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When two power-driven vessels are crossing each other's path
close enough to run the risk of collision, the vessel that views the
crossing vessel to the starboard (right) side must give-way.
If the other vessel is to the port (left) side, maintain your course
and direction, provided the other vessel gives you the right-of-
way as it should.
If you are passing another vessel, you are the give-way vessel.
This means that the other vessel is expected to maintain its
course and speed. You must stay out of its way as you clear it,
altering course and speed as necessary.
Conversely, if you are being passed by another vessel, you
should maintain your speed and direction so that the other
vessel can steer itself around you.
There are three other rules to always remember when driving
your boat around other vessels.
When navigating in narrow channels, you should keep to the
right when it is safe and practical to do so. If the operator of a
power-driven vessel is preparing to go around a bend that may
obstruct the view of other water vessels, the operator should
sound a prolonged blast on the whistle or horn—four to six
seconds.
If another vessel is around the bend, it too should sound the
whistle or horn. Even if no reply is heard, however, the vessel
should still proceed around the bend with caution.
If you navigate these type of waters, you should carry a portable
air horn, which are available from local marine supply stores.
— 8
All vessels which are fishing with nets, lines or trawls are
considered under International Rules to be fishing vessels. Boats
with trolling lines are not considered fishing 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 fishing 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 signifies speed zones, restricted areas, danger
areas and general information.
Remember: Markings may vary by geographic location. Always
consult local boating authorities before driving your boat in
unfamiliar waters.
(See examples of buoys and markers next page.)
© 2014 Skier's Choice, Inc.
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