Boat Rules & Aids to Navigation
Boating Navigation Rules
We drive to and from destinations each and every day. All of our trips have traffic rules that keep ourselves, and those traveling with us much safer. It is the same for recreational boating navigation on waterways.
Waterways during the busy season can get pretty congested it is important for boat owners & operators know a handful of simple navigations rules. The US Government Printing Office publishes “The Navigation Rules’ which is recommended for every boater. Vessels over 39.4 feet (12m) in length must have a copy on board.
The basic common sense rules that apply to navigation start with having someone posted as a look out for the driver to highlight any potential dangers. Maintaining safe speeds is also of the upmost importance as higher speeds can often lead to more dangerous situations.
Boat Terminology
The first step to understanding boating traffic is to know the terms of the vessel you are operating.
Bow: The front of the vessel
Stern: Rear of the vessel
Starboard: Right side of the vessel
Port Side: Left side of the vessel
Hull: The body of a vessel
ATONS (Aids To Navigation)
On water ways traffic signs are know as ATONS (Aids To Navigation) they can come in many forms such as buoys, day beacons, lights, lighthouses, and other marker devices to help guide boating traffic.
Different bodies of water always have different physical geological formations. Knowing terms of the boat and knowing what ATONS directions will save you from potentially harmful or dangerous situations such as running into shallow ground. During the seasons these buoy markers may also be subject to change due to water levels.
There are many forms of ATONS they will always be colored red or green. Some may have lights attached to the top others not. Green will always be labeled with odd numbers. Red will have even numbers. Depending on the direction your vessel is traveling it will be important to know which sides of the buoys to travel on.
If you are traveling up river you will want the red buoy on your starboard side as you pass. When traveling to open water you will want the green buoys on your starboard side. These will be your main guidance markers for traveling on most bodies of water
Engaging Other Boaters
Traveling on the river is only half the journey as there is always other boaters to be cautious of. It is important to make your directions and path clear as early as possible so that the other vessel can understand your intentions.
When traveling head on towards another boat is is important for each boat to pass each other on their port side. This will mean the passing boat should be to the left of the vessel.
When boats are approaching crossing situations the give way vessel should alter is course to pass the other boat astern. This means to pass the boat at the back of the vessel.
