Basic boating rules (Rules of the road)
Just as there are rules that apply when you
are driving on streets and highways, there
are waterway rules that apply when you are
driving your boat. These rules are used inter-
nationally. (For U.S.A.: and are also en-
forced by the United States Coast Guard and
local agencies.) You should be aware of
these rules, and follow them whenever you
encounter another vessel on the water.
Steering and sailing rules and sound
signals
Whenever two vessels on the water meet
one another, one vessel has the right-of
way; it is called the “stand-on” vessel. The
vessel that does not have the right-of-way is
called the “give-way” or “burdened”vessel.
These rules determine which vessel has the
right-of-way, and what each vessel should do.
Stand-on vessel
The vessel with the right-of-way has the duty
to continue its course and speed, except to
avoid an immediate collision. When you
maintain your direction and speed, the other
vessel will be able to determine how best to
avoid you.
Give-way vessel
The vessel that does not have the right-of-
way has the duty to take positive and timely
action to stay out of the way of the Stand-On
vessel. Normally, you should not cross in front
of the vessel with the right-of-way. You should
slow down or change directions briefly and
pass behind the other vessel. You should
always move in such a way that the operator
of the other vessel can see what you are
doing.
“ The general prudential rule ”
This rule is called Rule 2 in the International
Rules and says,
“ In obeying and construing these rules due
regard shall be had to all dangers of naviga-
tion and collision, and to any special circum-
stances, which may render a departure from
the above rules necessary in order to avoid
immediate danger.”
In other words, follow the standard rules ex-
cept when a collision will occur unless both
vessels try to avoid each other. If that is the
case, both vessels become “ Give-Way ”
vessels.
Rules when encountering vessels
There are three main situations that you may
encounter with other vessels which could
lead to a collision unless the Steering Rules
are followed:
Meeting: (you are approaching another ves-
sel head-on)
Crossing: (you are traveling across the oth-
er vessel’s path)
Overtaking: (you are passing or being
passed by another vessel)
In the following illustration, your boat is in the
center. You should give the right-of-way to
any vessels shown in white area (you are the
Give-Way vessel). Any vessels in the shad-
ed area must yield to you (they are the Give-
Way vessels). Both you and the meeting
vessel must alter course to avoid each other.
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