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Right-of-Way

When two (2) vessels are approaching each other head on or nearly so as to involve a risk of collision with each other, each vessel must bear to starboard (right) and pass the other vessel on its port (left) side.

When vessels approach each other obliquely or at right angles, the vessel approaching from the starboard (right) has the right-of-way.

A vessel may overtake another on either side but must grant the right-of-way to the vessel being overtaken and must make the following signals:

Before passing another vessel to starboard (right), one (1) blast of one (1) second in duration must be sounded by a whistle or horn.

Before passing another vessel to port (left), two (2) blasts of one (1) second in duration must be sounded by a whistle or horn.

When a sailboat and motorboat are operating as to involve a risk of collision with each other, the motorboat must yield the right-of-way to the sailboat in all cases.

All vessels must be operated in conformance with the inland navigation rules of the United States Coast Guard.

Free Online Animated Course - Learn about navigation rules of the road! 

NOTE: FOR A MORE COMPREHENSIVE LISTING OF THE BOATING REGULATIONS, PICK UP A COPY FROM ANY DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES OR DIVISION OF NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICE.


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