Navigation Rules (Basic)

created by theNational Association of State Boating Law Administrators

produced under a grant fromThe Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund

administered by the U.S. Coast Guard

The Navigation Rulesfor

Marine Law Enforcement Officers

Navigation Rules

Every Marine Law Enforcement Officer should have a copy of this book.

Navigation RulesThe Navigation Rules or Rules of the

Road exist to prevent collisions between vessels.

These rules apply to ALL vessels, and their operators. (Rule 2 a)

Navigation Rules

Due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision. (Rule 2 b)

Vessels may depart from these Rules if necessary to avoid immediate danger. (Rule 2 b)

Definitions

Vessel: Any craft used as a means of transportation on the water (Rule 3 a)

Underway: Not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground (Rule 3 h)

Definitions

Power-driven: Propelled by machine (Rule 3 b)

Sailing: Under sail power alone - no propelling machinery is being used (Rule 3 c)

Definitions:Vessel engaged in fishing: Use of nets,

trawls, or other apparatus which reduces maneuverability (Rule 3 d)

Vessel not under command: Exceptional circumstance makes unable to maneuver (Rule 3 f)

Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver: Nature of work limits maneuverability (Rule 3 g)

Western Rivers

Great Lakes

Demarcation Line

Definitions:

Inland Waters

(Rule 3 l, m, o)

Other Terms:

Give way: Avoid a collision Take early and substantial action to keep

well clear of the stand-on vessel. (Rule 16)

STOPSLOW

Other Terms:Stand on: Avoid a collision

1.MUST, at first, keep course and speed;2.MAY take avoiding action if the give-

way vessel’s action is at all deficient3.MUST take avoiding action if the give-

way vessel gets so close that it alone can not avoid a collision (Rule 17 a, b)

Navigation Rules Definitions may be cited under state law, rule, regulation, code, etc

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Rule 2: Rule of Responsibility Comply with the Rules at all times, as

would an ordinary seaman (Rule 2 a)

Nothing shall exonerate any vessel from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules (Rule 2 a)

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Rule 5: Proper Lookout

Each vessel shall maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing (Rule 5)

Use all available means to assess the risk of collision (Rule 5)

Rule 6 : Safe Speed

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a speed so that it can take proper and effective action to avoid collision (Rule 6)

Be able to stop within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions (Rule 6)

Visibility and traffic density; A vessel’s maneuverability;Presence of background lights;The state of the wind, sea and current;The vessel’s draft in relation to the

available depth of water. (Rule 6 a)

In determining a safe speed, vessel operators should consider:

Lights

Rule 20: Application of Lighting RulesLighting rules apply:

from sunset to sunrise

in restricted visibility (fog, rain, etc.)

all other times it is deemed necessary

(Rule 20 c)

Lighting Rules:No other lights shall be displayed except

lights that:

cannot be mistaken for required lights

do not obscure required lights

do not interfere with keeping a proper look-out (Rule 20 b)

Rule 21: Light Definitions

Sidelights - green to starboard and red to port, visible from dead ahead to 22.5° abaft the beamMay be one (combination) light on vessels less than 20 meters

(Rule 21 b)

Masthead light for power-driven vessels - 225° white light visible from dead ahead to 22.5° abaft the beam on both sides (Rule 21 a)

Stern light - 135° white light showing aft (filling the dark zone of the sidelights) (Rule 21 c)

All-round light - 360° light showing all around the horizon (Rule 21 e)

Type of Light Type of Vessel

Sidelights Power-driven <12 m

Masthead light

Power-driven >12 m

Stern light

All-round light Sailing

Rule 22: Visibility of Lights (Rule 22 a-c)

Type of light < 12 meter

Sidelights 1 mile

Masthead light 2 miles

Stern light 2 miles

All-round light 2 miles

Power-Driven Vessel

All-round light

Sidelights

Sailing Vessel

Sidelights*

Stern light*Note: Sailing vessels may opt to display red, green and white lights on the top of the mast rather than at deck level.

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View of lights when looking at the side of another vessel underway

Power-driven vesselPower-driven vessel Sailing vesselSailing vessel

Port Port sideside

Starboard Starboard sideside

View of lights when looking at the bow of another vessel underway

Power-driven vesselPower-driven vessel Sailing vesselSailing vessel

Additional lighting options for sailing vessels

View of lights when looking at any vessel at anchor or the stern light of

any vessel underway

Lighting requirements Engaged in Engaged in fishingfishing

Not under Not under commandcommand

Restricted in Restricted in ability to ability to maneuvermaneuver

Day shape requirementsEngaged in Engaged in fishingfishing

Not under Not under commandcommand

Restricted in Restricted in ability to ability to maneuvermaneuver

Sound Signals

Rule 33: Sound Signal Devices

Vessels 12 meters (39.4 feet) or more in length shall carry a whistle and a bell. (Rule 33 a)

+

Rule 33: Sound Signal Devices

Vessels less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length shall carry a “means of making an efficient sound signal.” (Rule 33 b)

ORMASTERMASTER

BLASTERBLASTER

Rules 32 and 34: Sound SignalsWithin ½ mile of each other (Rule 34 a)

Short Blast – about 1 second long (Rule 32 b)

Prolonged Blast – 4-6 seconds long (Rule 32 c)

Radio use (Rule 34 h)

How to Remember Sound Signals:Leave the other boat on your port side

(1 short blast)

Leave the other boat on your starboard side (2 short blasts)

Operating astern propulsion (3 short blasts)

(Rule 34 a i)

PORTTOOT

STAR - BOARDTOOT - TOOT

IN RE - VERSETOOT-TOOT-TOOT

Rule 34: Sound SignalsDanger signal - at least 5 short & rapid blasts

if:

not in agreement with proposed maneuverfail to understand intentions of other

vesselin doubt if sufficient action is being taken

(Rule 34 d)

??TOOTTOOTTOOTTOOTTOOTTOOTTOOTTOOTTOOTTOOT

One Prolonged Blast shall be sounded when:Nearing a bend or area where other

vessels may be obscured by an obstruction (Rule 34 e)

Leaving a dock or berth (Rule 34 g)

Making way during periods of restricted visibility (Rule 35 a)

Rule 35: Sounds SignalsAnchor in restricted visibility - Ring

the bell rapidly for about 5 seconds (Rule 35 f)

Aground in restricted visibility – 3 separate strokes of bell immediately before and after rapid ringing of bell for 5 seconds (Rule 35 g)

Rule 36: Signals to Attract AttentionSound or light signals may be used to

attract the attention of another vessel. (Rule 36)

The beam of a searchlight may also

be directed toward danger. (Rule 36)

Rule 37: Distress Signals

USCGApproved

High Intensity White Flashing Light

State requirements for lights and sound signals

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The Steering and Sailing Rules

Rule 7 : Risk of CollisionEvery vessel shall use all appropriate

means to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt, such risk shall be deemed to exist. (Rule 7 a)

Proper use shall be made of radar equipment, if fitted and operational. (Rule 7 b)

Rule 7: Risk of Collision Risk of collision exists if the compass

bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change. (Rule 7 d i)

First Sighting

A bit closer

Still 350°

350°

Rule 8: Action To Avoid a CollisionAny action taken to avoid collision shall be:

Positive,Made in ample time,With due regard to good seamanship.

(Rule 8 a)

Alteration of course or speed must be large enough to be obvious to another vessel (Rule 8 b)

Action taken shall result in passing at a safe distance. (Rule 8 d)

Rule 8: Action to Avoid Collision

Effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until both vessels are clear. (Rule 8 d)

If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel must slow down or stop. (Rule 8 e)

Rule 9: Narrow Channels

Vessels shall keep as close as possible to the right side of the channel. (Rule 9 a i)

Avoid anchoring in the channel. (Rule 9 g)

Narrow Channels Steering Rules for Great Lakes & Western Rivers A power-driven vessel going downstream

has the “right-of-way” over a vessel going upstream and must propose the manner and place of passage using appropriate signals. The other vessel must stop and hold its position as necessary to permit safe passing. (Rule 9 a ii)

Rule 9: Narrow ChannelsVessels less than 20 meters, sailing

vessels, and all vessels crossing a channel must stay clear of vessels confined to the channel. (Rules 9 b and d)

Vessels engaged in fishing must not interfere with any other vessel using the channel. (Rule 9 c)

Rule 13: Overtaking Any vessel overtaking any other is

the give-way vessel. (Rule 13 a)

When a vessel is in doubt as to whether it is overtaking, it shall assume that this is the case, and act accordingly. (Rule 13 c)

Rule 13: OvertakingTwo Short Blasts – “I intend to overtake you on my starboard side”

One Short Blast – “I intend to overtake you on my port side”

Whistle signals are found in Rule 34 c

If in agreement, the same signal shall be returned.

GIVE-WAY STAND-ON

TOOTTOOT

TOOT

OR

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Rule 14: Head-on Situation

When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision:

Each shall alter its course to starboard so as to pass on the port side of the other. (Rule 14 a)

Rule 14: Head-on SituationOne Short Blast – “I intend to leave you on my port side”

TOOT

TOOT

Whistle signals are found in Rule 34 a

If in agreement, the same signal shall be returned.

Rule 14 d: Head-on Situation for Great Lakes and Western Rivers

A power-driven vessel proceeding downbound with a following current shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, and shall propose the manner of passage. (Rule 14 d)

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Rule 15: Crossing Situation When two power driven vessels are

crossing so as to involve risk of collision:

The vessel which has the other on her starboard side gives way, and the other vessel stands on.

The give-way vessel must not cross ahead of the stand-on vessel. (Rule 15 a)

Rule 15: Crossing Situation

TOOT

TOOT

AVOID CROSSING AHEAD OF STAND-ON

VESSELG

IVE

-WA

Y

STAND-ON

Whistle signals are found in Rule 34 a If in agreement, the same signal shall be returned.

One Short Blast – “I intend to leave you on my port side”

Rule 15 b: Crossing Situation for Great Lakes and Western Rivers

A power-driven vessel crossing a river gives way to a power-driven vessel ascending or descending, which stands on. (Rule 15 b)

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Rule 12: Sailing Vessels (Rule 12 a i)

WIND

STAND-ONGIVE-WAY

Rule 12: Sailing Vessels (Rule 12 a ii)

WIND

Keep out of the way of the

stand-on vesselSTAND-O

N GIV

E-W

AY

Rule 18: Responsibilities between Vessels

ST

AN

D-O

NGIVE-WAY

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Rule 19: Restricted VisibilityThis Rule applies to vessels not in

sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility. (Rule 19 a)

Every vessel must operate at a safe speed appropriate for the particular conditions of visibility. (Rule 19 b)

Rule 35: Signals in Restricted VisibilityPower-driven vessel making way - Power-driven vessel making way -

1 prolonged blast every 2 minutes 1 prolonged blast every 2 minutes ((Rule 35 a)35 a)

Power-driven vessel underway but Power-driven vessel underway but

stopped and not making way - stopped and not making way - 2 prolonged blasts every 2 minutes 2 prolonged blasts every 2 minutes ((Rule 35 b)35 b)

Rule 35: Signals in Restricted Visibility

Any of the following vessels must sound 1 prolonged & 2 short blasts every 2 min:sailing vesselnot under commandrestricted in ability to maneuverengaged in fishingtowing or pushing another ((Rule 35 c)35 c)

This requirement does not apply to vessels under 12 metersThis requirement does not apply to vessels under 12 meters

Rule 35: Signals in Restricted Visibility A vessel at anchor shall:

ring a bell for 5 seconds at least every minute

may also sound 1 short, 1 prolonged and 1 short blasts ((Rule 35 f)35 f)

Does not apply to vessels less than 20 meters anchored in a designated anchorage (Rule 35 h)

Rule 19: Restricted Visibility

Every vessel which hears the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation, shall:

Reduce speed to bare steerageway;

If necessary, stop;

Navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over. (Rule 19 e)

Additional State Information:

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Additional Training Opportunities

Lighting ScenariosLighting ScenariosSteering & Sailing Rules ScenariosSteering & Sailing Rules ScenariosOn-Water ChecklistOn-Water ChecklistQuick Reference Guide to the Quick Reference Guide to the

Navigation RulesNavigation RulesFinal ExamFinal Exam

We would like to thank the following states and organizations that have graciously allowed the use of their existing training materials in the creation of this one.

Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Law Enforcement Division

Nevada Department of Wildlife

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

Credits

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

The National Safe Boating Council

Sea Tow Boating Safety and Education Foundation

USCG Quartermaster Training School

Credits

Credits Consultation on the Navigation Rules

provided by Captain Jim Battye and Captain Alan Richard

Narration voiced by Captain Alan Richard

Narration recorded at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission studios

Credits

Boating footage was filmed by Jason Harmon’s Audio/Video Production Company (outside of Nashville, TN)

Boat provided by Ed Carter and operated by Betsy Woods

Additional boating footage was provided by Boat Ed, Inc.

Credits

Final production and digital duplication was completed by Palmer Multimedia Imaging (www.palmermultimedia.com)