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Boating Safety
In general, boats with less maneuverability have right of way
over more agile crafts. You must stay clear of the vessel with
right of way and pass to his stern.
Sailboats and boats paddled or rowed have the right of way over motor boats. Sailboats
under power are considered motorboats. Small pleasure craft must yield to large
commercial boats in narrow channels.
Burdened Vessel
The burdened vessel does not have the right-of-way and has the duty to take positive and
timely action to stay out of the way of the privileged vessel. Normally, the burdened
vessel should not cross in front of the privileged vessel. The burdened vessel should slow
down or change directions and pass behind the other vessel. The burdened vessel operator
should always move in such a way that the privileged vessel operator can see what you
are doing in ample time to avoid a collision.
Crossing
In crossing situations, the boat to the right from the 12 o’clock to the 4 o’clock position
has the right-of-way, and it must hold course and speed. The burdened boat passes
behind the privileged boat. Boats going up and down a river have the privilege over
boats crossing the river. The illustration below depicts a situation in which you are the
boat in the center and you are the privileged vessel. You must hold course and speed.
All vessels approaching your vessel from the directions depicted by the red vessels must
yield to your boat.
Chapter 1_15_Axis.qxp_ Chapter 1 doc.qxd 6/27/14 12:13 PM Page 32
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