mon situations you may encounter are:
overtaking, meeting head-on, and crossing
the bow of another vessel. In each case,
the boat designates as the “give-way” vessel
is required to yield to the other boat, while
the boat designated as the “stand-on” vessel
should maintain its course and speed. Early
and pronounced action by the give-way
vessel is encouraged in all situations, concomitantly
communicating intentions using
appropriate sound signals and/or VHF radio.
Collision avoidance actions for the give-way
vessel as-well-as the stand-on vessel are set
forth in this Rule, and when the actions in
either category are deemed insufficient to
avoid collision each shall take evasive action.
Narrow Channels (Rule 9)
A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow
channel or fairway shall keep as near to
the outer limit of the channel or fairway which
lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
A power driven vessel operating in narrow
channels or fairways on the Great Lakes,
Western Rivers, or waters specified by the
Secretary, and proceeding downbound with a
following current shall have the right-of-way
over an upbound vessel. A vessel of less than
65 feet in length or a sailing vessel shall not
impede the passage of a vessel that can safely
navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.
Recreational boats frequently experience
narrow channel conditions when operating
on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)
Conduct of Vessels in Sight
of One Another
Steering and sailing Rules apply for three
close-approach situations that could
involve collision:
Section 4: Navigation Rules 55
53
54
Figure 4-4. Operating in narrow channels
Figure 4-5. Rounding a bend, stay in the center
Figure 4-3. Safe speed operation