Navigation Rules

Navigation Rules Everyone using the waterways should know the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Like most rules of the road, these form the basis of safe navigation by dictating navigation rules, speed restrictions, lights and sound signals.
Navigation rules are often called Rules of the Road at Sea and apply to all boats. These rules give clear indication about passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats. In general: keep a good lookout at all times, through sight and sound, and be ready to give way to other boats if you must give way, do it in good time and make a move that will be obvious to other boats power boats have to keep out of the way of sailing and fishing boats and those hampered by dredging and cable laying and so on always follow the golden rule - 'look to the right, give way to the right, turn to the right and stay to the right.
Rivers and Channels A boat must always be navigated on the starboard side (right) of the river or chanel (oppposite to the road)
Approaching head on to another boat Each boat alters course to starboard (right) and passes port to port (left). Always assume this is the case when passing another boat.
Power-driven boats crossing The boat approaching from the starboard (right hand) side has right of way. However, if the other boat does not give way, the boat with right of way must act to avoid a collision.
Overtaking Overtaking boats are required to keep out of the way of the boat being overtaken. This applies to both sail and power.
Sailing boat and power-driven boats Power usually gives way to sail. However, this does not always apply. Larger boats (for example, ferries or container ships) may have difficulty manoeuvering. Other boats should always use common sense and seamanship by giving them plenty of room.
Sailing Boats When two sailing boats have wind on different sides, the boat with the wind on the port (left) side gives way. When both boats have wind on the same side, the boat to windward shall give way to the boat leeward.
Sound Signals All boat operators should be familiar with sound signals. They are mostly used by ships and larger vessels with restricted manoeuverability. Boats over 12 metres should carry sound signals, either horns or bells. Sound signals should also be used when visibility is restricted to alert other boats to their position. One short blast .... I am altering course to starboard (right) Two short blasts .... I am altering course to port (left) Three short blasts .... I am operating engines astern (reversing of stopping) Four or more short blasts .... altering the other boat .... I am unsure of your course (often supplemented by light signals). Lookout Most importantly, you must keep a good lookout at all times. By being aware of what is around you, it will be easier to see, hear and avoid possible dangers.