Nothing beats the "unplugged" feeling of freedom we experience when casting off for a day of fun and adventure on the water. However, safe navigation requires that we abide by basic right-of-way protocols, commonly referred to as the "rules of the road." This article will summarize the essential rules, especially as they apply to recreational boaters, and walk you through other key areas of knowledge and the equipment you need for a safe and courteous experience on the water.
- The Rules of the Road
- Navigation Marks and Buoys
- Speed and Wake
- Sound Signals
- Navigation Lights
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
- Fire Extinguishers
- Sound-Producing Devices
- Visual Distress Signals
- Emergency Cutoff Switch (ECOS)
- Environmental Regulations
- Communication and Planning
- Emergency Procedures
- Respect and Courtesy
- Conclusion
- We’re Here to Help!
The Rules of the Road
- Power vs. Sail: Power-driven vessels must give way to sailing vessels under sail, except when the sailboat is overtaking.
- Overtaking: Any vessel overtaking another must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.
- Head-on Situation: When two power-driven vessels meet head-on, both should alter course to starboard (right) to pass on the port (left) side.
- Crossing Situation: When two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel on the port (left) side must give way to the vessel on the starboard (right) side.
Navigation Marks and Buoys
- Red Right Returning: When returning from sea (or heading upstream), keep red buoys on your right (starboard) side.
- Green Buoys: Keep green buoys on your left (port) side when returning from sea or heading upstream.
- Channel Markers: Stay within marked channels to avoid running aground.
Speed and Wake
- Speed Limits: Observe local speed limits and operate at a safe speed considering traffic density, visibility, and proximity to shore.
- No-Wake Zones: Reduce speed to avoid creating a wake in designated no-wake zones, near docks, marinas, and swimming areas.
Handheld air horns are an easy means to signal your intentions.Sound Signals
- One Short Blast: Indicates altering course to starboard.
- Two Short Blasts: Indicates altering course to port.
- Three Short Blasts: Indicates operating in reverse.
- Five Short Blasts: Used as a danger signal when intentions are not understood or there is doubt about safety.
Navigation Lights
For a complete overview of navigation light rules and help with selecting navigation lights for your boat, see our West Advisor article Navigation Light Rules.
- Running Lights: Use navigation lights between sunset and sunrise or during periods of restricted visibility.
- When Anchoring: Display an all-round white light when anchored in a non-designated anchoring area.
West Marine Runabout Life Jackets (shown) are a great choice for a variety of boating activities.Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
USCG carriage requirements for PFDs (aka life jackets) for recreational vessels are based on the length of the vessel.
Vessels Less than 16 feet (including canoes and kayaks):
- One Type I, II, III/Level 70, or Type V PFD per person.
Vessels 16 Feet and Greater:
- One Type I, II, III/Level 70, or Type V PFD per person.
- Plus one Type IV throwable device.
PFDs must be Coast Guard-approved, in serviceable condition, wearable by the intended user, and readily accessible. For help selecting life jackets for you, your family and your crew, see our West Advisor articles How to Select a Life Vest and Overview of USCG Requirements for PFDs.
Offered in a variety of sizes, Kidde Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers are an easy way to satisfy USCG requirements.Fire Extinguishers
The minimum USCG requirements for fire extinguishers are based on vessel length.
- Less than 26': One 5-B size extinguisher.
- From 26' to less than 40': Two 5-B extinguishers.
- From 40' to 65': Three 5-B extinguishers.
- Greater than 65': One or more 20-B. Number required depends on gross tonnage.
Fire extinguishers are not required for outboard-powered pleasure boats less than 26' in length, not carrying passengers for hire, without permanently-installed fuel tanks, that do not have spaces where explosive or flammable gasses or vapors can collect.
Note: In 2022, new fire extinguisher regulations took effect. How the new regulations affect you depends on the model year of your boat. For a discussion of how to choose a fire extinguisher (and how the new regulations may affect fire extinguisher carriage requirements for your boat), see our West Advisor article Selecting Fire Extinguishers.
Sound-Producing Devices
- Vessels Less than 26': Horn or whistle recommended to signal intentions or signal position.
- Vessels 26' to Less than 65': Horn or whistle required to signal intentions or signal position.
- Vessels 65' to Less than 165': One bell and one whistle or horn required to signal intentions or position.
Orion's Blue Water Alert Locate Signal Kit is a good choice for inland and near-shore boaters.Visual Distress Signals
Satisfy USCG requirements with visual distress signals that are appropriate for your type of boating. Visual distress signals include traditional pyrotechnic devices and electric visual distress signals (EVDS) such as ACR Electronics’ ResQFlare LED Electronic Distress Flare and Orion’s Floating Locator Electronic SOS Beacon Kit. While basic USCG-approved flares are good for near-coastal and inland use, we suggest that boaters who venture offshore pack SOLAS-grade flares. For an overview of the USCG requirements for visual distress signals, see our West Advisor article Selecting Visual Distress Signals.
This cutoff switch lanyard includes a variety of cutoff switch keys to fit your existing engine cutoff switch.Emergency Cutoff Switch (ECOS)
Since April 1, 2021, operators of certain boats under 26 feet long are required to use an emergency cutoff switch (ECOS) device, commonly referred to as an engine kill switch. To determine if you and your boat are subject to this requirement, see our West Advisor article Get Connected—It's The Law!
Boats over 26 feet long are required to display waste, oil and garbage placards.Environmental Regulations
- Pollution: Do not discharge oil, garbage, or sewage into the water. Boats over 26 feet long must display required waste, oil and garbage placards.
- Marine Protected Areas: Respect restricted zones and marine protected areas.
Communication and Planning
- VHF Radio: Use a handheld or fixed-mount VHF marine radio to communicate with other boaters and the Coast Guard.
- Float Plan: Before casting off, give your float plan to someone you trust. Among other information, your float plan should include your departure time, destination, persons on board and expected return time.
Lifesling rescue sling in use.Emergency Procedures
- Man Overboard: Have a procedure in place for recovering someone who falls overboard. Keep a Lifesling and/or Type IV throwable flotation onboard in an accessible location ready for use.
- Fire: Know the location and operation of fire extinguishers.
- Distress: Know how to signal for help using visual distress signals and how to make a distress call on a VHF radio. Modern VHF radios with DSC can send a distress call at the press of a single button. For more on this, read our West Advisor article DIY: Making a Mayday Call on Your VHF Radio.
Respect and Courtesy
- Yield to Larger Vessels: Be aware that larger vessels have limited maneuverability and right of way.
- Anchoring: Anchor in designated areas without obstructing traffic.
- Noise: Avoid excessive noise that might disturb wildlife or other boaters.
Conclusion
Whether you're navigating through busy channels, respecting no-wake zones, or properly using sound signals, these practices help prevent accidents and promote a harmonious environment for all boaters. Equip your vessel with the required safety gear, such as personal flotation devices and fire extinguishers, and always be prepared for emergencies by having a plan in place.
We’re Here to Help!
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Related:
- Navigation Light Rules
- How to Select a Life Vest
- Overview of USCG Requirements for PFDs
- Selecting Fire Extinguishers
- Selecting Visual Distress Signals
- DIY: Making a Mayday Call on Your VHF Radio
- Get Connected—It's The Law!
- U.S. Coast Guard Required Equipment for Recreational Vessels
- How to File a Boating Float Plan