Safety information
Crossing
When two power driven vessels are
crossing each other’s path close enough to
run the risk of collision, the vessel which
has the oth- er on the starboard (right) side
must keep out of the way of the other. If the
other vessel is on your right, you must keep
out of its way; you are the Give-Way vessel.
If the other vessel is on your port (left) side,
remember that you should maintain course
and direc- tion, provided the other vessel
gives you the right-of-way as it should.
Overtaking
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 until you are clear of it. Likewise, if an-
other 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
oth- er 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 wa- ter vessels, the operator should
sound a pro- longed 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 pro- ceed 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 that are fishing with nets, lines or
trawls are considered to be “fishing vessels”
under the International Rules. Vessels with
trolling lines are not considered fishing ves-
sels. Fishing vessels have the right-of-way
regardless of position. Fishing vessels can-
not, 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-
driven 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 that can navigate
only in such a channel.
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