Owner`s manual

2-6
Other Special Situations
There are three other rules you should be aware of
when operating your boat around other vessels.
Narrow Channels and Bends
When navigating in narrow channels, you should keep
to the right when it is safe and practical to do so. If the
operator of a power-driven vessel is preparing to go
around a bend that may obstruct the view of other
water vessels, the operator should sound a prolonged
blast of 4-6 seconds on the horn. If another vessel is
around the bend, it too should sound the horn. Even if
no reply is heard, however, the vessel should still
proceed around the bend with caution.
Fishing Vessel Right-of-Way
All vessels fishing with nets, lines, or trawls are
considered to be “fishing vessels” under the
International Rules. Vessels with trolling lines are not
considered fishing vessels. Fishing vessels have the
right-of-way regardless of position. Fishing vessels
cannot, however, impede the passage of other vessels
in narrow channels.
Sailing Vessel Right-of-Way
Sailing vessels should normally be given the right-of-
way. The exceptions to this are:
1. When the sailing vessel is overtaking the power-
driven vessel, the power-driven vessel has the
right-of-way.
2. Sailing vessels should keep clear of any fishing
vessel.
3. In a narrow channel, a sailing vessel should not
hamper the safe passage of a power-driven vessel
that can navigate only in such a channel.
Table of Contents