Back

A Beginner’s Guide to Right of Way Rules for Boats

Jul. 26 2021 Safety By The Harbor

Share

Boating is an excellent way to have some fun and spend a relaxing day on the water with friends and family. Whether you’re a power boater cruising across the waves or an angler enjoying a day of fishing, there are a few basic rules for giving way to other vessels, which you must follow to make sure everyone has a great experience. Many of these guidelines are largely unspoken rules that come down to simple etiquette. Most experienced boaters might be familiar with these aspects, however, beginners might not realize how many of these guidelines are plain old common sense.

The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales) is here to help you learn all about the right of way rules of boating. When you’re ready to check our wide selection of boats for sale, visit our dealership in Branson, MO.

Be Mindful of Local Regulations

Boating regulations vary by region, so be sure to read up on the local laws at your destination. Take note of any specific rules regarding right of way, age restrictions, life jackets, and towing, as well as any licensing and insurance requirements.

Right of Way

There are some right of way rules that apply to boats on the water, just like cars on the road. It's important to learn these rules to avoid collision and maintain your safety and the safety of others on the water. Remember that the main situations of collision risk are overtaking, meeting head-on, and crossing.

  • When one of two vessels is to keep out of the way (give-way vessel), the other craft (the stand-on vessel) must maintain course and speed.
  • When two power-driven vessels are crossing and there’s a risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on the starboard side (the give-way vessel) must keep out of the way.
  • As the give-way vessel, it is your responsibility to avoid a collision. Typically, this means you must alter speed or direction to cross behind the other vessel (the stand-on vessel).
  • If there’s some doubt whether the situation is a crossing or a head-on meeting, you should assume that it is a meeting situation, in which neither vessel has a clear-cut right-of-way, and each must act to avoid the other. Each vessel in a meeting situation must alter course to starboard so that each will pass on the port side of the other.
  • At night, you will recognize a head-on meeting situation if you see both red and green sidelights at the same time.
  • Any craft overtaking any other vessel must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

If you follow these boating etiquette tips and right of way rules, you’ll find yourself making good friends and great memories. If you’re looking to get a craft that’s perfect for you and your family, get in touch with us at The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales) in Branson, Missouri. We welcome all those in Springfield and Kansas City.