Which side do you pass a boat on?

If you meet another boat head-on: Under the boating rules of the road, vessels approaching each other head-on are always supposed to pass each other port to port — or left to left, just like on the road.

Why do boats pass on the right?

When two power vessels are attempting to cross, the right of way is given to the vessel on the starboard side. This vessel that does not have the right of way must take early action to avoid a collision. This vessel either needs to stop or alter course to starboard.

How do I remember port and starboard?

Which vessel has the right of way?

The vessel that has the opposing boat coming up on its starboard side is called the give-way vessel. The boat coming in from the starboard side is called the stand-on vessel. The stand-on vessel has the right of way, and it is up to the give-way vessel to maneuver in a way that will avoid a collision.

Why is starboard green and port red?

Because the green light is on the starboard(right) side of your boat, the red is the port(left). So, if you see them both then there is a chance you are looking down the nose of a boat. What is the first thing you do? Well, it is the preferred method to pass on the port (left) side.

Two Minute Boating Quickie - Rules Of The Road

When boating at night what does a single white light mean?

All-Round White Light: On power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet in length, this light may be used to combine a masthead light and sternlight into a single white light that can be seen by other vessels from any direction. This light serves as an anchor light when sidelights are extinguished.

Do ships always dock on the port side?

Ships can dock on either port or starboard side, depending on the layout of the port itself, the direction you are sailing in, and individual government regulations about how cruise ships can be arranged on a pier. It's also often at the discretion of the captain to choose how to position the ship in port.

How should you pass a fishing boat?

When you're passing a fishing boat, it's the same. According to the US Coast Guard, you should always make an effort to pass on the port side (left) of the vessel. This means you must steer toward starboard, that way both vessels are passing each other on their port sides.

Who gives way at sea?

The give way boat must pass astern of (behind) the stand on boat, while the stand on boat maintains the same course and speed. Every boat that is overtaking must give way. You are overtaking if you are approaching another boat anywhere in a 135 degree sector at its stern.

Why is the toilet called the head?

Since the wind was blowing from the rear to the front, the “head” (or front) of the ship was the best place for sailors to relieve themselves. So, when the shipmates went to the toilet, they went to the head.

Why is port on the left?

The left side is called 'port' because ships with steerboards or star boards would dock at ports on the opposite side of the steerboard or star. As the right side was the steerboard side or star board side, the left side was the port side.

Is green starboard or port?

Along with the port and starboard nautical terms, colours are also used to aid in navigation especially during night manoeuvres. Red is the international convention for the port side, while green is the colour for the starboard side.

What does 5 horn blasts mean?

Five (or more) short, rapid blasts signal danger or signal that you do not understand or that you disagree with the other boater's intentions.

How do you pass another vessel?

In short, vessel A must blow two short blasts, indicating its intention to pass starboard-to-starboard, and alter its course to port. Vessel B must return two short blasts to indicate agreement and understanding and alter its course to port, thereby, leaving room on each vessel's starboard side for passing.

Do fishing boats have right of way?

If you're operating a commercial fishing boat, you must give-way to the following types of boats: A boat that's NOT under command, such as an anchored boat or a broken-down boat.

How do you pass a boat at night?

If you see red and white navigation lights, it's coming up on your right and you should give way to the other vessel. If you see both red and green, it signifies that the vessel is meeting you head-on. If you see only red or only green, it's a sailboat and always gives way. Red means you pass behind it to the right.

How should a person be pulled back into a small boat?

Turn your boat around and slowly pull alongside the victim, approaching the victim from downwind or into the current, whichever is stronger. Stop the engine. Pull the victim on board over the stern, keeping the weight in the boat balanced, especially in small boats.

When one boat is overtaking another which boat must give way?

Paths That Cross: The vessel on the operator's port (left) is the give-way vessel. The vessel on the operator's starboard (right) is the stand-on vessel. Overtaking: The vessel that is overtaking another vessel is the give-way vessel. The vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel.

When overtaking a vessel What should the passing vessel do?

If you are overtaking a vessel, remember that you are the give-way vessel until well past, and safely clear of, the passed vessel. Do not cut in front of, impede or endanger another vessel. "I intend to pass you on your port side" - 2 short blasts (1 sec.) "Agreement" - 2 short blasts (1 sec.)

What action should you take when overtaking another power boat?

If you are overtaking another power-driven boat (B) from the stern (from behind) you are the give-way craft (A) and do not have the right-of-way. You must take early and substantial action to keep well clear of the other boat by altering your speed and course.

Why is port left and starboard right?

Since port and starboard never change, they are unambiguous references that are independent of a mariner's orientation, and, thus, mariners use these nautical terms instead of left and right to avoid confusion.

Which side is the stern?

Port: the left side of the ship, when facing forward (opposite of "starboard"). Starboard: the right side of the ship, when facing forward (opposite of "port"). Stern: the rear of a ship (opposite of "bow").

What are the 4 sides of a ship called?

Now let's learn the words for the front, rear, left and right sides of the boat. The front of a boat is called the bow, while the rear of a boat is called the stern. When looking towards the bow, the left-hand side of the boat is the port side. And starboard is the corresponding word for the right side of a boat.

What do three short blasts of a horn mean?

One short blast tells other boaters, “I intend to pass you on my port (left side).” Two short blasts tell other boaters, “I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side.” Three short blasts tell other boaters, “I am backing up.”