Section 2
Basic Rules of the Road
!WARNING Hazard from collisions between boats can cause death or serious injury. Follow the nautical “Rules of the Road.”
The operator is legally required to follow the rules. The following information outlines only the most basic of the nautical “Rules of the Road.” For more information, contact your local USCG Auxiliary.
Aids To Navigation
Learn to recognize the different buoys and day markers; they are the signposts of the waterways. There are two primary marking systems in use in the U.S.: the Uniform State Waterway Marking System (USWMS), used on inland waters and maintained by each state, and the Federal Waterway Marking System (FWMS), used on coastal waters and rivers and maintained by the USCG. In addition, the FWMS has two modified systems: the Western River Buoyage, and the Intercoastal Waterway Buoyage. Be sure to check with local authorities on the buoyage system in use.
The type of hazard/warning buoys and markers depends on the area of jurisdiction. Check with local boating authorities.
The only buoys you are permitted to moor to are mooring buoys. Mooring to a navigation buoy or other navigational aid or regulatory marker is illegal.