper the safe passage of a power-driven vessel which can
navigate only in such a channel.
The waters of the United States are marked for safe navigation by the lateral system of buoyage. The markers
and buoys you will encounter have an arrangement of shapes, colors, numbers and lights to show which side of
the buoy a boater should pass when navigating in a particular direction.
The markings on these buoys are oriented from the perspective of being entered from seaward while the boater
is going towards the port. This means that red buoys are passed on the starboard (right) side when proceeding
from open water into port, and black buoys are to port (left) side. When navigating out of port, your position to
the buoys should be reversed: red buoys
to port and black buoys to starboard.
Many boating bodies of water are entirely
within the boundaries of a single state. The
Uniform State Waterway
Marking Systems has been devised for these
waters. This system uses buoys and signs
with distinctive shapes and colors to show
regulatory or advisory information.
These markers are white with black letters
and orange borders. The information signi-
fi es speed zones, restricted areas, danger
areas and general information.
Remember: Markings may vary by geo-
graphic location. Always consult local boat-
ing authorities before driving your boat in
unfamiliar waters.
Pg 49
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