Smith-Root ELECTROFISHING BOATS, User Manual, Page: 36 / 53

34
2007
ELECTROfISHING
BOATS
OTHER SPECIAL SITUATIONS
There are three other rules you need to know when driving
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 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 proceed
around the bend with caution. If you navigate such waters
with your boat, you must 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 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 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, numbers 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 being entered
from seaward (the boater is going towards the port). This
means red buoys are passed on the starboard (right) side
when proceeding from open water into port, and black buoys
are to the port (left) side. When navigating out of port, your
position with respect to the buoys should be reversed; red
buoys should be to port and black buoys to starboard.
Many bodies of water used by boaters are entirely 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 distinctive
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 geographic location.
Always consult local boating authorities before driving your
boat in unfamiliar waters.