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Chapter Four – Navigation Rules
The navigational rules, commonly called the "Rules of the Road," direct the
operation of boats and specify light and sound signals in order to prevent
collisions.
A copy of the most recent inland navigational rules must be kept for
reference on board all boats of 12 meters/39 feet 4 inches or more in length
operating on inland and coastal waters. Coastal Waters are defined as those
waters seaward of the “line of demarcation”. The line of demarcation is noted on
all official charts by a dashed line.
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The navigation rules of the road contained in this course summarize basic
navigation rules for which a boat operator is responsible. Additional and more
in-depth rules apply regarding various types of waterways and operation in
relation to commercial vessels and other watercraft. It is the responsibility of
a boat operator to know and follow all the navigation rules. For a complete
listing of the navigation rules, refer to the document “Navigation Rules of the
Road” published by the U.S. Coast Guard (COMDTINST 16672.2 Series). The rules
are available through the U.S. Government printing office or on the web at
http://www.uscg.mil/vtm/navrules/navrules.pdf
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To order the publication in book form, call (202) 512-1800 for availability
and price.
For state-specific navigation requirements, refer to the state laws where you
intend to boat.
RULES APPLICABLE TO ALL VESSELS AT ALL TIMES
Rule of Responsibility
To act in a reasonable and prudent manner consistent with the ordinary
practices of recreational boating.
Nothing in the navigation rules exonerates (pardons) any vessel, or the
owner, master, or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply
with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by
the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.
Depart from rules when necessary to avoid immediate danger.
In construing and complying with these Rules due regard shall be had to all
dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including
the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these
Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.
General Definitions
- “Vessel” includes every description of watercraft used or capable
of being used as a means of transportation on water
- “Power-driven vessel” means any vessel propelled by machinery
- “Sailing-vessel” means any vessel under sail provided that
propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.
- “Underway” means that a vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to
the shore, or aground.
- “Western Rivers” means the Mississippi River, its tributaries.
- “Great Lakes” means the Great Lakes and their connecting and
tributary waters including the Calumet River as far as the Thomas J. O’Brien
Lock and Controlling Works (between mile 326 and 327), the Chicago River as
far as the east side of the Ashland Avenue Bridge (between mile 321 and
322), and the Saint Lawrence River as far east as the lower exit of Saint
Lambert Lock.
- “Vessel engaged in fishing” means any vessel fishing with nets,
lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus which restricts maneuverability,
but does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing
apparatus which do not restrict maneuverability
- “Seaplane” includes any aircraft designed to maneuver on the
water.
- “Restricted visibility” means any condition in which visibility
is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sand-storms, and
any other similar causes.
PROPER LOOKOUT
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and
hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing
circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and
of the risk of collision.
SAFE SPEED
Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that it can take
proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance
appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
In establishing a safe operating speed, the operator shall take into account:
- Visibility
- Traffic density
- Ability to maneuver the vessel (stopping distance and turning ability)
- Background light at night
- Proximity of navigational hazards
- Draft of the vessel
- Limitations of radar equipment
- State of wind, sea and current
RISK OF COLLISION
- Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing
circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If
there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist.
- In determining if risk of collision exists the following considerations
shall be among those taken into account:
- such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an
approaching vessel does not appreciably change; and
- such risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing
change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or
a tow or when approaching a vessel at close range.
- If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the
situation, a vessel shall slacken her speed or take all way off by
stopping or reversing her means of propulsion.
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