Skeeter DEEP-V - Regulated; Limited Access Areas

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BASIC RULES OF THE ROAD
RULES WHEN ENCOUNTERING VESSELS (Cont.)
REGULATED / LIMITED ACCESS AREAS
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 powerdriven vessel, the power-driven vessel has the
right-of-way.
2. Sailing vessels should keep clear of any shing 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.
Reading Buoys and Other Markers
The waters of the United States are marked for safe navigation by the lateral system of buoyage.
Simply put, buoys and markers have an arrangement of shapes, colors, numbers, and lights to
show which side of the buoy a boater should pass on when navigating in a particular direction. The
markings on these buoys are oriented from the perspective of being entered from seaward (the boater
is going toward the harbor). Red buoys are passed on your starboard (right) side when proceeding
from open water into port, and black buoys are to your port (left) side. An easy way to remember the
meaning of the colors is the phrase “red right returning.” When navigating out of the harbor, your
position with respect to the buoys should be reversed; red buoys should be to port and black buoys to
starboard.
Many bodies of water used by boaters are entirely within the boundaries of a particular state. The
Uniform State Waterway Marking System has been devised for these waters. This system uses
buoys and signs with distinctive shapes and colors to show regulatory or advisory information. These
markers are white with black letters and orange borders. They signify speed zones, restricted areas,
danger areas, and general information.
Remember, markings may vary by geographic location. Always consult local boating authorities
before riding your boat in unfamiliar waters.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has regulations to prevent terrorist attacks on U.S. naval vessels,
cruise ships, commercial vessels, and critical infrastructure near the water such as:
• Nuclear power plants
• Petroleum facilities
• Bridges
• Dams
• Shipping channels
As a boater, not knowing how to act in certain areas or situations may put you in legal jeopardy, or
worse, at risk of personal injury. You can be ned, imprisoned, or red upon if you are perceived as a
security risk. It is best to avoid these areas if possible.