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Section 4: Navigation Rules 51
the Inland Navigational Rules and annexes
thereto, which govern the conduct of vessels
and specify lights, shapes, and sound signals
that apply on Inland Waters.
Rules are provided for boating on “navigable”
inland waters in the USCG Navigation
Rules and Regulations Handbook; rules
for waters other than those designated “navigable”
may be provided by state and local
governing agencies. Be sure to contact state
and local governing agencies before boating
to obtain, and then comply with local boat
operating and navigation requirements.
The term Western Rivers means the Mississippi
River navigable waters.
COPIES OF THE RULES
You may purchase the new USCG Navigation
Rule and Regulations Booklet August
2014 Edition from most recreation boating
supply stores, book stores and mail order
marine book dealers. It is available on-line
from the USCG at http://www.navcen.uscg.
gov/?pageName=navRulesContent.The
Booklet is also referred to as COLREGS and
The International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea. While boats 39.4 feet
and longer are required to have a printed
copy, having a printed copy of the Handbook
on your smaller boat provides a ready
Table 4-1b. Navigation Rules Inland Rules
Rule #2 Responsibility The person in charge must do everything necessary to avoid a
collision
Rule #3 General Definitions Specifies characteristics of vessels
Rule #5 Look-Out Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout
Rule #6 Safe Speed Maintain a safe speed that will allow you to take proper and
effective action to avoid a collision
Rule #7 Risk of Collision If there is any doubt as to a risk of collision it shall be deemed
to exist
Rule #8 Action to Avoid Collision Action by Give-Way vessel must be early and large enough to
assure the Stand-on Vessel she is taking action
Rule #9 Narrow Channel or Fairway Keep as far to the starboard side of the channel or fairway as
is safe and practical
Rule #12 Sailboats Meeting Determines the responsibilities of sailboats when meeting
based on the wind direction
Rule #13 Overtaking Overtaken Vessel is the Stand-on Vessel
Rule #14 Power Driven Vessels Head On Neither vessel is the Stand-on vessel
Rule #15 Power Driven Vessels Crossing Vessel on your Starboard side is the Stand-on Vessel. Applies
when only two vessels are involved
Rule #16 Action By Give-Way Vessel Shall stay out of the Way of Stand-On Vessel. Applies when
only two vessels are involved.
Rule #17 Action By Stand-On Vessel Shall maintain Course and Speed. Applies when only two vessels
are involved
Rule #18 Responsibilities Between Vessels Defines which vessels shall keep out of the way of others
Rule #19 Restricted Visibility Applies to vessels not in sight of one another. Vessels shall
proceed at a safe speed. Only one may be in area of restricted
visibility for the rule to apply.
Rule #20-31 Lights and Shapes Specifies Navigational light requirements
Rule #32-37 Sound signals Specifies Sound signal requirements