A vessel engaged in fi shing; these include boats fi shing with
lines, trawls or nets, but not trolling lines. Sailboats have
the right-of-way over power boats. However, if a sailboat
is using a prop to move forward, it is considered a power
boat, even if sails are up.
Remember the unwritten “rule of tonnage”. Basically, a
smaller tonnage vessel should take every effort to avoid
close quarters with a larger tonnage vessel. One way to
accomplish this is to have a designated human lookout to
“eyeball” the horizon for any developing collision course.
Use defensive driving skills on the waterway just as you do
on the roadway. The other vessel may not know the rules
of the road”. Be alert and ready to take immediate action.
If a collision course is unavoidable, neither boat has the
right of way. Both boats must react to avoid an accident
according to the rules of the road.
SIGNALS
When it comes to naval navigation, a mixture of “traffi c” signals
are used. Whistles or bells, along with lights and fl ags are used to
communicate information to all skippers, so you must readily be able
to identify them.
Horn and whistle signals, although antiquated with the invention of
VHF radio are still commonly used for quick communication. It is
important to recognize these signals quickly, as they are normally used
under circumstances that quickly alter your surroundings.
2-3
Rules Of The Road
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