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way until you are clear of it. Likewise, if
another vessel is passing you, you should
maintain your speed and direction so that
the other vessel can steer itself around you.
OTHER SPECIAL SITUATIONS
There are three other rules you should be
aware of when driving your boat around
other vessels.
Narrow Channels and Bends
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 (4 to
6 seconds). If another vessel is around the
bend, it too should sound the whistle. Even
if no reply is heard, however, the vessel
should still proceed around the bend with
caution. If you navigate such waters with
your boat, you will need to carry a portable
air horn, available from local marine supply
stores.
Fishing Vessel Right-of-way
All vessels which are fishing with nets, lines
or trawls are considered to be“fishing ves-
sels” under the International Rules. Vessels
with trolling lines are not considered fishing
vessels. Fishing vessels have the right-of-
way regardless of position. Fishing vessels
cannot, however, impede the passage of
other vessels in narrow channels.
Sailing Vessel Right-of-way
Sailing vessels should normally be given
the right-of-way. The exceptions to this are:
1. When the sailing vessel is overtaking
the power-driven vessel, the power-dri-
ven vessel has the right-of-way.
2. Sailing vessels should keep clear of any
fishing vessel.
3. In a narrow channel, a sailing vessel
should not hamper the safe passage of
a power-driven vessel which can navi-
gate only in such a channel.
Reading Buoys and Other Markers
The waters of the United states are marked
for safe navigation by the lateral system of
buoyage. Simply put, buoys and markers
have an arrangement of shapes, colors,
numbers and lights to show which side of
the buoy a boater should pass on when
navigating in a particular direction. The
markings on these buoys are oriented from
the perspective of being entered from sea-
ward (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 with respect to the
buoys should be reversed; red buoys
should be to port and black buoys to star-
board.
Many bodies of water used by boaters are
entirely within the boundaries of a particular
state. The Uniform State Waterway Marking
System has been devised for these waters.
This system uses buoys and signs with dis-
tinctive shapes and colors to show regulato-
ry or advisory information. These markers
are white with black letters and orange
boarders. They signify speed zones,
restricted areas, danger areas, and general
information.
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