Navigation rules of the road 1-38

Rule 1

Application – These Rules apply to all vessels upon the high seas and waters connected to them navigable by seagoing vessels.

Rule 2

Responsibility – Nothing relieves any vessel or crew from the duty to avoid danger through proper seamanship.

Rule 3

General Definitions – Defines key terms such as vessel, power-driven, sailing, underway, restricted in ability to maneuver, etc.

Rule 4

Application of Steering and Sailing Rules – Rules 5–10 apply in all conditions of visibility.

Rule 5

Look-out – Every vessel must maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing at all times.

Rule 6

Safe Speed – Proceed at a safe speed to take proper and effective action to avoid collision.

Rule 7

Risk of Collision – Use all available means to determine if risk of collision exists; if in doubt, it exists.

Rule 8

Action to Avoid Collision – Actions must be positive, timely, and large enough to be obvious to other vessels.

Rule 9

Narrow Channels – Stay near the starboard side; small craft must not impede larger vessels restricted to the channel.

Rule 10

Traffic Separation Schemes – Follow the lane in the general direction of traffic flow; cross at right angles if necessary.

Rule 11

Application – Rules 12–18 apply when vessels are in sight of one another.

Rule 12

Sailing Vessels – When two sailing vessels meet, the one with the wind on the port side gives way.

Rule 13

Overtaking – Any vessel overtaking another must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken.

Rule 14

Head-on Situation – Both vessels alter course to starboard so they pass port-to-port.

Rule 15

Crossing Situation – When two power-driven vessels cross, the vessel with the other on its starboard side gives way.

Rule 16

Action by Give-Way Vessel – Take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Rule 17

Action by Stand-On Vessel – Keep course and speed, but take action if collision cannot be avoided.

Rule 18

Responsibilities Between Vessels – Defines which vessels must keep clear: power, sailing, fishing, constrained by draft, etc.

Rule 19

Conduct in Restricted Visibility – Proceed at safe speed, have engines ready for immediate maneuver.

Rule 20

Application (Lights & Shapes) – Rules 20–31 apply in all weather; display required lights and shapes.

Rule 21

Definitions (Lights & Shapes) – Defines masthead light, sidelights, sternlight, towing light, etc.

Rule 22

Visibility of Lights – Specifies minimum range of lights based on vessel size.

Rule 23

Power-Driven Vessels Underway – Must show a masthead light, sidelights, and sternlight.

Rule 24

Towing and Pushing – Specifies lights and shapes for towing and pushing operations.

Rule 25

Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars – States required lights or shapes when under sail or oars.

Rule 26

Fishing Vessels – Defines lights and shapes for vessels engaged in fishing or trawling.

Rule 27

Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Ability to Maneuver – Shows special lights and shapes.

Rule 28

Constrained by Draft – Displays three red lights in a vertical line or a cylinder shape.

Rule 29

Pilot Vessels – Displays white over red lights; “White over red, pilot ahead.”

Rule 30

Anchored or Aground – Vessels at anchor show all-around white lights; aground adds red over red.

Rule 31

Seaplanes – Shall exhibit similar lights and shapes as practicable.

Rule 32

Definitions (Sound & Light Signals) – Defines whistle, short blast, and prolonged blast.

Rule 33

Equipment for Sound Signals – Specifies when and which vessels must carry sound signaling devices.

Rule 34