If you’re a new boat owner or you need a refresher on the right of way rules for boating — this article is for you.
While we all love to have fun on the water, safety is always the priority. You may be intimidated thinking about driving your new boat down a crowded waterway with all different types of vessels crossing your path. How does everyone know where to go and how to stay out of each other’s way? Fortunately, there are regulations to minimize collisions and to maintain order and safety. However, it is also important to note that despite the rules, it is always your responsibility to avoid a collision, no matter the scenario.
Every good captain must know the right way to approach interactions with other boats — just like how it’s essential to know traffic rules when driving a car. When you understand the fundamental boating rules for rivers, oceans and harbors, you’ll be able to cruise through the most crowded waterways with ease. Let’s dive in.
Rules for Different Boating Scenarios
How two boats approach each other determines which has the right of way. Position, direction and the different levels of priority for different vessels make up the majority of the rules on the water. We’ll get into the different types of vessel priority a little later.
When a vessel has the right of way, they’re called the “stand-on” or “burdened” vessel. If you’re the stand-on vessel, you have to confirm the actions of the give-way vessel by maintaining your course and speed until you pass them or need to alter your course.
The “stand-off” or “give-way” vessel is the one that doesn’t have the right of way.
What does it mean to give another vessel right of way? You must ensure they can hold their current course and speed, which may mean substantially altering your course in a way that’s clear to the stand-on vessel.
For this article, we’re assuming you operate a power-driven vessel — the rules are a little more complicated if you’re sailing.
What precaution should be taken when approaching a narrow part of the channel?
Rule 9 Narrow Channel (a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit or the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
What boat has the right-of-way in a narrow channel?
If two vessels approach each other in a narrow channel where tide, river flow, or underwater features create dangerous currents, then the vessel going downstream is automatically afforded the right-of-way.
What safety precautions shall A vessel nearing a bend of a narrow channel or fairway take?
Rule 9 – Narrow Channels (a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
What are the procedures for overtaking in a narrow channel?
(i) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can take place only if the vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passage, the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate signal prescribed in rule 34 c (i).
What action should you take if you are approaching another boat at night and see a white light?
If only a white light is visible, you may be approaching another craft from behind. You are the give-way-craft and must take early and substantial action to steer well clear by altering your course and passing at a safe distance on the starboard (right) or port (left) side.
What rules should one observe when in a narrow passage?
According to Rule 9 (a): A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable. Keeping to the outer limit provides more room for passing ships on a reciprocal course.