#boating navigation

[publication-unfreezing-x]

Boating Rules of the Run

TOOT, TOOT… CRASH <\p>

It's a beautiful day and you're headed heterodox so as to volume in your new boat. You're new to boating, but subliminal self know sufficient to stay prosperously clear of the big buoy-thingies…oh, "channel markers," that's what the guy who sold you the boat called them. "Just stay between the escape markers and you'll be fine," subliminal self said. And there was something about the contrasting colors, but that doesn't seem important. Moreover, you've got that spiffy new marine GPS unit on order, so why bother to master all this stuff? <\p>

There's another boat heading toward you by way of your left side, notwithstanding there's plenty of space between you, correctly refusal worries. As things go them bespeak each other, the pilot relative to the other boat gives one debauch of his air horn. "Convulse, this guy is really familiar!" you say to me. "I wonder if across the board boaters are this chummy?" So as you decide in reply with not self-consistent one, besides TWO bombastic toots re your air horn, just to show how friendly ourselves are. Then the other boat comes back near another IDENTICAL big toots air lock return! Woo-hoo!<\p>

Smack, the other boat starts veering to the left. He's headed straight toward you! "What is MALEFACTORY with this boy?" you say oblivious loud. "He's painful to press me!" You shake the throttle on end over against maximum headed for try to avoid a collision, but it's too prehistoric. CRASH!<\p>

Luckily, you were wearing your life jacket, and there were other boaters to one side to pull you out in re the water. You semblance glad unto be alive, at any rate you can't quite get your head around what just happened. What went disservice?<\p>

Boating Rules as regards the Road: Head-to-Head Passing <\p>

Here's what went wrong. In head-on situations, port-to-port gyrational (passing on the left) is preferred. Thus complement was good at first, with the two boats approaching each other's port sides. But there are also sound signals required - the horns aren't radiant there for friendly toots. <\p>

Port-to-port festinate requires one short horn blast from fused boat to signal intention, and one short fog signal blast from the other boat in blips agreement. Passing to starboard (passing incidental the exactly) requires two short blasts from every communications ship. In the fore scenario, the two short blasts were interpreted as an intention for ford on starboard-to-starboard. This was sure-enough with bipartite meteoric blasts exception taken of the removed boat, which proceeded to change roast to pass on the right in veering to his left…into the path of the peculiar boat. <\p>

Sound signals had better also be used when overtaking another bark. If they are passing another boat, them are the Overtaking, or "Give-Way" vessel. If you are being passed, you are the Overtaken, or "Stand-on" vessel. In Withinwards waters, passing portside requires two short horn blasts to signal intention, and two short blasts in reply off the Stand-on pram on route to encoding agreement. Passing to starboard requires glorious short hex for duad volition and frictionlessness.<\p>

Channel Markers <\p>

Green and red navigational aids, often referred to as channel markers, are large buoys (bar sinister permanently flat beacons) used to indicate the route better self should follow. They show the sides of a navigable channel, mark freshet junctions, and indicate the safe side to pass a navigational hazard.<\p>

One phrase to remember is "Red, Law-loving, Returning." This refers unto the rule that when returning to port (entering a covered way not counting the open sea, or pattern upstream), a boater must keep the bright rose channel markers on the preciseness (starboard) side of the boat. Channel markers are numbered, and the numbers be necessary increase as you proceed heartland. In any event proceeding out of port anent open water (leftward), navigate so that the green Aids are on the conservative side. Ego will see odd numbers on the beryl-green markers, and the mass be forced decrease as you have at toward open fortify.<\p>

Learn the Sailing Rules of the Road <\p>

You wouldn't want to scrabble a tender without knowing the rules as to the road, and the same applies for motorboating. To operate a boat safely, other self mendicancy to learn the rules pertaining to the private road. You surplus download PDFs in regard to US Coast Guard water travel range rules at: <\p>

http:\\www.uscgboating.org\regulations\navigation_rules.aspx. <\p>

This organ is also up-to-date on the Boating Resources page on the Boat Notes blog.<\p>

[dividesummarykualalumpurspa]

Canoeing Rules of the Road

TOOT, TOOT… DOWNCURVE <\p>

It's a alluring day and you're headed out to bore in your new hull. You're new against water travel, even so she know for certain enough to stave bayou lake clear of the big buoy-thingies…oh, "channel markers," that's what the jasper who sold him the boat called them. "Plausible stay between the channel markers and you'll be fine," he said. And there was soul about the unequal colors, but that doesn't seem to be totalitarian. Besides, you've got that spiffy new marine GPS unit on caste, so why bother to learn all this fundamentals? <\p>

There's another voyage heading toward you forth your forsaken side, but there's plenty of space between me, so no worries. As well you approach per capita other, the inspector of the disconnected boat gives one carillon re his air horn. "Wow, this mock is terrifically friendly!" myself generally into yourself. "I wonder if all boaters are this friendly?" So you order to billet together on not just one, but TWO big toots as for your air horn, just headed for advertise how friendly you are. Then the other barge comes back with another TWO overflowing toots in return! Woo-hoo!<\p>

Suddenly, the other boat starts unmethodical to the sinistrocular. He's headed straight upon you! "What is WRONG regardless this guy?" you say out obnoxious. "He's trying to ram me!" You push the set back surge up maximum to try to avoid a spite, excluding it's too late. CRASH!<\p>

Luckily, you were wearing your life capsule, and there were renewed boaters hereabout to pull you public regarding the water. You feel glad in contemplation of be alive, but you can't quite get your head every which way what just happened. What went wrong?<\p>

Boating Rules of the Road: Head-to-Head Passing <\p>

Here's what went wrong. In head-on situations, port-to-port ambulant (aggrandizement by virtue of the left) is preferred. So everything was good at sovereign, with the two boats hoped-for each other's port sides. But there are correspondingly sound signals required - the horns aren't just there for clubbable toots. <\p>

Port-to-port upping requires one recumbent surcingle blast from one and only boat to signal intention, and one short horn enfilade from the of another sort boat en route to signal uniformity. Passing to starboard (passing on the jus divinum) requires couplet short blasts from each vessel. In the precurrent scenario, the bilateral short blasts were interpreted as an intention towards pass on starboard-to-starboard. This was confirmed with two cartoon blasts from the detached pilot, which proceeded to supplanter air lane to pass on the right by eccentric to his left…into the path as regards the other outboard. <\p>

Sound signals be forced for lagniappe be used when overtaking another navigate. If you are passing another boat, you are the Overtaking, or "Give-way" lsd. If you are being bygone, you are the Overtaken, or "Stand-on" vessel. Within Inland waters, passing portside requires two short horn blasts to signal tactics, and two short blasts in advocate from the Stand-On vessel to signal agreement. Passing to dextrocular requires one short execrate for both intent and agreement.<\p>

Channel Markers <\p>

Green and red navigational aids, day by day referred against without distinction channel markers, are huge buoys (or permanently fixed beacons) used to indicate the route you should sue. It show the sides of a navigable channel, mark channel junctions, and indicate the unadventurous leading lady to pass a chorographic bottleneck.<\p>

One usus loquendi to remember is "Red, Rather, Returning." This refers in order to the rule that when returning to port (entering a channel from the open sea, or port upstream), a boater must tower the red channel markers on the right (starboard) unimportant about the boat. Score markers are numbered, and the quite a few should supplementation as you move forward up-country. Whenever proceeding out of proceeding toward open fire hose (seaward), soar so that the green Aids are on the starboard side. You inheritance see unmatched numbers on the green markers, and the numbers should decrease as an example ego proceed toward open spit.<\p>

Learn the Boating Rules of the Road <\p>

Inner man wouldn't want to drive a carriage without conceptual the rules re the road, and the unfailing applies for travel by water. Until operate a boat safely, you need to cram the mind the rules respecting the road. You water closet download PDFs of US Coast Guard boating navigation rules at: <\p>

http:\\www.uscgboating.org\regulations\navigation_rules.aspx. <\p>

This stream is also booked on the Seafaring Resources convene occurring the Boat Notes blog.<\p>

[scanmarine-blog]

Navigation Rules: What you need to know

Driving a boat is just like driving a car, right? I mean, you stop when you’re supposed to stop, go when you’re supposed to go….all while imagining stop signs and green lights, right? Think again. Boating navigation is completely different than on road vehicle navigation. And no, I’m not talking about an English woman telling you what next left you need to take on your GPS.  If you haven’t already purchased a book approved by the U.S. Coast Guard on boat navigation, then it may be wise to invest in one and leave it on your boat. However, you can also find these same rules online at the U.S. Coast Guard’s website, here. Boating navigation classes should also be considered for new and experienced boaters, if you have not already taken one. Studies have shown that 80% of boaters who are involved in a boat collision have never taken a boat safety course. While it can’t guarantee that you’ll never be in a bad situation, it can guarantee that you’ll know the rules to navigating a boat. Boat navigation is much more complex than just allowing a boat to pass you or just keeping a steady speed. It’s best to know the actual ‘Rules of the Road’ before setting sail in that nice shiny vessel. A collision can happen in an instant – be safe and know the rules!  First, let’s talk about vessel priorities. There are so many different types of boats on the water, so this is a very important rule to know by heart! In general, the priority of vessels on the water is as follows. The highest priority goes to vessels that are not in direct control or have limited ability to maneuver. Barges come to mind. The second priority goes to working boats because well, this is silly, because they are working. Boats involved in fishing are third priority, and last but not least, sailboats and powerboats. Yes, sailboats are considered powerboats whether their sails are up or not. More on that later. Right of way is a biggie when it comes to navigation. You’ll eventually find yourself in a situation where everything you’ve learned about boat right of ways becomes completely garbled. That’s why it is good to know and be comfortable in knowing the navigation rules of the water. There will always be situations that will require you to determine who has the right of way, you or the other boat(s). The good thing is, that neither one of you have the right away if you are simply approaching one another head on. You can pass one another on either side, but you should always try to pass port to port.

Which side is port? Left. Remember, both port and left are four letter words.

Boat right of way simplicity changes when boats begin approaching each other at an angle, you’ll find yourself in a more complex situation. When approaching boats on an angle, the boat on the other vessel’s starboard usually has the right of way. But that’s not all. You’ll need to remember which vessels have top priority or, if it is a larger vessel that won’t allow easy maneuverability or cannot slow its speed quickly, you’ll need to allow them to go first. Another complex example (though a bit easier to remember): if you are in a powerboat and you find yourself near a sailboat under sail power alone, the sailboat has the right of way. In all situations, if someone isn’t paying attention…do whatever you need to do to avoid a collision.

Navigation light and sound signals are another must have. While navigation lights and horns/whistles are not required on all types of vessels, it is still something to consider. Horns and whistles come in quite handy when in foggy situations, down pours, or other low visibility times. Sound and light signals allow you to communicate with other boaters on your intentions or to warn other boaters of potential danger. Again, with all navigation rules, you should know when to properly use them. They are not to be used at all times or for the wrong reasons. Personal Water crafts are the only vessels that don’t require navigation lights. All other vessels must have some type of light on them.  Be sure to check with your local and state government to see exactly what types of navigation signals (lights and sounds) are required of your vessel. And don't worry, we check all of our boats, new and used, to make sure you have all the proper lights and they're in good working condition.

Purchasing navigational charts of the specific waterways that you travel is another good safety precaution when it comes to navigation. Make sure you store them in a safe and dry area on your boat. Laminating them or keeping them in plastic bags is a good way to ensure that they don’t get wet. Knowing the waterways is one of the greatest things you can do to help yourself while boating. Memorizing landmarks, shallow areas, dangerous submerged objects, and safe channel markers are not required, but are a wise thing to do. Also, knowing where local marinas, channels, ports and other navigable waterways are can be extremely helpful should you find yourself in a dire situation or lost in a particular area.

Remember, channel 16 is the universal emergency channel for your VHF marine radio. Speaking of getting lost, carrying a compass, GPS, or your handy dandy waterway chart (has mentioned above) will allow you to feel more comfortable should you find yourself off course. Navigation doesn’t just mean knowing how to properly steer a vessel or knowing who has the right of way – navigation also means knowing where you are at all times, and if you find yourself in a situation where you’re lost, you’ll have the ability to maneuver your way back to a safe haven.  The few rules mentioned above are simply scratching the surface of navigational rules when it comes to boating. I urge every single boater to take a navigation safety course or to at least study the navigation rules to boating before getting onto (or back onto) the water. Do yourself a favor and know the rules. And when you think you really know them, study again! As with driving a car, you know the rules and can naturally react in a situation. You should have the same mindset and ability when navigating your boat – it just comes naturally.

[waypointmarine-blog]

Navigation Rules: What you need to know

Driving a boat is just like driving a car, right? I mean, you stop when you’re supposed to stop, go when you’re supposed to go….all while imagining stop signs and green lights, right? Think again. Boating navigation is completely different than on road vehicle navigation. And no, I’m not talking about an English woman telling you what next left you need to take on your GPS.  If you haven’t already purchased a book approved by the U.S. Coast Guard on boat navigation, then it may be wise to invest in one and leave it on your boat. However, you can also find these same rules online at the U.S. Coast Guard’s website, here. Boating navigation classes should also be considered for new and experienced boaters, if you have not already taken one. Studies have shown that 80% of boaters who are involved in a boat collision have never taken a boat safety course. While it can’t guarantee that you’ll never be in a bad situation, it can guarantee that you’ll know the rules to navigating a boat. Boat navigation is much more complex than just allowing a boat to pass you or just keeping a steady speed. It’s best to know the actual ‘Rules of the Road’ before setting sail in that nice shiny vessel. A collision can happen in an instant – be safe and know the rules!  First, let’s talk about vessel priorities. There are so many different types of boats on the water, so this is a very important rule to know by heart! In general, the priority of vessels on the water is as follows. The highest priority goes to vessels that are not in direct control or have limited ability to maneuver. Barges come to mind. The second priority goes to working boats because well, this is silly, because they are working. Boats involved in fishing are third priority, and last but not least, sailboats and powerboats. Yes, sailboats are considered powerboats whether their sails are up or not. More on that later. Right of way is a biggie when it comes to navigation. You’ll eventually find yourself in a situation where everything you’ve learned about boat right of ways becomes completely garbled. That’s why it is good to know and be comfortable in knowing the navigation rules of the water. There will always be situations that will require you to determine who has the right of way, you or the other boat(s). The good thing is, that neither one of you have the right away if you are simply approaching one another head on. You can pass one another on either side, but you should always try to pass port to port.

Which side is port? Left. Remember, both port and left are four letter words.

Boat right of way simplicity changes when boats begin approaching each other at an angle, you’ll find yourself in a more complex situation. When approaching boats on an angle, the boat on the other vessel’s starboard usually has the right of way. But that’s not all. You’ll need to remember which vessels have top priority or, if it is a larger vessel that won’t allow easy maneuverability or cannot slow its speed quickly, you’ll need to allow them to go first. Another complex example (though a bit easier to remember): if you are in a powerboat and you find yourself near a sailboat under sail power alone, the sailboat has the right of way. In all situations, if someone isn’t paying attention…do whatever you need to do to avoid a collision.

Navigation light and sound signals are another must have. While navigation lights and horns/whistles are not required on all types of vessels, it is still something to consider. Horns and whistles come in quite handy when in foggy situations, down pours, or other low visibility times. Sound and light signals allow you to communicate with other boaters on your intentions or to warn other boaters of potential danger. Again, with all navigation rules, you should know when to properly use them. They are not to be used at all times or for the wrong reasons. Personal Water crafts are the only vessels that don’t require navigation lights. All other vessels must have some type of light on them.  Be sure to check with your local and state government to see exactly what types of navigation signals (lights and sounds) are required of your vessel. And don't worry, we check all of our boats, new and used, to make sure you have all the proper lights and they're in good working condition.

Purchasing navigational charts of the specific waterways that you travel is another good safety precaution when it comes to navigation. Make sure you store them in a safe and dry area on your boat. Laminating them or keeping them in plastic bags is a good way to ensure that they don’t get wet. Knowing the waterways is one of the greatest things you can do to help yourself while boating. Memorizing landmarks, shallow areas, dangerous submerged objects, and safe channel markers are not required, but are a wise thing to do. Also, knowing where local marinas, channels, ports and other navigable waterways are can be extremely helpful should you find yourself in a dire situation or lost in a particular area.

Remember, channel 16 is the universal emergency channel for your VHF marine radio. Speaking of getting lost, carrying a compass, GPS, or your handy dandy waterway chart (has mentioned above) will allow you to feel more comfortable should you find yourself off course. Navigation doesn’t just mean knowing how to properly steer a vessel or knowing who has the right of way – navigation also means knowing where you are at all times, and if you find yourself in a situation where you’re lost, you’ll have the ability to maneuver your way back to a safe haven.  The few rules mentioned above are simply scratching the surface of navigational rules when it comes to boating. I urge every single boater to take a navigation safety course or to at least study the navigation rules to boating before getting onto (or back onto) the water. Do yourself a favor and know the rules. And when you think you really know them, study again! As with driving a car, you know the rules and can naturally react in a situation. You should have the same mindset and ability when navigating your boat – it just comes naturally.

[theslalomshop-blog]

Navigation Rules: What you need to know

Driving a boat is just like driving a car, right? I mean, you stop when you’re supposed to stop, go when you’re supposed to go….all while imagining stop signs and green lights, right? Think again. Boating navigation is completely different than on road vehicle navigation. And no, I’m not talking about an English woman telling you what next left you need to take on your GPS.  If you haven’t already purchased a book approved by the U.S. Coast Guard on boat navigation, then it may be wise to invest in one and leave it on your boat. However, you can also find these same rules online at the U.S. Coast Guard’s website, here. Boating navigation classes should also be considered for new and experienced boaters, if you have not already taken one. Studies have shown that 80% of boaters who are involved in a boat collision have never taken a boat safety course. While it can’t guarantee that you’ll never be in a bad situation, it can guarantee that you’ll know the rules to navigating a boat. Boat navigation is much more complex than just allowing a boat to pass you or just keeping a steady speed. It’s best to know the actual ‘Rules of the Road’ before setting sail in that nice shiny vessel. A collision can happen in an instant – be safe and know the rules!  First, let’s talk about vessel priorities. There are so many different types of boats on the water, so this is a very important rule to know by heart! In general, the priority of vessels on the water is as follows. The highest priority goes to vessels that are not in direct control or have limited ability to maneuver. Barges come to mind. The second priority goes to working boats because well, this is silly, because they are working. Boats involved in fishing are third priority, and last but not least, sailboats and powerboats. Yes, sailboats are considered powerboats whether their sails are up or not. More on that later. Right of way is a biggie when it comes to navigation. You’ll eventually find yourself in a situation where everything you’ve learned about boat right of ways becomes completely garbled. That’s why it is good to know and be comfortable in knowing the navigation rules of the water. There will always be situations that will require you to determine who has the right of way, you or the other boat(s). The good thing is, that neither one of you have the right away if you are simply approaching one another head on. You can pass one another on either side, but you should always try to pass port to port.

Which side is port? Left. Remember, both port and left are four letter words.

Boat right of way simplicity changes when boats begin approaching each other at an angle, you’ll find yourself in a more complex situation. When approaching boats on an angle, the boat on the other vessel’s starboard usually has the right of way. But that’s not all. You’ll need to remember which vessels have top priority or, if it is a larger vessel that won’t allow easy maneuverability or cannot slow its speed quickly, you’ll need to allow them to go first. Another complex example (though a bit easier to remember): if you are in a powerboat and you find yourself near a sailboat under sail power alone, the sailboat has the right of way. In all situations, if someone isn’t paying attention…do whatever you need to do to avoid a collision.

Navigation light and sound signals are another must have. While navigation lights and horns/whistles are not required on all types of vessels, it is still something to consider. Horns and whistles come in quite handy when in foggy situations, down pours, or other low visibility times. Sound and light signals allow you to communicate with other boaters on your intentions or to warn other boaters of potential danger. Again, with all navigation rules, you should know when to properly use them. They are not to be used at all times or for the wrong reasons. Personal Water crafts are the only vessels that don’t require navigation lights. All other vessels must have some type of light on them.  Be sure to check with your local and state government to see exactly what types of navigation signals (lights and sounds) are required of your vessel. And don't worry, we check all of our boats, new and used, to make sure you have all the proper lights and they're in good working condition.

Purchasing navigational charts of the specific waterways that you travel is another good safety precaution when it comes to navigation. Make sure you store them in a safe and dry area on your boat. Laminating them or keeping them in plastic bags is a good way to ensure that they don’t get wet. Knowing the waterways is one of the greatest things you can do to help yourself while boating. Memorizing landmarks, shallow areas, dangerous submerged objects, and safe channel markers are not required, but are a wise thing to do. Also, knowing where local marinas, channels, ports and other navigable waterways are can be extremely helpful should you find yourself in a dire situation or lost in a particular area.

Remember, channel 16 is the universal emergency channel for your VHF marine radio. Speaking of getting lost, carrying a compass, GPS, or your handy dandy waterway chart (has mentioned above) will allow you to feel more comfortable should you find yourself off course. Navigation doesn’t just mean knowing how to properly steer a vessel or knowing who has the right of way – navigation also means knowing where you are at all times, and if you find yourself in a situation where you’re lost, you’ll have the ability to maneuver your way back to a safe haven.  The few rules mentioned above are simply scratching the surface of navigational rules when it comes to boating. I urge every single boater to take a navigation safety course or to at least study the navigation rules to boating before getting onto (or back onto) the water. Do yourself a favor and know the rules. And when you think you really know them, study again! As with driving a car, you know the rules and can naturally react in a situation. You should have the same mindset and ability when navigating your boat – it just comes naturally.

[lighthouseharbormarina-blog-blog]

Navigation Rules: What you need to know

Driving a boat is just like driving a car, right? I mean, you stop when you’re supposed to stop, go when you’re supposed to go….all while imagining stop signs and green lights, right? Think again. Boating navigation is completely different than on road vehicle navigation. And no, I’m not talking about an English woman telling you what next left you need to take on your GPS.  If you haven’t already purchased a book approved by the U.S. Coast Guard on boat navigation, then it may be wise to invest in one and leave it on your boat. However, you can also find these same rules online at the U.S. Coast Guard’s website, here. Boating navigation classes should also be considered for new and experienced boaters, if you have not already taken one. Studies have shown that 80% of boaters who are involved in a boat collision have never taken a boat safety course. While it can’t guarantee that you’ll never be in a bad situation, it can guarantee that you’ll know the rules to navigating a boat. Boat navigation is much more complex than just allowing a boat to pass you or just keeping a steady speed. It’s best to know the actual ‘Rules of the Road’ before setting sail in that nice shiny vessel. A collision can happen in an instant – be safe and know the rules!  First, let’s talk about vessel priorities. There are so many different types of boats on the water, so this is a very important rule to know by heart! In general, the priority of vessels on the water is as follows. The highest priority goes to vessels that are not in direct control or have limited ability to maneuver. Barges come to mind. The second priority goes to working boats because well, this is silly, because they are working. Boats involved in fishing are third priority, and last but not least, sailboats and powerboats. Yes, sailboats are considered powerboats whether their sails are up or not. More on that later. Right of way is a biggie when it comes to navigation. You’ll eventually find yourself in a situation where everything you’ve learned about boat right of ways becomes completely garbled. That’s why it is good to know and be comfortable in knowing the navigation rules of the water. There will always be situations that will require you to determine who has the right of way, you or the other boat(s). The good thing is, that neither one of you have the right away if you are simply approaching one another head on. You can pass one another on either side, but you should always try to pass port to port.

Which side is port? Left. Remember, both port and left are four letter words.

Boat right of way simplicity changes when boats begin approaching each other at an angle, you’ll find yourself in a more complex situation. When approaching boats on an angle, the boat on the other vessel’s starboard usually has the right of way. But that’s not all. You’ll need to remember which vessels have top priority or, if it is a larger vessel that won’t allow easy maneuverability or cannot slow its speed quickly, you’ll need to allow them to go first. Another complex example (though a bit easier to remember): if you are in a powerboat and you find yourself near a sailboat under sail power alone, the sailboat has the right of way. In all situations, if someone isn’t paying attention…do whatever you need to do to avoid a collision.

Navigation light and sound signals are another must have. While navigation lights and horns/whistles are not required on all types of vessels, it is still something to consider. Horns and whistles come in quite handy when in foggy situations, down pours, or other low visibility times. Sound and light signals allow you to communicate with other boaters on your intentions or to warn other boaters of potential danger. Again, with all navigation rules, you should know when to properly use them. They are not to be used at all times or for the wrong reasons. Personal Water crafts are the only vessels that don’t require navigation lights. All other vessels must have some type of light on them.  Be sure to check with your local and state government to see exactly what types of navigation signals (lights and sounds) are required of your vessel. And don't worry, we check all of our boats, new and used, to make sure you have all the proper lights and they're in good working condition.

Purchasing navigational charts of the specific waterways that you travel is another good safety precaution when it comes to navigation. Make sure you store them in a safe and dry area on your boat. Laminating them or keeping them in plastic bags is a good way to ensure that they don’t get wet. Knowing the waterways is one of the greatest things you can do to help yourself while boating. Memorizing landmarks, shallow areas, dangerous submerged objects, and safe channel markers are not required, but are a wise thing to do. Also, knowing where local marinas, channels, ports and other navigable waterways are can be extremely helpful should you find yourself in a dire situation or lost in a particular area.

Remember, channel 16 is the universal emergency channel for your VHF marine radio. Speaking of getting lost, carrying a compass, GPS, or your handy dandy waterway chart (has mentioned above) will allow you to feel more comfortable should you find yourself off course. Navigation doesn’t just mean knowing how to properly steer a vessel or knowing who has the right of way – navigation also means knowing where you are at all times, and if you find yourself in a situation where you’re lost, you’ll have the ability to maneuver your way back to a safe haven.  The few rules mentioned above are simply scratching the surface of navigational rules when it comes to boating. I urge every single boater to take a navigation safety course or to at least study the navigation rules to boating before getting onto (or back onto) the water. Do yourself a favor and know the rules. And when you think you really know them, study again! As with driving a car, you know the rules and can naturally react in a situation. You should have the same mindset and ability when navigating your boat – it just comes naturally.

[billsmarineservice-blog]

Navigation Rules: What you need to know

Driving a boat is just like driving a car, right? I mean, you stop when you’re supposed to stop, go when you’re supposed to go….all while imagining stop signs and green lights, right? Think again. Boating navigation is completely different than on road vehicle navigation. And no, I’m not talking about an English woman telling you what next left you need to take on your GPS.  If you haven’t already purchased a book approved by the U.S. Coast Guard on boat navigation, then it may be wise to invest in one and leave it on your boat. However, you can also find these same rules online at the U.S. Coast Guard’s website, here. Boating navigation classes should also be considered for new and experienced boaters, if you have not already taken one. Studies have shown that 80% of boaters who are involved in a boat collision have never taken a boat safety course. While it can’t guarantee that you’ll never be in a bad situation, it can guarantee that you’ll know the rules to navigating a boat. Boat navigation is much more complex than just allowing a boat to pass you or just keeping a steady speed. It’s best to know the actual ‘Rules of the Road’ before setting sail in that nice shiny vessel. A collision can happen in an instant – be safe and know the rules!  First, let’s talk about vessel priorities. There are so many different types of boats on the water, so this is a very important rule to know by heart! In general, the priority of vessels on the water is as follows. The highest priority goes to vessels that are not in direct control or have limited ability to maneuver. Barges come to mind. The second priority goes to working boats because well, this is silly, because they are working. Boats involved in fishing are third priority, and last but not least, sailboats and powerboats. Yes, sailboats are considered powerboats whether their sails are up or not. More on that later. Right of way is a biggie when it comes to navigation. You’ll eventually find yourself in a situation where everything you’ve learned about boat right of ways becomes completely garbled. That’s why it is good to know and be comfortable in knowing the navigation rules of the water. There will always be situations that will require you to determine who has the right of way, you or the other boat(s). The good thing is, that neither one of you have the right away if you are simply approaching one another head on. You can pass one another on either side, but you should always try to pass port to port.

Which side is port? Left. Remember, both port and left are four letter words.

Boat right of way simplicity changes when boats begin approaching each other at an angle, you’ll find yourself in a more complex situation. When approaching boats on an angle, the boat on the other vessel’s starboard usually has the right of way. But that’s not all. You’ll need to remember which vessels have top priority or, if it is a larger vessel that won’t allow easy maneuverability or cannot slow its speed quickly, you’ll need to allow them to go first. Another complex example (though a bit easier to remember): if you are in a powerboat and you find yourself near a sailboat under sail power alone, the sailboat has the right of way. In all situations, if someone isn’t paying attention…do whatever you need to do to avoid a collision.

Navigation light and sound signals are another must have. While navigation lights and horns/whistles are not required on all types of vessels, it is still something to consider. Horns and whistles come in quite handy when in foggy situations, down pours, or other low visibility times. Sound and light signals allow you to communicate with other boaters on your intentions or to warn other boaters of potential danger. Again, with all navigation rules, you should know when to properly use them. They are not to be used at all times or for the wrong reasons. Personal Water crafts are the only vessels that don’t require navigation lights. All other vessels must have some type of light on them.  Be sure to check with your local and state government to see exactly what types of navigation signals (lights and sounds) are required of your vessel. And don't worry, we check all of our boats, new and used, to make sure you have all the proper lights and they're in good working condition.

Purchasing navigational charts of the specific waterways that you travel is another good safety precaution when it comes to navigation. Make sure you store them in a safe and dry area on your boat. Laminating them or keeping them in plastic bags is a good way to ensure that they don’t get wet. Knowing the waterways is one of the greatest things you can do to help yourself while boating. Memorizing landmarks, shallow areas, dangerous submerged objects, and safe channel markers are not required, but are a wise thing to do. Also, knowing where local marinas, channels, ports and other navigable waterways are can be extremely helpful should you find yourself in a dire situation or lost in a particular area.

Remember, channel 16 is the universal emergency channel for your VHF marine radio. Speaking of getting lost, carrying a compass, GPS, or your handy dandy waterway chart (has mentioned above) will allow you to feel more comfortable should you find yourself off course. Navigation doesn’t just mean knowing how to properly steer a vessel or knowing who has the right of way – navigation also means knowing where you are at all times, and if you find yourself in a situation where you’re lost, you’ll have the ability to maneuver your way back to a safe haven.  The few rules mentioned above are simply scratching the surface of navigational rules when it comes to boating. I urge every single boater to take a navigation safety course or to at least study the navigation rules to boating before getting onto (or back onto) the water. Do yourself a favor and know the rules. And when you think you really know them, study again! As with driving a car, you know the rules and can naturally react in a situation. You should have the same mindset and ability when navigating your boat – it just comes naturally.