On the Water - 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