KNOW YOUR NAVIGATION BEFORE YOU NAVIGATE

PROBLEM

Too many boaters get out on the water without knowing the navigation rules for meeting, crossing, and overtaking situations. If two boats are approaching each other and one doesn’t know the rules, it becomes a dangerous game of “sidewalk shuffle.” But instead of awkward apologies, the result is costly accidents or worse.

SOLUTION

When it comes to navigation rules, you must know the Rules of the Road. The most basic rules are what to do when two boats are going to meet each other, whether that’s crossing each other’s path, meeting head-on, or overtaking another boat as illustrated below.

First, it’s important to know which boat is the stand-on (stays its course) or the give-way (changes its course). Generally, the boat to the starboard side is the stand-on boat. The same as with cars at an intersection – the car to the right has the right of way.

Crossing Situation – boat to the starboard side is the stand-on boat

Meeting Head-on Situation – head on, port-to-port passing is preferred

Meeting Head-on Situation – specifically for sailboats

Overtaking Situation – both port-side or starboard-side passing are acceptable

One critical navigation rule you need to know and comply with is Rule 5, which states, “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.”

“Proper lookout” doesn’t mean the boat operator, unless there’s only one person onboard. Otherwise, someone should be specifically designated pre-voyage to be responsible to look out for danger in all directions. For example, if a person is in the water needing to be recovered, it’s the lookout’s duty to maintain constant eye contact with that person to help the operator maneuver the boat. It’s not an exciting responsibility. It’s a responsibility meant/designed to keep your time on the water exciting, not dangerous.

Boating is serious fun. We’ve provided a variety of advocate tools and outreach methods, choose what works best for you and your community.

• Visit and spread the word for easy outreach through personal social media outlets and boating forums.
• Provide year-round education on all boating safety topics – download pamphlets, flyers, banners, and posters. Great event materials. Search by topic in the resource section.
• Download our marketing playbook, an advocate’s dream resource for creating change. Find it under the Boat Live 365 topic in our resource section.
• Don’t know where to start?  Contact us. We’re happy to help.

*U.S. Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Statistics, 2021