Encountering Other Boats

Even though no boat has the "right-of-way" over another boat, there are some rules that every operator should follow when encountering other boats or PWC. It is the responsibility of both operators to take action to avoid a collision. On the next page are illustrations showing what to do when encountering another boat or PWC.

To prevent collisions, every operator should follow the two basic rules of navigation:

• Keep a sharp lookout
• Maintain a safe speed

Encountering Boats With Limited Maneuverability

Always give-way to any boat with limited maneuverability such as the following:

• Any boat not under command, such as an anchored or a disabled boat
• Any boat restricted due to its occupation, such as a boat towing, laying cable or picking up navigation markers
• Any boat constrained by its draft
• Any boat engaged in commercial fishing
• Any sailboat under sail