What Are the Right of Way Rules on Water?

When navigating a boat or personal watercraft, there are many rules to follow. These include right of way rules on water that promote safety and prevent collisions.

Learning these rules and adhering to them is essential, whether you're just starting out with a boat or you've been enjoying local waterways for a long time. 

Right-of-way rules, like life jackets, fire extinguishers, and essential boating safety equipment, exist to increase enjoyment and reduce the chances of problems on the water. Here's what to know to protect yourself and others!

The General Rule of Responsibility

All boaters are responsible for avoiding collisions.

Even if you have the right of way, you should still take evasive maneuvers to get out of the way if another vessel refuses to yield. It's vital to stay vigilant and operate at a safe speed. 

Make sure you're comfortable with your boat's handling and capabilities so you can reduce the chances of a collision if another boater ignores their surroundings.

Understanding Key Terms for Right of Way Rules on Water

There are two essential terms to understand when considering which vessel has the right of way.

These are:

• Stand-on Vessel: The boat with the right of way, which should continue to maintain its course and speed.
• Give-way Vessel: This is the boat required to yield and take action to avoid a collision.

One common question about these terms is, "Do bigger boats have the right of way?" The answer is no, as the size of the vessel isn't the determining factor. It's the location that matters.

Power-Driven Vessels

When two powerboats approach head-on, both should steer to starboard (right). Doing this will help the vessels avoid collisions and reduce confusion or last-minute efforts to "dodge" one another.

If the paths of two boats are going to cross, the ship on the left should yield to the vessel on the right. 

Sailboats vs. Powerboats

Sailboats operating under sail generally have the right of way over powerboats, but some exceptions exist. For example, when sailboats are overtaking or navigating narrow channels, a powerboat may have the right of way.

Overtaking Rules

Regardless of vessel type, the overtaking vessel is always the give-way vessel.

To overtake and pass safely, the captain should use clear signals and follow maritime rules and regulations. Proper communication reduces the chance of a misunderstanding that could lead to a collision between the vessels.

Rules for Narrow Channels and Harbors

A boat generally has the right of way when it travels downstream or with the current. If you're in a harbor or narrow channel, staying to the starboard side and being aware of other vessels is typically the best option.

It's not always easy to navigate smaller spaces, especially with a larger vessel, but careful maneuvering at a slower speed can reduce risk.

Special Situations

Some vessels have restricted maneuverability. This includes fishing boats, large ships, and tugs.

Typically, these vessels have the right away, but it's vital to understand and recognize the hierarchy of vessel types for complex scenarios. You can move aside and give way to the other vessel if in doubt.

What About Non-Motorized Watercraft?

Non-motorized watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards often have the right of way due to limited maneuverability. It's vital to exercise caution around smaller vessels because they can't get out of the way like a motorized watercraft.

What About Anchor Zones and No-Wake Areas?

If a boat is anchored or moored in designated areas, it will have the right of way, and you will want to avoid creating wakes near it.

Additionally, make sure you know the speed restrictions in no-wake zones and adhere to them to reduce risk and the potential for legal consequences. 

Nighttime and Poor Visibility Rules

You should use navigation lights to signal your position and movement at night or during periods of poor visibility, such as heavy fog. There may also be local requirements for sound signaling to ensure safety in low-visibility conditions. 

Right of Way Tips for Boaters

Remembering everything can be difficult, but you can keep a navigation rules cheat sheet on board to help. Also, take a boating safety course to fully understand right of way rules and increase your confidence. 

Another great tip for every boater is to remember the importance of communication. You can use hand signals or horn blasts to interact with other vessels and signal your intentions. 

Stay Courteous and Be Proactive

Courtesy, awareness, and proactive communication are all critical when boating. Following the right of way rules on water, coupled with kindness and patience, can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. 

A Boat Education Course Helps You Navigate the Waters Safely

The tips we've shared today will help you understand right of way rules on water as you enjoy your boat! However, there's much more to learn about navigating the waters safely.

Before you board your boat and head out for a day of fishing, watersports, or other adventures, take a boat education course to prepare yourself with everything you need to know to protect yourself and others when boating.

Boat-Ed offers online, state-approved courses that make learning fun! Plus, once you complete your course and pass the final exam, you'll have met the requirements for boater education in your state.

Boating season will be here before you know it! Choose the course for your state and start learning with our free study guides.