Tennessee Safe Boating Course

Chapter 6: Navigation Rules of the Road

6.1 Definitions Relevant to Navigation Rules

6.2 Sound Signaling Equipment

6.2.1 Legal Requirements

Boats less than 40ft	Boats 40ft to less than 65ft
An efficient sound producing device, such as an air horn or whistle is required	A bell is required

6.2.2 When and How to Sound Off

When two power-driven vessels encounter each other within ½ mile sound signals must be used. The initiating vessel indicates a maneuver and the responding vessel agrees or disagrees.

6.3 Rule of Responsibility

Earlier, we indicated the responsibility of the vessel operator to act in a prudent and reasonable manner consistent with the ordinary practices of boating.

• Stay active
• Stay alert
• Respect the weather, the water, your passengers, fellow boaters, divers, swimmers and property owners

In summary: vessel operators need to pay attention and operate their vessels defensively.

6.3.1 Proper Lookout

There are many distractions on the water. As the boat operator, it is your responsibility to constantly monitor your surroundings, on all boats at all hours. Make sure no passengers or equipment can impede your line of sight. Scan the bow, starboard and port sides for boaters, swimmers, dive flags and floating debris. You are required to use every available means, including radar and radio (if equipped), to determine whether there is any risk of collision with another vessel. That is not only common sense - that is the law!

6.3.2 Safe Speed

All vessels should be operated at a speed that allows time and distance to take necessary action to avoid a collision. Obviously, different conditions and levels of expertise will warrant different speeds.

To determine a safe speed for your boat, take into account the following factors:

• The visibility conditions (fog, mist, rain, darkness)
• The wind, water conditions and currents
• Traffic density: type of vessels in the area and their proximity
• Vessel responsiveness (larger, more powerful boats require a larger turning radius and have a higher top-end speed thus requiring more time and distance to stop)
• The proximity of any navigational hazards

Check with your local boating authority before heading out on the water to determine speed limits (if any) in your area.

Lastly, your wake can cause damage to property and other vessels. Always take into account the effects your wake might create when adjusting your speed.

6.4 Collision Avoidance Rules

Avoiding collisions involves precautionary measures (proper lookout, use of radar, if present), but more importantly, collision avoidance is made possible when boat operators know how to deal with situations appropriately. Boats in constant motion will meet quickly - take early and substantial action to avoid collisions.

The following considerations should be taken into account when determining the risk of a collision:

1. A risk of collision may exist if the direction of an approaching vessel does not change significantly;
2. A risk of collision may also exist even when an approaching vessel makes a significant change of direction, particularly when the approaching vessel is a very large vessel or a tow or at close range.

6.4.1 Two Power-Driven Vessels Approaching Each Other: Overtaking

The overtaking vessel (A) is a give-way vessel. The other vessel (B) is a stand-on vessel. As the give-way vessel, A must take EARLY and SUBSTANTIAL action to keep clear of the stand-on vessel (B).

If both vessels are power-driven - sound signals are required. A must blow one short blast and alter course to starboard - or blow two short blasts and alter course to port and B must return the same sound signal(s) to indicate understanding

6.4.2 Two Power-Driven Vessels Approaching Each Other: Meeting Head-On

Neither Power-driven A nor Power-driven B gives way or stands on in a head-on encounter. Therefore, some communication is needed between A and B. The most common response, in a head-on meeting between Power-driven vessels is to signal an intention to pass port-to-port with one short blast. A short blast should be returned from the approaching vessel indicating a move to the starboard side.

A must blow one short blast and alter course to starboard

B must blow one short blast - to indicate understanding - and alter course to starboard

If it is not possible to pass port-to-port, due to an obstruction or shoreline, a starboard-to-starboard pass should be signaled with two short blasts. Two short blasts should be returned from the approaching vessel indicating a move to the port side.

A must blow two short blasts and alter course to port

B must return two short blasts - to indicate understanding - and alter course to port

6.4.3 Two Power-Driven Vessels Approaching Each Other: Crossing

Power-driven A approaches the port side of Power-driven B. A is considered the give-way vessel. As the give-way vessel, A must take EARLY and SUBSTANTIAL action to keep clear and avoid crossing the stand-on vessel (B).

A must blow one short blast and alter course to starboard

B must blow one short blast - to indicate understanding - and maintain course.

6.4.4 Sailing Vessel and Power-driven Vessel Approaching

When a Power-driven vessel (B) encounters a Sailing vessel (A), the Sailing vessel is ALWAYS the stand-on vessel (unless a Sailing vessel is overtaking). In the case above - Power-driven vessel (B) must take EARLY and SUBSTANTIAL action to keep clear sailing vessel (A).

6.4.5 Two Sailing Vessels Approaching Each Other

When each sailing vessel has the wind on a different side, the vessel that has the wind on its port (left) side is considered the give-way vessel. In our illustration, Sailing vessel A must take EARLY and SUBSTANIAL action to keep clear of Sailing vessel B.

When both sailing vessels have the wind on the same side, the vessel closer to the wind (upwind) is the give-way vessel and the vessel further from the wind (downwind) is the stand-on vessel. In the illustration above - B must take EARLY and SUBSTANTIAL action to keep clear of A.

If a sailing vessel has the wind on its port side and the sailor cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on its port or starboard side, the first vessel is considered the give-way vessel and must take EARLY and SUBSTANTIAL action to keep clear of the second sailing vessel.

6.4.6 Heavy Traffic

When boat traffic is heavy - with many boats moving in different directions and speeds - the boat operator MUST slow down or stop to navigate safely.

6.4.7 Operation Within Narrow Channels

When approaching a narrow channel, stay to the starboard side and announce your approach to vessels that may be around the bend, with a prolonged blast. When operating within a narrow channel: Vessels must keep as near as is safe and practical to the outer limit of a narrow channel on their starboard side. Sailing vessels and vessels less than 20 meters in length cannot block the passage of a vessel that can only navigate within a narrow channel (ie: Recreational boaters traveling in a main channel should give way to larger vessels such as tugboats). For Homeland Security, avoid anchoring in narrow channels and beneath bridges.

6.4.8 Operation in Darkness

During darkness navigation lights MUST be displayed. Navigation lights help you determine whether an approaching vessel is operating under power or sail, and its direction. Remember these quick rules for reference when encountering other vessels in darkness:

6.5 Operation in Darkness Actions

6.5.1 Operation in Restricted Visibility

During periods of restricted visibility (such as: rain, mist, and heavy fog) you should slow your speed to give your vessel an opportunity to maneuver should the risk of a collision arise.

Unless the risk of a collision is present - you should reduce your speed to the minimum to be kept on course when you hear any of the sound signals above.

6.5.2 Visual Distress Signals

Knowing the following distress signals will help you call for help in an emergency and recognize those in trouble. Visual distress signals are taken very seriously. False alarms commit search and rescue personnel and make them potentially unavailable for real emergencies. Distress signals are required on Coastal Water, Great Lakes and Territorial Seas and those waters connected or diverted to them, up to the point where the body is 2 miles wide. Consult with your State boating authorities to determine the Visual Distress Signals that are mandatory in your State.

When a vessel is in distress, it can use or exhibit the following signals. Be sure to use appropriate signals for daylight and darkness (code flags, distress cloths, dye marker, and arm signals are less effective in darkness).

Standard Marine Distress Signals

Marine Radio

• 2182 Khz (MF)
• Channel 16, 156.8 Mhz (VHF)
• DSC alert, channel 70 (only for DSC type radios and where the service is offered)

Sound Signals

• Continuous sound with any foghorn, bell or whistle
• Gun or other explosive signal fired at 1 minute intervals

Flares

• Type A: Parachute flare
• Type B: Multi-star flare
• Type C: Handheld flare
• Type D: Orange smoke flares

Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB)

• Use alarm signal

Code Flags

• N over C
• Ball over or under Square

Distress Cloth

• To attract attention spead on cabin, deck top, or fly from mast.

Dye Marker

• To attract attention release orange dye into water

Flashlight

• Flash S.O.S. signal (short-short-short-
  long-long-long-
  short-short-short)

Arm Signal

• Raise and lower outstretched arms repeatedly

6.6.1 U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)

Green Lateral Marker Keep this marker on your left (port) side when proceeding in the upstream (returning from sea) direction. Odd numbers will be displayed and will increase as you head upstream.	Red Lateral Marker Keep this marker on your right (starboard) side when proceeding in the upstream (returning from sea) direction. Even numbers will be displayed and will increase as you head upstream.	Red & Green Lateral Marker You may pass this marker on either side when proceeding in the upstream direction, but the main or preferred channel is indicated by the color of the topmost band. For example: The marker above indicates the preferred channel is to the right.
Nun Buoys Cone-shaped markers that are always red in color with even numbers. Keep this marker on your right (starboard) side when proceeding in the upstream (returning from sea) direction.	Can Buoys Cylindrical-shaped markers that are always green in color with odd numbers. Keep this marker on your left (port) side when proceeding in the upstream (returning from sea) direction.	Day-Marks Red triangles with even numbers are the equivalent of Nun Buoys - keep this marker on your right side. Green squares with odd numbers are the equivalent of Can Buoys - keep this marker on your left side. Both red triangles and green squares can be lighted as well.

General Rule of Thumb:

Red-Right-Returning - keep the red markers on your right side when returning upstream from sea.

6.6.2 The Uniform State Waterways Marking System

The most common non-lateral markers are white and have orange markings and black lettering:

Information (Square) Displays information such as locality, marina, campsite, food etc. Be guided by the information inside the orange square.	Hazard (Diamond) Marks random hazards such as shoals and rocks. Information concerning the hazard is illustrated within the orange diamond.
Control (Circle) Indicates speed limits, wash restrictions etc. Obey the restrictions illustrated within the orange circle.	Keep-Out (Diamond with crossing lines) Indicates areas where boats are prohibited.
Obstruction Marker Indicate an obstruction to navigation. Do not pass between this marker and the shoreline.	Mooring Marker A mooring marker is used for mooring or securing vessels; be aware that a vessel may be secured to such a marker.

Safe Water Marker

Indicates safe water. This marker is used to indicate landfalls, channel entrances or channel centers. It may be passed on either side but should be kept to the left (port) side when proceeding in either direction.

Diving Marker

Indicates diving activity in the area. Particular care must be taken when boating in waters where there are divers. A vessel engaged in diving must display a diver down flag (see left). A diver down flag carried on a buoy is used to mark areas where diving is in progress, although divers may stray from the boundaries of the marked areas. As a general rule - stay at least 100 feet from any diving activity. Consult your State boating authorities for State specific diving requirements.

6.6.3 Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)

The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a series of tributaries running parallel along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. The ICW runs from New Jersey to Texas. Navigation aids along the ICW are the same as any other U.S. Waterway with the exception of yellow markings. The yellow markings override the shape or color of the lateral markers they are affixed on, if you want to continue on the ICW.

Yellow Squares - indicate you should keep this marker on your left (port) side.

Yellow Triangles - indicate you should keep this marker on your right (starboard) side.

6.6.4 Western Rivers System

The Mississippi River and its tributaries above Louisiana use the Western Rivers System of navigation aids. Unlike the Lateral Markers in the U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON), the Western Rivers System does not use numbers. Instead, numbers are fixed below Day-Marks which indicate the distance to the river mouth.

6.7 Docking and Mooring

Docking or mooring your vessel can be the most challenging of boating operations. Maneuvering your vessel into a dock or a mooring marker in calm conditions is hard enough - add in high traffic, choppy water and windy conditions to the mix and you quickly realize that proper docking and mooring is a real skill. Keep the following factors in mind for effective docking and mooring:

• Preparation - when you approach the dock: slow your speed, secure fenders on the docking side, and ready the docking lines.
• Traffic - if you are headed to a marina with limited docking stations you may have to wait until stations open up. Be patient and courteous - only approach when you see an open station and have communicated your intention to other vessels that are departing and waiting.
• Current - Make sure you take water current into account when docking as it can have much of the same affects as wind (see below).
• Wind - the direction of the wind has a huge impact on docking.

In your face

If the wind is in your face you will need to approach the dock at a steep angle (30-45°) and swing the boat quickly. Secure the bow first and reverse until the stern swings in.

At your back

If the wind is at your back you should approach the dock with a shallow angle, (10-20°) stop the boat and allow the wind to drift the boat into the dock.

6.8 Anchoring

Though anchors are not required by Federal Law - many States have anchor requirements - it is advisable to carry an anchor for both recreational and emergency use.

There are a number of anchor types - the most common recreational anchors are listed below. Choose the anchor type that meets your anchor requirements:

Plow

Description:
lands sideways - buries when pulled

Best for...
rocky bottoms, weeds, grass

Danforth

Description:
pivoting flukes bury the anchor

Best for...
soft mud, grass

Mushroom

Description:
for canoes and inflatables

Best for...
flat bottoms

Anchors should have: line, chain (called 'rode') and anchor (all items together are called 'ground tackle'). The chain helps to set and retrieve the anchor. The amount of rode (line + chain) to have out depends on the water depth you plan to set anchor. As a general rule of thumb, your rode should be 7-10 times the depth of the water in which you will anchor. You will need more rode in bad weather or rough water.

Anchors can be of assistance in emergency situations - especially engine failure in rough waters or currents. As such, make sure the anchor is accessible and the rode is free of entanglements.

6.8.1 Tips for Anchoring

• Remember: the wind or tide will move your boat around the anchor - you should allow a 360 degree area for movement.
• Pick a spot upwind from where you wish to end up (once you set anchor you will drift downwind).
• Calculate the amount of rode needed to set anchor (rode = water depth x 7-10).
• Ready rode in a fashion that will allow the anchor to release smoothly to the bottom; ensure no feet or equipment is entangled in the rode.
• Slowly lower the anchor from the bow, rather than the stern, to avoid capsizing or swamping.
• When the anchor has hit bottom - and sufficient rode is given out - give a solid pull to set the anchor.
• Secure the line to a bow cleat. Never tie the line to the stern - the additional weight could bring-on water.

Chapter Summary

Upon completion of reading Chapter 6, you should have knowledge of:

• The definitions of Navigation Rules
• Sound signaling equipment, legal requirements as well as what different sound signals mean
• Boater responsibilities while driving a boat
• Collision avoidance rules
• Operation in darkness actions and restricted visibility sound requirements
• Aids to navigation and what different markers mean
• The guidelines for docking/mooring
• The common types of recreational anchors, their purpose and how to anchor a boat properly.

Tennessee Safe Boating Course