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vessels, the operator should sound a pro-
longed blast on the whistle (4 to 6 seconds). If
another vessel is around the bend, it too
should sound the whistle. Even if no reply is
heard, however, the vessel should still pro-
ceed around the bend with caution. If you nav-
igate such waters with your boat, you will
need to carry a portable air horn, available
from local marine supply stores.
Fishing vessel right-of-way
All vessels which are fishing with nets, lines or
trawls are considered to be “fishing vessels”
under the International Rules. Vessels with
trolling lines are not considered fishing ves-
sels. Fishing vessels have the right-of-way re-
gardless of position. Fishing vessels cannot,
however, impede the passage of other ves-
sels in narrow channels.
Sailing vessel right-of-way
Sailing vessels should normally be given the
right-of-way. The exceptions to this are:
1. When the sailing vessel is overtaking the
power-driven vessel, the power-driven
vessel has the right-of-way.
2. Sailing vessels should keep clear of any
fishing vessel.
3. In a narrow channel, a sailing vessel
should not hamper the safe passage of a
power-driven vessel which can navigate
only in such a channel.
Reading buoys and other markers
The waters of the United states are marked
for safe navigation by the lateral system of
buoyage. Simply put, buoys and markers
have an arrangement of shapes, colors, num-
bers and lights to show which side of the buoy
a boater should pass on when navigating in a
particular direction. The markings on these
buoys are oriented from the perspective of be-
ing entered from seaward (the boater is going
towards the port). This means that red buoys
are passed on the starboard (right) side when
proceeding from open water into port, and
black buoys are to port (left) side. When navi-
gating out of port, your position with respect to
the buoys should be reversed; red buoys
should be to port and black buoys to star-
board.
Many bodies of water used by boaters are en-
tirely within the boundaries of a particular
state. The Uniform State Waterway Marking
System has been devised for these waters.
This system uses buoys and signs with dis-
tinctive shapes and colors to show regulatory
or advisory information. These markers are
white with black letters and orange boarders.
They signify speed zones, restricted areas,
danger areas, and general information.
Remember, markings may vary by geograph-
ic location. Always consult local boating au-
thorities before driving your boat in unfamiliar
waters.
U69J16E0.book Page 7 Thursday, June 9, 2005 10:54 AM