Boating Right of Way: Avoid Collisions & Navigate Like a Pro

Picture this: You’re out on the water, the sun is shining, and your boat is gliding across the waves. But suddenly—another boat is heading straight toward you! Who moves first? What’s the rule?

Boating isn’t just about having fun; it’s about safety and responsibility. Knowing right-of-way rules (aka the “Rules of the Road” for boating) ensures smooth sailing and prevents accidents. Let’s break it down so you can navigate with confidence.

Stand-On & Give-Way: Who Moves and Who Holds Course?

Every time two boats cross paths, one must yield. Here’s how it works:

Give-Way Vessel: The Boat That Yields

If you’re the give-way vessel, it’s your job to adjust your course or speed to avoid the other boat. You should:
Make changes early and obviously (don’t wait until the last second).
Steer clear to avoid confusion.
Communicate intentions with sound signals if needed.

Stand-On Vessel: The Boat That Holds Course

If you’re the stand-on vessel, your job is to maintain your course and speed. The only time you should change course is if the give-way vessel isn’t reacting properly and a collision is imminent. Stay alert, but expect the other boat to do its job.

What If the Give-Way Vessel Doesn’t Move?

While the give-way vessel is responsible for altering course or speed, sometimes operators may be distracted, inexperienced, or simply unaware of the rules. If you are the stand-on vessel and notice that the give-way vessel isn’t taking action, you are not required to hold your course at all costs. Safety comes first. If a collision seems imminent, you must do whatever is necessary to avoid it—whether that means slowing down, changing course, or signaling with sound blasts. Staying alert, anticipating other boaters’ actions, and always having an escape plan can make all the difference in preventing accidents.

Common Right-of-Way Situations on the Water

These are the three most common situations where right-of-way matters. These general right-of-way rules apply to most recreational boats, but they can vary based on the type of vessel involved—certain boats have special navigation priorities, which we’ll cover later in the article.

• Meeting Head-On: If two boats are approaching head-on, both should alter course to starboard (right) to pass safely.
• Crossing Paths: If another boat is approaching from your right (starboard), you must give way. If they are on your left (port), you are the stand-on vessel and should hold course.
• Overtaking Another Boat: The boat doing the overtaking always gives way, no matter which side they pass on. The boat being overtaken should maintain course and speed.

Using Sound Signals for Safe Boating

Sometimes, you need to communicate with other boaters to clarify your intentions. That’s where sound signals come in:

One short blast = “I’m altering course to starboard (right).”

Two short blasts = “I’m altering course to port (left).”

Five short blasts = “DANGER! I don’t know what you’re doing, or I don’t trust what you’re doing!”

If you’re ever unsure about another boater’s actions, sound signals can clear up confusion and prevent accidents.