Chapter 2
Section 4: Navigation Rules
The Navigation Rules are regulations intended to
prevent collisions and accidents. They prescribe the
rules of operation in the presence of other vessels and
the ways you inform them of your intentions.
Navigation Rules apply whether you operate a
10-foot personal watercraft, a 60-foot yacht, or an
oceangoing freighter. You are not expected to memorize
all of the Navigation Rules, but you should
learn and understand the basic rules as they apply to
your boating. You should also be aware that civil and
criminal penalties may be assessed for violations of
these rules.
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Inside this Chapter:
International Rules 49
Inland Rules 49
Copies of the Rules 51
General Rule of
Responsibility 52
General Definitions 52
Responsibilities
between Vessels 52
Steering and Sailing
Rules 52
Automatic Identification
System (AIS) 60
Identification of Aids 63
Lateral System 64
Non-Lateral System 67
Numbers and Letters
on ATONs 70
Lighted Marks 70
Buoy, Beacon
Sound Signals 72
Information and
Regulatory Marks 73
Types of Navigation
Lights 75
Day Shapes 81
Sound Signals 81
Boat Registration 84
Documentation 84
Homeland Security
Measures 85
USCG Boating Safety
Standards 86
Law Enforcement 88
Environmental
Considerations 89
Accident Reporting 92
Continuing Education 94
Boat Registration
and Titling
Requirements 94
Boating Equipment 94
Marine Environment
and Noise 95
Invasive Species 96
Age and Education
Requirements 98
Safe Boat Operations 98
Law Enforcement and
Accident Reporting 99
Review 101