Coast Guard Navigation Rules

Sections Pertininent to RYC Racing

- INLAND -

Steering and Sailing Rules, Section 1
Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

(f) (i) A vessel which, by any of these rules, is required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel shall, when required by the circumstances of the case, take early action to allow sufficient sea room for the safe passage of the other vessel. (page 19)

(ii) A vessel required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel is not relieved of this obligation if approaching the other vessel so as to involve risk of collision and shall, when taking action, have full regard to the action which may be required by the rules of this part. (page 19)

RULE 9 - Narrow Channels

(b) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway. (page 20)

—INTERNATIONAL—

Sound and Light Signals
RULE 34—Maneuvering and Warning Signals - continued

(d) When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and from any cause either vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. Such signal may be supplemented by a light signal of at least five short and rapid flashes. (Page 118)

Complete Coast Guard Navigation Rules