Aye Aye Capt.: Boating Navigation Basics
Boating navigation rules are essential for every boater to know because they establish a consistent way to navigate safely and avoid collisions when two boats are crossing paths, are on course to meet head-on, or when one boat wishes to overtake another Since collisions are the number one type of accident on the water, Firstmate Controls wants to share with you these basic navigation rules that all boaters should know.
Passing Another Boat
To overtake another watercraft going in the same direction, the craft being overtaken must maintain its course and speed. The passing watercraft must keep a sufficient distance to avoid a collision or endangering the other craft from its wake.
Meeting Head-On
Two watercrafts approaching each other head-on must alter their course to the right to avoid a collision. If the two watercraft are far enough to the left of each other, no change in direction is needed.
Crossing Paths
If two watercraft approach each other at a right angle, the watercraft to the right has the right-of-way. Sailboats, canoes and other non-motorized crafts have the right-of-way over motorized crafts in all situations, except when the non-motorized vessel is overtaking or passing. All watercraft are to yield the right-of-way to an authorized watercraft displaying a red or blue flashing light. Navigational or running lights are an easy way to understand right-of-way situations. If you see the green light on an
approaching vessel, you have the right of way. If you see the red light on an approaching vessel, you need to give way.
Navigational Lights
Boats operating between sunset and sunrise must have U.S. Coast Guard approved lighting. These lights are the best way to see and identify other vessels. All motorboats and sailboats must have sidelights (red on the left and green on the right), a white masthead light and a white stern light. If the vessel is less than 39.5 feet long, the masthead and stern light can be one all-around white light.
Newer motorboats and sailboats have lights installed on them to meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements. If you intend to install lights on your boat, use the chart below as a guideline. Hand-propelled vessels on whitewater do not need to have lights. Hand-propelled boats that are not on whitewater must have a lantern or flashlight on hand to show one white light in time to prevent a collision. One all-round white light must be displayed at all times for boats on anchor.
Keep Your Boat and Lift Safe from Damage
With the promise of increased boating traffic as we near boating season, you'll now know some very important navigation basics to keep you safe while on the waters. And don't forget about the safety of not only you and your passengers while you're out enjoying a day on the water. Ensure your boat and lift doesn't receive damage while docked by installing a boat lift remote control system. With a Firstmate system, you can easily raise, lower, and set inboard position with the click of a button. This prevents the need for mooring and getting damage to your boat by banging up against the dock. It also prevents your lift from taking damage from floating debris and large wakes. We manufacture each boat lift remote control system to work specifically for your lift, regardless of lift size. So before you get out to enjoy the upcoming boating season, make sure you get a Firstmate Boat Lift Remote Control System for your dock!
Firstmate Controls
Passing Another Boat
To overtake another watercraft going in the same direction, the craft being overtaken must maintain its course and speed. The passing watercraft must keep a sufficient distance to avoid a collision or endangering the other craft from its wake.
Meeting Head-On
Two watercrafts approaching each other head-on must alter their course to the right to avoid a collision. If the two watercraft are far enough to the left of each other, no change in direction is needed.
Crossing Paths
If two watercraft approach each other at a right angle, the watercraft to the right has the right-of-way. Sailboats, canoes and other non-motorized crafts have the right-of-way over motorized crafts in all situations, except when the non-motorized vessel is overtaking or passing. All watercraft are to yield the right-of-way to an authorized watercraft displaying a red or blue flashing light. Navigational or running lights are an easy way to understand right-of-way situations. If you see the green light on an
approaching vessel, you have the right of way. If you see the red light on an approaching vessel, you need to give way.
Navigational Lights
Boats operating between sunset and sunrise must have U.S. Coast Guard approved lighting. These lights are the best way to see and identify other vessels. All motorboats and sailboats must have sidelights (red on the left and green on the right), a white masthead light and a white stern light. If the vessel is less than 39.5 feet long, the masthead and stern light can be one all-around white light.
Newer motorboats and sailboats have lights installed on them to meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements. If you intend to install lights on your boat, use the chart below as a guideline. Hand-propelled vessels on whitewater do not need to have lights. Hand-propelled boats that are not on whitewater must have a lantern or flashlight on hand to show one white light in time to prevent a collision. One all-round white light must be displayed at all times for boats on anchor.
Keep Your Boat and Lift Safe from Damage
With the promise of increased boating traffic as we near boating season, you'll now know some very important navigation basics to keep you safe while on the waters. And don't forget about the safety of not only you and your passengers while you're out enjoying a day on the water. Ensure your boat and lift doesn't receive damage while docked by installing a boat lift remote control system. With a Firstmate system, you can easily raise, lower, and set inboard position with the click of a button. This prevents the need for mooring and getting damage to your boat by banging up against the dock. It also prevents your lift from taking damage from floating debris and large wakes. We manufacture each boat lift remote control system to work specifically for your lift, regardless of lift size. So before you get out to enjoy the upcoming boating season, make sure you get a Firstmate Boat Lift Remote Control System for your dock!
Contact Firstmate Controls TODAY to get your boat lift remote control system ordered.
Boat Lift Controls You Can Count On!
Firstmate Controls
130 Century Commerce Loop
Labadie, MO 63055
Phone: (866) 570-9707
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