SOA Rules Of The Road

Page 1


RULES OF THE ROAD ‣ If all boats follow the

RULES OF THE ROAD 
 they should operate safely….


Post A Look Out ‣ Maintain a proper lookout ‣ Designate someone to help you watch for dangers from any direction


Maintain a Safe Speed ‣ Maintain a safe speed for the area and water conditions

Take into account: • • • •

Visibility Other traffic Ability to maneuver Water conditions


Avoid a Collision A

‣ It is your responsibility

to take action in enough time to avoid a collision

B

B

A

A blows one blast and alters course to starboard. B blows one blast and alters course to starboard. A

A keeps clear of and must avoid crossing ahead of B. B

B

A A power-driven vessel keeps clear of B sailing vessel.

Any vessel overtaking another must keep clear. D C

A B

A keeps clear of B B keeps clear of D C keeps clear of A and B D keeps clear of A and C


Right of “Weight” ‣ The boat who can manoeuver (move) the

Gives Way to

easiest gives way to the boat who has the most difficult time moving

‣ Power gives way to sail,

paddle craft, like kayaks, canoes and SUP’s

‣ Sail gives way to paddle ‣ No one has rights over a large ship or freighter

Gives Way to

All Give Way to


Power Boat Sound Signals


One short.. my port ‣ Preferred method to pass is to the right, or port side to port side

‣ With adequate spacing you can 
 simply continue straight ahead

‣ Head on to each other alter your

course for sufficient spacing to pass

‣ A single blast on your horn will signify

your intentions (port side to port side)

1 short blast (1 sec.)

1 short blast (1 sec.)


Starboard to starboard ‣ Pass to the left, starboard to starboard, signal your intentions by two short blasts on your horn

2 short blasts (1 sec. each)

2 short blasts (1 sec. each)


Overtaking Another Boat ‣ To overtake to port by

moving to your left, give two short one second blasts

Stand-On Vessel Overtaken

“leaving you on my port side”

‣ To overtake to starboard or

moving to your to the right, signify your intentions with one short blast
 “leaving you on my starboard side”

2 short blasts (1 sec. each)

1 short blast

Give-Way Vessel Overtaking (keep clear)

(1 sec.)


Crossing Situations ‣ Give way vessel is

the vessel to the left

‣ If you are approaching a

vessel coming from your right side, you must slow down and pass behind that vessel

Give-Way Vessel

Stand-On Vessel

should alter course to pass astern (behind) 1 short blast (1 sec.)

should maintain its course and speed 1 short blast (1 sec.)


The Key to Safely Navigating ‣ Keep a good look out ‣ Understand the basic rules of the road

‣ Take responsibility of

avoiding a collision job one


The Key to Safely Navigating ‣ ALWAYS do what you

must to avoid a collision

‣ It is your responsibility by law


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