SAFETY-7
NAVIGATION RULES
OF THE ROAD
Navigating your yacht is much the same as driving an
automobile. Operating either one responsibly means
complying with a set of rules intended to prevent
accidents. Just as you assume other automobile
drivers know the rules of the road and expect them
to abide by them, other boaters assume the same of
you. As a responsible yachtsman, you must comply
with the “Rules of the Road”; the marine traffi c laws
enforced by the United States Coast Guard.
There are two (2) sets of rules: The United States
Inland Navigational Rules and the International
Rules. The United States Inland Navigational rules
apply to all vessels operated within the demarcation
lines separating inland and international waters. The
United States Coast Guard publishes the “Rules
of the Road” in its publication “Navigational Rules,
International-Inland”. You can obtain a copy of this
publication from your local United States Coast Guard
Unit or the United States Coast Guard Headquarters,
1300 “E” Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20226.
Other helpful publications available from the United
States Coast Guard include, “Aids to Navigation”
(Pamphlet #123), which explains the signifi cance of
various lights and buoys; “Boating Safety Training
Manual”; “Federal Requirements For Recreational
Boats”. Be certain to check with your local United
States Coast Guard station, your Silverton Dealer or
a local marina concerning navigational aids unique
to your yachting area.
It is impossible to establish rules for every type of
yachting situation. Therefore, it is extremely impor-
tant to use common sense and good judgement
when operating your yacht. Some of the basic rules
to follow are:
Always adhere to navigational rules to avoid
collisions.
Less maneuverable boats generally have the
right-of-way. Always steer clear of the Stand-on
vessel (boat having the right-of-way) and pass
to its stern in a crossing situation.
If a collision appears unavoidable, BOTH vessels
must act IMMEDIATELY. Prudence ALWAYS
takes precedence over the right-of-way rules if
a collision is imminent.
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NEVER send a “MAYDAY” message unless
there is a serious emergency and you are in need
of immediate assistance.
Be certain you understand important terminology
distinctions:
Power Driven Vessel
A boat propelled by an engine, including a
sailboat propelled by an engine and sails.
Sailing Vessel
A boat propelled by sail only, with no engine
in operation.
Vessel Engaged In Fishing
A commercial fi shing boat with apparatus
that restricts its maneuverability (does not
include trolling lines or other apparatus that
does not restrict its maneuverability).
Vessel With Restricted Maneuverability
Any vessel, due to it size, draft or cargo,
that is restricted in its ability to maneuver in
a certain waterway.
Underway
Any vessel not anchored, not made fast to
shore and not aground, whether or not it is
under power or sail.
Basic Rules of Navigation
Power driven vessels must give the right of way
to the following:
A vessel unable to maneuver.
A vessel whose maneuverability is restricted.
A sailing vessel.
Sailing vessels must give the right of way to the
following:
A vessel unable to maneuver.
A vessel whose maneuverability is restricted.
A vessel engaged in commercial fi shing.
Vessels engaged in commercial fi shing must give
the right of way to the following:
A vessel unable to maneuver.
A vessel whose maneuverability is restricted.
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