Just like every automobile driver must follow the rules of the road defined in their state’s driver's handbook, every boat captain must follow the rules of the road laid out in the U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook. In the case of boaters, the rules of the road refer to navigating the U.S. waterways as opposed to highways.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) rules are for vessel operators to follow for responsible and safe navigation on American inland waterways, including the Great Lakes, rivers, lakes, canals, etc. Following these rules will keep you, your passengers, and others in sailing and power-driven vessels safe when on the water.
What are the Rules of the Road?
The Department of Homeland Security USCG rules (outlined in Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or CFR) come from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). They are designed to ensure safe and orderly navigation on U.S. waterways. The rules offer a standardized set of guidelines for vessel operators to follow to prevent collisions, provide clear communication, and promote maritime safety.
The regulations establish:
Responsibilities and conduct of vessels
Rules and regulations regarding the use and positioning of navigation lights
Appropriate equipment for and use of sound signals and light signals
Distress signal usage
Exemptions to the inland navigation rules
There are 38 rules and five annexes, or addendums, with additional detailed information, with each rule addressing different aspects of navigation. However, the bottom line of all the rules is to help avoid collisions by explaining the right-of-way rules and what to do when you operate your vessel near other vessels.
A Breakdown of the Rules That Apply to Sailboats
The complete USCG handbook is over 200 pages. While thorough knowledge and mastery of every rule may be required for commercial captains, as a casual sailboat captain, at the very least, you need a clear understanding of the steering and sailing rules of the road that pertain to sailboats.
Here we help you by highlighting pertinent rules and simplifying the explanations so you can quickly and easily understand the rules of the road for sailboats and keelboats.
Rule 1
The Rules of the Road apply to ALL vessels navigating the waterways. Essentially, this rule establishes the principle that any craft with a human at the helm is considered a vessel and is subject to the Rules of the Road. Types of vessels include, but are not limited to, fishing vessels, pilot vessels, sailing vessels, seaplanes, tugs and towing vessels like barges, and vessels under oars, such as canoes and kayaks.
Rule 2
All vessel operators must maintain a proper lookout and take action to avoid collisions. In other words, Rule 2 takes precedence over all other rules, and you should do whatever it takes to prevent a crash.
Rule 5
Vessel operators must always keep a sharp lookout to spot any potential dangers to avoid collisions. The lookout should listen and look for potential risks, obstructions, and other vessels.
Rule 6
Rule 6 emphasizes good seamanship by requiring vessel operators to maintain a safe speed based on their ability to maneuver the vessel, conditions, and boat traffic to prevent a collision.
Rule 9
Vessels navigating narrow channels must keep to the starboard (right) side to prevent obstructing other vessels.
Rule 12
When sailboats under sail alone are approaching each other, one must change its path to avoid collision.
If the boats are on different tacks — their sails are on different sides of the boat — the sailboat on the starboard tack is the stand-on vessel, and the boat on the port tack is the give-way vessel.
If the boats are on the same tack, the vessel which is to windward must give way to the leeward vessel.
The port side boat must give way to a sailboat whose tack is uncertain.
Rule 13
Rule 13 specifies that any power-driven vessel overtaking another must give way to the boat being overtaken.
Rule 14
Both vessels in a head-on situation should alter course to starboard (right) to avoid a collision. At night-time or in restricted visibility, the masthead lights (white lights) or sidelights will indicate positioning.
Rule 15
When boats are approaching a crossing situation, the vessel with the other on its starboard (right) side should give way and avoid crossing paths closely.
Rule 18
Sailboats must always give way to vessels not under command, vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver, and fishing vessels. Keep a safe distance and take necessary actions to avoid these vessels.
Rules 25 - 30
These rules define the lights and light shapes to exhibit at all times on vessels underway and aground.
Rule 25: Sailing vessels and vessels under oars must exhibit a stern light and sidelights, but may also display red and green vertical line lights at or near the top of the mast.
Rule 27: Pertinent to any vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to maneuver.
Rule 30: Anchored vessels (moored vessels) and vessels aground require appropriate lights to be avoided.
Rule 34
This rule provides guidelines on how and when to use appropriate maneuvering and warning signals. Sound signals range from one short blast to prolonged blasts to communicate the vessel's intentions and avoid misunderstandings.
When you have a general knowledge of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Rules of Navigation, and always act responsibly and stay alert, your time on the water will be safe and enjoyable.
How are the Navigation Rules Enforced?
The U.S. Coast Guard has the authority to board and inspect any vessel subject to U.S. laws and regulations, including recreational boats. If they have cause to believe you have violated navigation rules, they can board your boat. Each state’s wildlife commission may also have jurisdiction over navigation violations and boating accidents.
Citations or tickets can include:
Improper or insufficient safety equipment or lights
Violation of navigation rules
Careless operation of a vessel
Tickets can result in fines, suspension, or loss of boating privileges. You may also see an increase in your insurance rates and be required to complete a boating safety course.
If negligence or failure to follow a rule results in the injury or death of a boating passenger, you may be subject to criminal charges or a lawsuit.
Navigate the Waters Safely with First Reef Sailing Lessons
At First Reef Sailing, we have a mission to provide high-level sailing instruction. We help our students become safe, confident ASA-certified sailors.
Learning the basic rules out on the water is just one part of our sailing curriculum. Our classes are set up to help you learn and get hands-on sailing experience out on the water.
Ready to get started? Sign up for a sailing course today.
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