UNCLOS Navigation Rules

3 NavigatioN RulesRulesgeNeRalBasis for rulesThe International Rules were formalized at the Convention for Preventing Collisions at Sea of 1972. These International Rules were ratified in 1977 and are generally known as 72 COLREGS (Collision Regulations). These rules apply on the high seas as well as on territorial waters outside of lines of demarcation called COLREGS Demarcation Lines. These Demarcation Lines are shown on charts and are also described in Coast Guard publications.The Inland Rules for the United States are based on the International Rules and are for the most part the same lan-guage, but with some additions and modifications. Similarly, the Canadian Collision Regulations are based on 72 COLREGS with some additions and modifications. aBout this NavigatioN rules ChapterThis chapter either quotes directly, or paraphrases, the 72 COLREGS and USCG Navigation Rules International and U.S. Inland, as well as the Canadian Collision Regulations.This section includes most but not all of the rules from 72 COLREGS or the U.S. Inland Rules. But there is nothing in this section that is not in the navigation rules. Thus you can assume that everything in this section are rules that apply to you and your vessel.Every U.S. registered vessel over 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length is required to carry on board at all times a copy of the USCG Inland Navigation Rules.

appliCatioN aNd defiNitioNsapplication of RulesThe U.S. Inland Rules apply to vessels on the inland waters of the United States. The Inland Rules apply to all U.S. vessels, except where the vessel is in the territorial waters of another country in which case the regulations of that country apply where they differ from the Inland rules.

This Pocket Reference does not, and is not meant to, meet this requirement as a copy of the Navigation Rules. All of the rules are NOT included herein and many rules have been rephrased or recast into tabular form.

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Navigation Rules 123

CoNDuCt of vessels iN sight of oNe aNotheRrespoNsiBilities BetweeN vessels (rule 18)Except where Rules 9 (Narrow Channels), 10 (Traffic Sepa-ration Schemes), and 13 (Overtaking) otherwise require:In the following hierarchy the vessels lower in the list must keep out of the way of vessels higher in the list.

1 Vessel not under command (highest).2 Vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.

3Vessel constrained by her draft exhibiting the signals in Rule 28 for same (International and Canada only).

4 Vessel engaged in fishing (fishing as defined by the rules).5 Vessel under sail (but not under power).

6 Vessel power-driven (includes sailing vessels under power).7 Seaplane on the water (lowest).

aCtioN By give-way vessel (rule 16)The give-way vessel must, as far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.aCtioN By staNd-oN vessel (rule 17)Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way the stand-on vessel is to keep her course and speed. The stand-on vessel may take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking action. In this case, in a crossing situation, the stand-on vessel should not alter course to port if possible.When the stand-on vessel finds that collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone, she must take action to avoid collision.head-oN situatioN (rule 14)When two power driven vessels are meeting head on or nearly so, each must alter course to starboard so as to pass port to port. The head-on situation is deemed to exist if at night the masthead lights of the other are nearly in a line or both sidelights can be seen. When in doubt, act as if this condition exists.

124 Boaters Pocket Reference: Chapter 3

U.S. inland addition: A power-driven vessel operating on the Great Lakes, western rivers, or other specified waters, and proceeding downbound with a following current must have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, must propose the manner of passage, and must initiate the appropriate maneuvering signals. These signals are described in Signals for Meeting or Crossing.the CrossiNg situatioN (rule 15)When two vessels are in a crossing situation, the vessel with the other to starboard is the give-way vessel and must keep out of the way of the other stand-on vessel and normally will avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. In simple terms, the boat on your right has the right of way.U.S. inland and Canada addition: On the Great Lakes, western rivers, Canadian waters, or other specified waters, a vessel crossing a river must keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel traveling up or down river. Canada: Except on the St. Lawrence River northeast of Ile Rouge.sigNals for vessels iN sight of oNe aN-other (rule 34)International only: Power driven vessels underway when in sight of one another indicate maneuvers with whistle signals as follows:

One short blast (one second) to mean I am altering my course to starboard.Two short blasts to mean I am altering my course to port.Three short blasts to mean I am operating astern propulsion.

The sound signals may be supplemented by light signals that correspond to the whistle blasts described. For example, a one-second light flash means I am altering my course to starboard. The light used for these signals must be an all-round white light visible for 5 miles. No response is given by the other vessel.U.S. inland and Canada substitution: Power driven ves-sels underway when in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within a half-mile of each other must indicate maneuvers with whistle signals as follows:

One short blast (one second) to mean I intend to leave you on my port side.


Canada addition: Blue flashing light means a blue all-round flashing light flashing at regular intervals of 50 to 70 flashes per minute.

lights and Right of WayThe visible arcs of navigation lights correspond to the differ-ent situations: overtaking, head-on, and crossing.If you see a single white light only, then you are in an over-taking situation and must act accordingly.If you see a white (masthead) light over both green and red lights, then you are in a head-on situation and must take ac-tion accordingly. See figures on the following pages.If you see a white (masthead) light above a green light (but not the red light) of another vessel you are in a crossing situ-ation, where you are the stand-on vessel (have right of way). Think of green as a sort of go, but be careful, light. If you see a white (masthead) lights over a red light (and not the green light) of another vessel you are also in a crossing situation, but here you are the give-way vessel. Think of red as yield.visiBility of lights (rule 22)Lights must have an intensity so as to be visible at the ranges shown in table 3-1.

lights oN power driveN vessels uNder-way (rule 23)Table 3-2 on page on page 134 summarizes the lights re-quired on power-driven vessels underway.

FIGURE 3-2: Visibility Arcs of Basic Navigation Lights.

138 Boaters Pocket Reference: Chapter 3v

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TABLE 3-3: Summary of Towing and Pushing Lights


Note the second masthead light (aft) is higher than the forward masthead lights to satisfy the requirement for power driven boats longer than 50 meters (164 ft). Also the two masthead lights and the yellow towing light differentiate this boat from a non towing boat.tow astern: vessel less than 50 Meters (164 ft):tow less than 200 Meters (656 ft)

Towing vessel has two masthead lights and a yellow towing light over a sternlight. The tow has sidelights and sternlight as does the towing vessel.tow astern: tow greater than 200 Meters (656 ft)Lighting is the same as for the tow less than 200 meters except there are three masthead lights arranged in a vertical line.towing alongside: international only: vessel less than 50 Meters (164 ft)

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UNCLOS Navigation Rules