Navigation and Right-of-Way Rules
Knowing the rules of navigation and right-of-way can prevent boating
accidents. Here are several important rules to keep in mind at all times:
< When meeting another boat head on, keep to its starboard, or right,
side whenever possible.
< When crossing the path of another boat, you must give way if the
other boat is on your starboard side.
< When passing another boat, the boat you are passing has the right-of-
way.
< When your boat is being passed, you are expected to maintain your
original direction and speed, in order to allow the other boat to pass
safely.
Note: Sailboats and windsurfers have the right-of-way under all
circumstances.
You are likely to encounter boaters who do not know or follow these
rules. In that situation, you must give way in order to avoid a collision.
Boat Speed
The safest speed for your boat depends on water and weather conditions,
your boating experience, and the amount of boat traffic present. Your
maneuvering speed, or maximum speed at which you can turn your boat
and not lose control, must also be taken into account. In general, when
you encounter any potentially hazardous situation, adjust your boat speed
accordingly. Slower speeds provide more time to respond.
For example, never travel directly behind a water skier. The boat pulling
the skier may stop suddenly, causing you to collide with it in seconds.
Here’s the math for this situation: At 25 MPH, your boat travels more
than 35 feet per second. If a boat 200 feet ahead of you stops suddenly
and you continue traveling at 25 MPH, your boat will collide into the
stopped boat in less than six seconds.
Note: If the bimini top is open, do not exceed 25 MPH.
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