Rules of the Road.
Your “Rights” of Passage.
Since there are no painted lines or traffic signals
on the water, the “rules of the road” were
designed to give direction to boats and set a standard
that everyone could follow – in order to prevent
accidents. Here are some that are fundamental:
Powerboats encounter three situations. When meeting,
both boats stay as far to the right as possible. When
crossing, the boat on the right has the right of way.
When being passed by another vessel, maintain a steady
speed and stay on your side of the channel, allowing
the vessel to pass safely.
Sailboats under sail have the right of way except when
passing another vessel. Paddle powered boats have the
right of way over motorboats.
Under the inland rules, power driven vessels on rivers
proceeding downstream with the current have the right
of way over vessels traveling against the current.
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