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Safety information

rection, provided the other vessel gives you Fishing vessel right-of-way
the right-of-way as it should. All vessels fishing with nets, lines, or trawls
are considered to be “fishing vessels” under
the International Rules. Vessels with trolling
lines are not considered fishing vessels. Fish-
ing vessels have the right-of-way regardless
of position. Fishing vessels cannot, however,
impede the passage of other vessels in nar-
row channels.
Sailing vessel right-of-way
Sailing vessels should normally be given the
right-of-way. The exceptions to this are:
Overtaking (1) When the sailing vessel is overtaking the
If you are passing another vessel, you are the power-driven vessel, the power-driven
give-way vessel. This means that the other vessel has the right-of-way.
vessel is expected to maintain its course and (2) Sailing vessels should keep clear of any
speed. You must stay out of its way until you fishing vessel.
are clear of it. Likewise, if another vessel is (3) In a narrow channel, a sailing vessel
passing you, you should maintain your speed should not hamper the safe passage of a
and direction so that the other vessel can power-driven vessel that can navigate
steer itself around you. only in such a channel.
Other special situations Reading buoys and other markers
There are three other rules you should be The waters of the United States are marked
aware of when riding your watercraft around for safe navigation by the lateral system of
other vessels. buoyage. Simply put, buoys and markers
Narrow channels and bends have an arrangement of shapes, colors, num-
When navigating in narrow channels, you bers, and lights to show which side of the
should keep to the right when it is safe and buoy a boater should pass on when navigat-
practical to do so. If the operator of a power- ing in a particular direction. The markings on
driven vessel is preparing to go around a these buoys are oriented from the perspec-
bend that may obstruct the view of other wa- tive of being entered from seaward (the boat-
ter vessels, the operator should sound a pro- er is going towards the harbor). Red buoys
longed blast of four to six seconds on the are passed on your starboard (right) side
whistle. If another vessel is around the bend, when proceeding from open water into the
it too should sound the whistle. Even if no re- harbor, and black buoys are to your port (left)
ply is heard, however, the vessel should still side. An easy way to remember the meaning
proceed around the bend with caution. If you of the colors is the phrase “red right return-
navigate such waters with your watercraft, ing”. When navigating out of the harbor, your
you will need to carry a portable air horn, position with respect to the buoys should be
available from local marine supply stores. reversed; red buoys should be to port and
black buoys to starboard.

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