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Rules of the road

It seems almost illogical to have rules of the road on water.  After all what are your chances you'll collide with someone when there's usually so few boats, and you can see the horizon very far ahead.  Unfortunately, it is more likely than many of us imagine, and the consequences are far worse than if you have a car collision.  In addition, it is required by law that you know who and when has a right-of-way.  If there is a collision, whether at sea or inland, you will not be excepted from responsibility if you "didn't know".  Quite the contrary.

Before we go to the right of way, you must remember that the most important rule of all, is to avoid collision at all costs.  If you see somebody not obeying the rules of the road, turn the responsibility onto your side.  You react.  First of all watch the bearing of the oncoming vessel.  If the bearing doesn't change but the range does, you are on a collision course.  If unsure, assume you will collide, and react accordingly.

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RIGHT-OF-WAY

The boat with the right-of-way, is called a stand-on vessel.  the other boat is a give-way vessel.  The stand-on boat must maintain its course and speed so the give-way vessel may maneuver to stay clear.  Remember the most important rule:   "avoid collision regardless of whether you are a stand-on or give-way vessel".
In general, sailboats have right-of-way over power boats.  Remember however, that if your outboard is running - even if your sails are up - you are a power boat in the eyes of law.

There are some exceptions to this rule:

  1. When overtaking another boat, the one being overtaken is a stand-on vessel, the overtaker must stay clear of it.

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  1. In harbors and inland waters, commercial ships are restricted in their ability to maneuver, or constrained by draft, therefore they are the stand-on vessels.  Because they are tall, it's often difficult or even impossible to see small recreational boats from the steering station.  Therefore, avoid commercial ships altogether.  In case of collision, it won't matter whose fault it was.  It'll be the recreational boat that will go down very quickly.

  2. Both power and sailboat must stay clear of boats engaged in a tow, because once again, these are restricted in maneuverability.

  3. A narrow harbor channel is designated for commercial boats and deep draft recreational boats.  If you can, avoid those.   If your draft requires you to stay in the channel, keep to the very starboard side of it.  It also is a law.

On open waters, there are three rules for sailboats:

  1. You have a right-of-way if you're on starboard tack, and the other boat is on port tack.

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  1. If both boats are on port (or starboard) tack, the boat to leeward has a right-of-way over the one on windward.

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  1. If you can't tell which tack the oncoming boat is on, assume it's on starboard.

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