Safety information EMU25531 Other special situations There are three other rules you should be aware of when driving your boat around oth- er vessels. Narrow channels and bends When navigating in narrow channels, you should keep to the right when it is safe and practical to do so. If the operator of a power- driven vessel is preparing to go around a bend that may obstruct the view of other wa- ter vessels, the operator should sound a pro- longed blast on the whistle (4 to 6 seconds). If another vessel is around the bend, it too should sound the whistle. Even if no reply is heard, however, the vessel should still pro- ceed around the bend with caution.
If you navigate such waters with your boat, you will need to carry a portable air horn, available from local marine supply stores. Fishing vessel right-of-way All vessels that are fishing with nets, lines or trawls are considered to be “fishing vessels” under the International Rules. Vessels with trolling lines are not considered fishing ves- sels. Fishing vessels have the right-of-way regardless of position. Fishing vessels can- not, however, impede the passage of other vessels in narrow channels. Sailing vessel right-of-way Sailing vessels should normally be given the right-of-way. The exceptions to this are: 1.
When the sailing vessel is overtaking the power-driven vessel, the power-driv- en vessel has the right-of-way. 2. Sailing vessels should keep clear of any fishing vessel. 3. In a narrow channel, a sailing vessel should not hamper the safe passage of a power-driven vessel that can navigate only in such a channel. Crossing When two power driven vessels are crossing each other’s path close enough to run the risk of collision, the vessel which has the oth- er on the starboard (right) side must keep out of the way of the other. If the other vessel is on your right, you must keep out of its way; you are the Give-Way vessel.
If the other vessel is on your port (left) side, remember that you should maintain course and direc- tion, provided the other vessel gives you the right-of-way as it should. Overtaking If you are passing another vessel, you are the “Give-Way” vessel. This means that the other vessel is expected to maintain its course and speed. You must stay out of its way until you are clear of it. Likewise, if an- other vessel is passing you, you should maintain your speed and direction so that the other vessel can steer itself around you. 6