NAVIGATION RULES -INLAND- “RULES OF THE ROAD” Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980 Rules 1 through 38 Developed and provided courtesy of Ohio Dept. Natural

NAVIGATION RULESNAVIGATION RULES-INLAND--INLAND-

“RULES OF THE ROAD”“RULES OF THE ROAD”

Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980 Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980 Rules 1 through 38Rules 1 through 38

Developed and provided courtesy of Ohio Dept. Natural Resources

DisclaimerDisclaimer

The Rules presented in this program are an The Rules presented in this program are an overview of summarized versions of the Inland overview of summarized versions of the Inland Navigation Rules.Navigation Rules.

This program should not be considered a This program should not be considered a substitute for a complete version of the entire substitute for a complete version of the entire Inland Navigation Rules.Inland Navigation Rules.

The summarized rules in this program could be The summarized rules in this program could be interpreted differently than the complete rules of interpreted differently than the complete rules of the Inland Navigation Rules.the Inland Navigation Rules.

Application of Rules Application of Rules (Rules 1, 4, 11, 19a)(Rules 1, 4, 11, 19a)

These Rules (1-38) These Rules (1-38) apply to all vesselsapply to all vessels upon the inland upon the inland waters of the U.S. and to U.S. vessels on Canadian waters of the U.S. and to U.S. vessels on Canadian waters of the Great Lakes.waters of the Great Lakes.

1-3 1-3 General RulesGeneral Rules

4-19 4-19 Steering and Sailing RulesSteering and Sailing Rules 4-10 apply in any condition of visibility4-10 apply in any condition of visibility 11-18 apply to vessels in sight of one another11-18 apply to vessels in sight of one another 19 apply to vessels in restricted visibility19 apply to vessels in restricted visibility

20-31 20-31 Lights and ShapesLights and Shapes

32-37 32-37 Sound and Light SignalsSound and Light Signals

3838 Exemptions Exemptions

Responsibility Responsibility (Rule 2)(Rule 2)

Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel, Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel, operator or owner from the consequences of: operator or owner from the consequences of:

neglect to comply with these rulesneglect to comply with these rules

neglect of any required precautionneglect of any required precaution

special circumstances of the casespecial circumstances of the case

In complying with these rules In complying with these rules due regard shall be due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collisionhad to all dangers of navigation and collision and and to any special circumstances, including the limits to any special circumstances, including the limits of the vessels involved, which may make a of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these rules necessary to avoid departure from these rules necessary to avoid immediate danger. immediate danger.

General Definitions General Definitions (Rule 3)(Rule 3)

VesselVessel - every description of watercraft capable - every description of watercraft capable of being used for transportation on the waterof being used for transportation on the water

Power-driven vesselPower-driven vessel - any vessel propelled by - any vessel propelled by machinery.machinery.

Sailing vesselSailing vessel - any vessel under sail provided - any vessel under sail provided any propelling machinery is not being used.any propelling machinery is not being used.

UnderwayUnderway - not at anchor, made fast to shore or - not at anchor, made fast to shore or aground.aground.

Inland WatersInland Waters – navigable waters of the U.S. – navigable waters of the U.S. shoreward of the demarcation lines dividing the shoreward of the demarcation lines dividing the high seas from harbors and other inland waters.high seas from harbors and other inland waters.

Important TermsImportant Terms

These terms are defined in detail by Rules 16 and 17These terms are defined in detail by Rules 16 and 17

Give-wayGive-way - a term used for the vessel which is - a term used for the vessel which is directed by rule to directed by rule to keep out of the waykeep out of the way..

Stand-onStand-on - a term used for the vessel which is - a term used for the vessel which is directed by rule to directed by rule to keep its course and speedkeep its course and speed..

May take action if apparent other vessel is not May take action if apparent other vessel is not taking appropriate actiontaking appropriate action

Shall take action if necessary to avoid collisionShall take action if necessary to avoid collision

Application of Rules Application of Rules (Rule 4)(Rule 4)

Rules in this part apply in any condition of visibility.Rules in this part apply in any condition of visibility.

““This part” refers to Steering and Sailing Rules 4-19This part” refers to Steering and Sailing Rules 4-19

Proper Look-Out Required Proper Look-Out Required (Rule 5)(Rule 5)

Every vessel shall Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper at all times maintain a proper look-outlook-out by sight and hearing as well as by all by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions circumstances and conditions to make a full appraisal to make a full appraisal of the situationof the situation and of and of risk of collision.risk of collision.

Safe Speed Safe Speed (Rule 6)(Rule 6)

Every vessel shall proceed at a Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed so safe speed so that it can take proper and effective action to that it can take proper and effective action to avoid collisionavoid collision and be stopped within a distance and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.conditions.

HAZELWOOD

LANDING

Safe Speed Safe Speed (Rule 6)(Rule 6)

In determining a safe speed the following factors In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be taken into account:shall be taken into account:

VisibilityVisibility

Traffic densityTraffic density

Maneuverability including stopping distance Maneuverability including stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditionsand turning ability in the prevailing conditions

At night the presence of background lightAt night the presence of background light

Wind, sea, current, and proximity of hazardsWind, sea, current, and proximity of hazards

Draft in relation to depth of waterDraft in relation to depth of water

Additional factors for vessels with radar.Additional factors for vessels with radar.

Risk of Collision Risk of Collision (Rule 7)(Rule 7)

Every vessel shall Every vessel shall use all available means use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditionsconditions to determine if risk of collision exists. to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt, such risk shall exist.If there is any doubt, such risk shall exist.

Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, to obtain early warning of fitted and operational, to obtain early warning of risk of collision.risk of collision.

Assumptions shall not be made.Assumptions shall not be made.


In determining if In determining if risk of collision exists: risk of collision exists:

Such risk shall exist if the Such risk shall exist if the compass bearing of an approaching compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change.vessel does not appreciably change.

RELATIVE BEARING

(Angle to other vessels)

DOES NOT CHANGE

Risk of CollisionRisk of Collision

Close quarters situation less likely. Close quarters situation less likely. Risk of collision may not exist, but Risk of collision may not exist, but assumptions should not be made. assumptions should not be made.

RELATIVEBEARINGSCHANGING


In determining if risk of collision exists:In determining if risk of collision exists:

Such risk may exist even when a bearing change Such risk may exist even when a bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a vessel at close range.large vessel or a vessel at close range.

Action to Avoid Collision Action to Avoid Collision (Rule 8)(Rule 8)

Action taken to avoid collision Action taken to avoid collision shall be positive, made in ample shall be positive, made in ample time and with regard to good time and with regard to good seamanship.seamanship.

Alteration of course or speed shall Alteration of course or speed shall be large enough to be readily be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel.apparent to another vessel.

Alteration of course alone may Alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation if made in a close-quarters situation if made in good time.good time.

Action to Avoid Collision Action to Avoid Collision (Rule 8)(Rule 8)

Action taken shall result in Action taken shall result in passing at a safe distance.passing at a safe distance.

If necessary, a vessel If necessary, a vessel shall slacken speed or take shall slacken speed or take all way off by stopping all way off by stopping or reversing means or reversing means of propulsion.of propulsion.

Narrow Channels Narrow Channels (Rule 9)(Rule 9)

A vessel in a narrow channel shall keep as near A vessel in a narrow channel shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel on its starboard to the outer limit of the channel on its starboard side as is safe and practicable.side as is safe and practicable.

STARBOARDSTARBOARD

PORTPORT

STARBOARDSTARBOARD

PORTPORT

3 5 71

2 4 6 8

STAND-ONSTAND-ON


A power vessel proceeding downbound with a A power vessel proceeding downbound with a following current shall have right-of-way over an following current shall have right-of-way over an upbound vessel.upbound vessel.

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAYCURRENT

3 5 71

2 4 6 8


A vessel less than 20 meters in length or a sailing A vessel less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede a vessel that can safely vessel shall not impede a vessel that can safely navigate only within a channel.navigate only within a channel.

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

< 20 meters

VESSEL THAT CAN NOTVESSEL THAT CAN NOTLEAVE DEEPER CHANNELLEAVE DEEPER CHANNEL

3 5 71

2 4 6 8


A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede passage of any other vessel navigating within passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel.a narrow channel.

4 6

3 5NETSNETS

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY


A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel if such A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel if such crossing impedes passage of a vessel that can crossing impedes passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a channel.safely navigate only within a channel.

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

VESSEL THAT CAN NOTVESSEL THAT CAN NOTLEAVE DEEPER CHANNELLEAVE DEEPER CHANNEL

3 5 71

2 4 6 8


An overtaking vessel shall indicate its intention An overtaking vessel shall indicate its intention by sounding the appropriate signal and take by sounding the appropriate signal and take steps to permit safe passing. The overtaken steps to permit safe passing. The overtaken vessel sounds same signal if in agreement.vessel sounds same signal if in agreement.

3 5 71

2 4 6 8

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

TOOTTOOT

TOOT

STAND-ONSTAND-ON


A vessel nearing a bend or an area where vessels A vessel nearing a bend or an area where vessels may be obscured by an obstruction shall may be obscured by an obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution navigate with particular alertness and caution and sound appropriate signals.and sound appropriate signals.

35

71

2

4

6

8STACKSSTACKS

TREESTREES

BLDGS.

TOOOOOOOOTTOOOOOOOOT TOOOOOOOOTTOOOOOOOOT


Every vessel shall avoid anchoring in a narrow Every vessel shall avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.channel.

3 5 71

2 4 6 8


Vessels leaving a dock, slip, tie-up or mooring Vessels leaving a dock, slip, tie-up or mooring shall yield the right-of-way to all vessels shall yield the right-of-way to all vessels approaching.approaching.

STAND-ONSTAND-ON

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

MOORING MOORING BUOYBUOY

Application of Rules Application of Rules (Rule 11)(Rule 11)

Rules in this part apply to vessels in sight of one Rules in this part apply to vessels in sight of one another.another.

““This part” refers to Steering and Sailing Rules This part” refers to Steering and Sailing Rules 11-1811-18

When two sailing vessels are approaching, one of them When two sailing vessels are approaching, one of them shall keep out of the way as follows:shall keep out of the way as follows:

When each has the wind on a different side, the vessel When each has the wind on a different side, the vessel with the with the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way.wind on the port side shall keep out of the way.

Sailing Vessels Sailing Vessels (Rule 12)(Rule 12)

WIND DIRECTIONWIND DIRECTION

PORTPORT STARBOARDSTARBOARD

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY STAND-ONSTAND-ON


When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward (upwind) shall keep out of the which is to windward (upwind) shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward (downwind).way of the vessel which is to leeward (downwind).


PORTPORT

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

STAND-ONSTAND-ON

WINDWARDWINDWARD

LEEWARDLEEWARDPORTPORT


When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward (upwind) shall keep out of the which is to windward (upwind) shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward (downwind).way of the vessel which is to leeward (downwind).


GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

STAND-ONSTAND-ON

WINDWARDWINDWARD

LEEWARDLEEWARD

STARBOARDSTARBOARD

STARBOARDSTARBOARD


If a vessel with the wind on port side sees a vessel If a vessel with the wind on port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine if the other to windward and cannot determine if the other vessel has the wind on the port or starboard, it vessel has the wind on the port or starboard, it shall keep out of the way.shall keep out of the way.


GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

PORTPORT ?? LINE OF SIGHT:LINE OF SIGHT:Difficult to determine Difficult to determine which side sail is onwhich side sail is on


The windward side is opposite to the side the The windward side is opposite to the side the mainsail is carried on.mainsail is carried on.


PORTPORT STARBOARDSTARBOARD

WINDWARDWINDWARD LEEWARDLEEWARD

WINDWARDWINDWARD

LEEWARDLEEWARD

MAINSAILMAINSAIL

MAINSAILMAINSAIL

HEADSAILHEADSAIL

Overtaking Overtaking (Rule 13)(Rule 13)

AnyAny vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.the way of the vessel being overtaken.

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

STAND-ONSTAND-ON


A vessel shall be overtaking when coming up from a A vessel shall be overtaking when coming up from a direction more than 22½ degrees abaft (behind) another direction more than 22½ degrees abaft (behind) another vessels beam; vessels beam;

STAND-ONSTAND-ON

in a position that at night it wouldin a position that at night it would only see the only see the sternlight but neither of the sidelightssternlight but neither of the sidelights of that vessel.of that vessel.

OVERTAKING OVERTAKING ZONEZONE

135º135º

CROSSING CROSSING ZONEZONE

CROSSING CROSSING ZONEZONE

HEAD-ONHEAD-ON


When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether it is When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether it is overtaking, it shall assume it is and act overtaking, it shall assume it is and act accordingly.accordingly.

OVERTAKING OVERTAKING or or

CROSSING?CROSSING?????

Overtaking Overtaking (Rule 13(Rule 13))

When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether it is When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether it is overtaking, it shall assume it is and act accordingly.overtaking, it shall assume it is and act accordingly.

DANGER ZONEDANGER ZONE

????

CROSSINGCROSSINGOVERTAKINGOVERTAKING

Head-On Situation Head-On Situation (Rule 14)(Rule 14)

Unless otherwise agreed, when two power-driven Unless otherwise agreed, when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal courses each vessels are meeting on reciprocal courses each shall shall alter course to starboardalter course to starboard so that each shall so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.pass on the port side of the other.

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAYGIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

PORT

STARBOARD

STARBOARD

PORT

Head-On Situation Head-On Situation (Rule 14)(Rule 14) Such a situation shall exist when a vessel sees Such a situation shall exist when a vessel sees

the other ahead or nearly ahead and by night it the other ahead or nearly ahead and by night it could see could see both sidelightsboth sidelights and by day observes and by day observes the corresponding aspect.the corresponding aspect.

When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether such When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether such a situation exists it shall assume that it does exist a situation exists it shall assume that it does exist and act accordingly. and act accordingly.

Crossing Situation Crossing Situation (Rule 15)(Rule 15)

When two power-driven vessels are crossing, When two power-driven vessels are crossing, the the vessel which has the other on its starboard side vessel which has the other on its starboard side shall keep out of the wayshall keep out of the way and shall avoid and shall avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.crossing ahead of the other vessel.

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

STAND-ONSTAND-ON

ALTER COURSE, ALTER COURSE, SLOW or STOPSLOW or STOP

DANGER ZONEDANGER ZONE

Observes red sidelight Observes red sidelight of vessel in danger zoneof vessel in danger zone

Observes green sidelight Observes green sidelight of approaching vesselof approaching vessel112.5º112.5º

112.5º112.5º

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

STAND-ONSTAND-ON

Crossing Situation Crossing Situation (Rule 15)(Rule 15)

A vessel crossing a river shall keep out of the way of A vessel crossing a river shall keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending.a power-driven vessel ascending or descending.

RIVERRIVERCURRENTCURRENT

STAND-ONSTAND-ON

STAND-ONSTAND-ON

GIVE-WAYGIVE-WAY

Action by Action by Give-WayGive-Way Vessel Vessel (Rule 16)(Rule 16)

Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible,way of another vessel shall, so far as possible,take early and substantial action to keep well clear.take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Action by Action by Stand-OnStand-On Vessel Vessel(Rule 17)(Rule 17)

Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other shall the other shall keep its course and speed.keep its course and speed.

The stand-on vessel The stand-on vessel may take actionmay take action as soon as it as soon as it becomes apparent the give-way vessel becomes apparent the give-way vessel is notis not taking taking appropriate action.appropriate action.

A power-driven vessel which takes action with A power-driven vessel which takes action with another power vessel another power vessel shall not alter course to port shall not alter course to port for a vessel on its own port side.for a vessel on its own port side.

When the stand-on vessel finds itself so close that When the stand-on vessel finds itself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone, it alone, it shall take actionshall take action to avoid collision. to avoid collision.

Definitions Definitions (Rule 3)(Rule 3)

Vessel not under commandVessel not under command - a vessel which through - a vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by these rules and is therefore unable to as required by these rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way.keep out of the way.

Vessel restricted in its ability to maneuverVessel restricted in its ability to maneuver - a vessel by - a vessel by nature of its work is restricted in its ability to maneuver nature of its work is restricted in its ability to maneuver as required by these rules and therefore unable to keep as required by these rules and therefore unable to keep out of the way.out of the way.

Vessel engaged in fishingVessel engaged in fishing - any vessel fishing with - any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, etc. which restricts maneuverability nets, lines, trawls, etc. which restricts maneuverability but but does not include vessels engaged in recreationaldoes not include vessels engaged in recreational fishing.fishing.

Responsibilities Between Vessels Responsibilities Between Vessels (Rule 18)(Rule 18)

Except where Rules 9 (Narrow Channels), 10 (Traffic Except where Rules 9 (Narrow Channels), 10 (Traffic Schemes) and 13 (Overtaking) otherwise require:Schemes) and 13 (Overtaking) otherwise require:

A power vessel underway shall keep out of the A power vessel underway shall keep out of the way of :way of :

a vessel not under commanda vessel not under command

a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuvera vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver

a vessel engaged in fishing (commercial vessel)a vessel engaged in fishing (commercial vessel)

a sailing vessela sailing vessel

Responsibilities Between Vessels Responsibilities Between Vessels (Rule 18)(Rule 18)

A sailing vessel shall keep out of the way of :A sailing vessel shall keep out of the way of :



a vessel engaged in fishing (commercial)a vessel engaged in fishing (commercial)

A vessel engaged in fishing (commercial) shall A vessel engaged in fishing (commercial) shall keep out of the way of :keep out of the way of :



Conduct in Restricted Visibility Conduct in Restricted Visibility (Rule 19)(Rule 19)

This rule applies to This rule applies to vessels not in sight of one anothervessels not in sight of one another when in or near an area of restricted visibility.when in or near an area of restricted visibility.

Every vessel shall proceed at a Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to safe speed adapted to the conditions.the conditions. Power vessels shall have engines Power vessels shall have engines ready for immediate maneuver.ready for immediate maneuver.

Every vessel shall have Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing due regard to the prevailing conditionsconditions when complying with navigation rules. when complying with navigation rules.

Conduct in Restricted Visibility Conduct in Restricted Visibility (Rule 19)(Rule 19)

A vessel which A vessel which detects another detects another vessel by radarvessel by radar shall determine shall determine if risk of collision exists. If so, if risk of collision exists. If so, it shall take avoiding action.it shall take avoiding action.

Every vessel which Every vessel which hears the fog signal of anotherhears the fog signal of another shall reduce speed to the minimum at which it can be shall reduce speed to the minimum at which it can be kept on course. It shall kept on course. It shall if necessary take all way offif necessary take all way off and, in any event, navigate with and, in any event, navigate with extreme caution.extreme caution.

Documents

NAVIGATION RULES -INLAND- “RULES OF THE ROAD” Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980 Rules 1 through 38 Developed and provided courtesy of Ohio Dept. Natural