The “rules of the road” while boating can be confusing; after all, there are no stoplights to determine whose turn it is to go or white lines to drive your boat between on the water. Determining right of way on the water can be difficult for novice boaters, but the rules are actually very easy to understand and common sense, like giving way to police vessels with active lights and sirens. Read on to learn who has the right of way in various situations, and how you can keep your vessel on the right side of the rules.
General Rules
One rule overpowers all other when it comes to right of way on the water: you have a responsibility to perform “defensive driving” on the water, just as you do on the road. This means that, even if you shouldn’t have to give way based on navigation rules, you may have to regardless if a collision is otherwise inevitable. Try not to move haphazardly or suddenly; the other vessel should be able to see what you’re doing and respond in plenty of time. If you see another vessel approaching and think you’re on-course for a collision, take immediate steps to avoid it, even if you have the right of way. Alter your course and speed as needed, doing whatever you need to do to avoid a collision with another vessel while there’s still time to do so. Not everyone on the water is paying attention or understands the “rules of the road”!
When a Boat Approaches Head-on
Just as you do when driving your car, your job when you see a boat approaching head-on is to stay on your “side”, which is starboard (to the right) just as it is on the road. The other boat should also move over if necessary so that you can both give each other a wide berth. In this case, neither boat should have to significantly alter their course or give way.
Right of Way Rules When Crossing and Passing
When passing or overtaking other boats, you’re responsible for steering clear of both the boat you’re passing and any oncoming traffic. Just like passing a slow truck on a remote 2-lane road, you must take care to avoid oncoming traffic and the truck in front of you; if you fail to do so and a collision occurs, you’ll be at fault. As is commonly the case, the rules are identical on the water.
When crossing another vessel at an “intersection” which is also power-driven like your own, the boat on the starboard side (to the right) has the right of way, just as a car to the right would at a 4-way stop. This means that the boat to the left must give way and yield to them. The vessel that must yield is also commonly referred to as the “give way vessel“. The vessel that has the right of way is commonly called the “stand on vessel“.
Rules When Boating Near Sailing Vessel
When you see a sailboat nearby, make a quick mental note of how the boat is being powered. If the boat is power-driven, no special rules apply. However, a vessel under sail will almost always have the right of way over you due to the amount of time it takes the to alter their course and speed compared to a power-driven vessel. Play it safe by always giving vessels under sail a wide berth and the right of way.
As you can see, the navigation rules that apply while boating are very similar to the rules of the road while driving and are governed by common sense. Keep your driving lessons close while boating and follow the same rules: watch your speed, practice defensive driving, and use your common sense to keep you safe, and you’re unlikely to ever experience an issue while boating. If you have any additional questions about right of way on the water, we’re happy to answer them before you go out! 321 Boat will make sure you’re well-equipped to captain the boat, or one of our certified captains will step in to navigate the boat for you while you relax and enjoy the sights. Check out our fleet of boats available for rental!