Rules of the Road

Rules of the Road & Aids to Navigation (ATONS) as applied to Narragansett Bay

Better Bay Alliance (BBA) | February 2023

Objectives:

Learn the purpose of “Rules”
Learn Navigational terms
Learn to interpret navigation lights
Learn the basic Inland Navigation Rules for crossing, meeting & overtaking situations
Learn the “Pecking Order” for vessels

Navigation Rules:

“The Rules of the Road”

Who wrote the rules?

“Navigation Rules” are published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the United States Coast Guard. Updated copies can be downloaded online at: navcen.uscg.gov

What do the Rules do?

If followed, they protect against loss of life, injury, and property damage as a result of collision. Prevent Accidents!

Most Collisions Could Be Avoided By…

Practicing the “Rules of the Road”
Rule 1
Use of a “proper lookout”
Rule 5
Maintaining safe speed
Rule 6
Displaying proper lights
Rule 20
Knowing the “Aids to Navigation”

Responsibility & Definitions

Ground Rules for Navigation

General Definitions
Underway	Not at anchor or made fast to the shore or aground
Right-of-way	The right and duty to maintain course and speed
Stand-On Vessel	Vessel that has the right of way
Give Way Vessel	Must keep clear of the stand-on vessel
Short Blast	A blast of approximately 1 second
Prolonged Blast	A blast of 4 to 6 seconds

“Safe Speed” Definition

Speed that allows proper and effective action to avoid collision based on the following factors:

Visibility
Traffic density and characteristics
Maneuverability, draft
Background clutter
Weather, wind, current, navigational hazards

Encountering Other Vessels

Rule 13

Overtaking

Vessel that is passed by another from a position more than 22.5 degrees abaft of it’s beam is the stand-on vessel. The give-way vessel should not see the green or red navigation sidelights. If in doubt whether overtaking or crossing, always assume overtaking.

Give-way vessel will keep clear of stand-on vessel until finally well past and clear.

But be careful! White light only could also indicate a vessel sailing or a vessel at anchor or under oars.

Rule 14

Head On

When two power-driven vessels are on reciprocal courses, vessels will steer to starboard so each shall pass port to port of each other. At night, vessels in a head-on situation should observe masthead light(s) in a line and one or both sidelights.

Rule 15

Crossing

A vessel which has another vessel on her starboard side shall keep out of the way of the other and if necessary, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. Easy way to remember this is vessel to the right “has rights”! Once you learn this, you’ll also recognize it’s consistent with the red/green light scheme.

Remember! It is important to remember that within the COLREGS, the STAND ON (right of way) vessel must potentially alter course or speed to avoid a collision! Don’t forget many boaters don’t know the Rules of the Road.

Rule 18

Responsibilities Between Vessels (Inland)

Pecking Order

Privileged

Not under command (NUC)
Restricted in ability to maneuver (RAM) (dredging, mine sweeping, car carriers)
Fishing/trawling (not trolling)
Sail or manually powered boat
Power-driven
Seaplane

Burdened

Rules 20-31

Navigation Lights and Shapes

White Light

360 degree light required when anchored

Red and Green Lights

112.5 degree arc = 90+22.5
Required when underway between sunset and sunrise or in restricted visibility