Overtaking
If you are passing another vessel, you are the give-way vessel. This means that the other vessel is expected to maintain its course and speed. You must stay out of its way until you are clear of it. Likewise, if another vessel is passing you, you should maintain your speed and direction so that the other vessel can steer itself around you.
GIVE-WAY
GIVE-WAY
VESSEL
Other special situations
There are three other rules you should be aware of when operating your boat around other vessels.
Narrow Channels and Bends
When navigating in narrow channels, you should keep to the right when it is safe and practical to do so. If the operator of a power-driven vessel is preparing to go around a bend that may obstruct the view of other water vessels, the operator should sound a prolonged blast of four to six seconds on the horn. If another vessel is around the bend, it too should sound the horn. Even if no reply is heard, however, the vessel should still proceed around the bend with caution.
Fishing Vessel Right-of-Way
All vessels fishing with nets, lines or trawls are considered to be “fishing vessels” under the International Rules. Vessels with trolling lines are not considered fishing vessels. Fishing vessels have the right-of-way regardless of position. Fishing vessels cannot, however, impede the passage of other vessels 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 overtak- ing 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 pas- sage of a power-driven vessel that can navigate only in such a chan- nel.
