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Quick Answer
Pennsylvania follows standard navigation rules: powerboats yield to sailboats and non-motorized vessels, the vessel on the right has priority in crossing situations, and overtaking boats must keep clear. In head-on meetings, both boats turn right (starboard) to pass port-to-port. These rules apply to all Pennsylvania waterways.
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Navigation rules use two key terms. The stand-on vessel has the right of way and should maintain its course and speed. The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to keep clear of the stand-on vessel.
The give-way vessel should alter course, reduce speed, or both — and should make changes obvious enough that the stand-on vessel can see what you are doing. Subtle adjustments are dangerous because the other operator may not notice them.
When two powerboats approach each other head-on or nearly head-on, both operators should alter course to starboard (right) so they pass port-to-port (left side to left side). Neither vessel has right of way — both are responsible for avoiding collision.
If you see a boat approaching from directly ahead, assume it is a head-on situation and turn right. One short blast of the horn signals your intent to pass on your port side.
When two powerboats are crossing paths, the vessel on the right (starboard) side has the right of way. A simple way to remember: if you see the other boat on your right, you are the give-way vessel and must yield.
The give-way vessel should slow down, stop, or change course to pass behind the stand-on vessel. The stand-on vessel should maintain course and speed, though it must take evasive action if the give-way vessel fails to yield.
The overtaking vessel (approaching from behind) must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken. The vessel being overtaken has the right of way and should maintain its course and speed.
You are considered to be overtaking if you are approaching another boat from more than 22.5 degrees behind its beam. When in doubt, assume you are overtaking and yield.
You may pass on either side of the vessel being overtaken, but you must maintain a safe distance and not create a dangerous wake.
The general hierarchy of right-of-way, from highest priority to lowest:
A sailboat using its engine is classified as a powerboat and follows powerboat right-of-way rules, even if the sails are also up.
In fog, heavy rain, or other conditions that reduce visibility, all vessels should reduce speed to the minimum necessary to maintain course. Use sound signals: one prolonged blast every two minutes for a power-driven vessel underway.
In restricted visibility, there is no stand-on or give-way vessel. Every operator must take whatever action is necessary to avoid collision, including stopping if conditions warrant it.
In narrow channels, boats should keep to the right (starboard) side of the channel. When meeting head-on in a narrow channel, pass port-to-port as in open water.
On Pennsylvania rivers with commercial traffic, recreational vessels should yield to large commercial vessels that are restricted by the channel depth and cannot easily maneuver.
Signal | Meaning |
One short blast | I intend to pass on my port side / I am altering course to starboard |
Two short blasts | I intend to pass on my starboard side / I am altering course to port |
Three short blasts | I am operating in reverse |
Five or more short rapid blasts | Danger / I do not understand your intention |
One prolonged blast | Leaving dock or entering blind area; also fog signal for powered vessels |
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