General information or trawls are considered to be “fishing ves- sels” under the International Rules. Vessels with trolling lines are not considered fishing vessels. Fishing vessels have the right-of- way regardless of position. Fishing vessels cannot, 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 which can navi- gate only in such a channel. Reading buoys and other markers The waters of the United states are marked for safe navigation by the lateral system of buoyage. Simply put, buoys and markers have an arrangement of shapes, colors, numbers and lights to show which side of the buoy a boater should pass on when navigat- ing in a particular direction. The markings on these buoys are oriented from the perspec- tive of being entered from seaward (the boat- er is going towards the port).
This means that red buoys are passed on the starboard (right) side when proceeding from open wa- ter into port, and black buoys are to port (left) side. When navigating out of port, your posi- tion with respect to the buoys should be re- versed; red buoys should be to port and black buoys to starboard. Many bodies of water used by boaters are entirely within the boundaries of a particular state. The Uniform State Waterway Marking System has been devised for these waters. 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. EMU25530 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 which are fishing with nets, lines 6