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— 16 © 2006 Skier’s Choice, Inc.
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.
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.)