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.

“The navigation rules contained in this course summarize basic navigation rules for which a boat operator is responsible on inland waterways. Additional and more in-depth rules apply regarding various types of waterways, such as International Waters and Western Rivers, 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. In those states that Inland Rules do not apply, the equivalent International, Western Rivers or Great Lakes rule(s) may be substituted by the Course Provider. “For a complete listing of the navigation rules, refer to the document “Navigation Rules” published by the U.S. Coast Guard (COMDTINST 16672.2 Series) and available through the U.S. Government printing office or on the web at http://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/navigation_rules.aspx. For State specific navigation requirements, refer to the state laws where you intend to boat.”

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

The rule of responsibility requires all boat operators to act in a reasonable and careful manner consistent with the ordinary practices of recreational boating. All boat operators must abide by the navigation rules at all times.

Depart from Rules

There are times when a boat operator may have to depart from the established navigation rules when necessary to avoid danger. Situations arising from dangers of navigation and collisions require special attention. While the boat operator is obligated to follow the rules in nearly all established circumstances, there are times when a departure from the rules becomes 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

The best way to prevent a collision is to maintain a proper lookout at all times. A boat operator must know what is happening around the vessel at all times. Use a rear-view mirror and constantly scan the surrounding water. Never turn without first checking to the side and behind for other boats. By maintaining a proper lookout, a boat operator will be able to react to the presence of other boats in a timely manner.

Safe Speed

Every vessel must operate at a safe speed so that it can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and stop, or turn away from other boats, 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

The main goal of the navigation rules is to prevent collision between boats. For this reason, it is essential to use all available means to determine if any risk of collision exists. If you think there is a risk of collision, there probably is.

• Knowing the circumstances leading to a risk of collision will help you react in ample time to prevent a collision. If the bearing of another vessel remains constant in relation to your vessel, and the range between the two vessels is decreasing, there is a risk of collision. The saying “constant bearing, decreasing range” means there is a risk of collision.