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Navigation Rules—Traffic Laws of the Waterways

Collisions can be prevented easily if every vessel operator fulfills these three major responsibilities: 1) Practice good seamanship. 2) Keep a proper lookout. 3) Maintain a safe speed.

There are also rules that every operator must follow when encountering other vessels. If operating a power-driven vessel or a sailing vessel, you must give way to any vessel not under command, any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, or a vessel engaged in commercial fishing. A power-driven vessel must also give way to a sailing vessel unless it is overtaking. All operators should navigate with extreme caution if visibility is restricted.