Rules of the Road

Rules of the Road & Aids to Navigation (ATONS) as applied to Narragansett Bay

Better Bay Alliance (BBA) | February 2026

Objectives:

Learn the purpose of “Rules”
Learn Navigational terms
Learn to interpret navigation lights
Learn the basic Inland Navigation Rules for crossing, meeting & overtaking situations
Learn the “Pecking Order” for vessels

Navigation Rules:

“The Rules of the Road”

Who wrote the rules?

“Navigation Rules” are published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the United States Coast Guard.

Updated copies can be downloaded online at: navcen.uscg.gov

Why do boaters need Rules?

To protect against loss of life, injury, and property
damage as a result of collisions, all to Prevent
Accidents!

Most Collisions Could Be Avoided By…

Practicing the “Rules of the Road”
Rule 1
Use of a “proper lookout”
Rule 5
Maintaining safe speed
Rule 6
Displaying & understanding proper lights
Rule 20
Knowing the “Aids to Navigation”

USCG Navigation Rules vs US Sailing Racing Rules

Notice Many sailors are “experts” in sailboat racing and associated rules, but are not necessarily proficient in the USCG Navigation Rules

Responsibility & Definitions

Ground Rules for Navigation

General Definitions
Underway	Not at anchor or made fast to the shore or aground
Right-of-way	The right and duty to maintain course and speed
Stand-On Vessel	Vessel that has the right of way
Give Way Vessel	Must keep clear of the stand-on vessel
Short Blast	A blast of approximately 1 second
Prolonged Blast	A blast of 4 to 6 seconds

“Safe Speed” Definition

Speed that allows proper and effective action to avoid collision based on the
following factors:

Visibility
Traffic density and characteristics
Maneuverability, draft
Background clutter
Weather, wind, current & navigational hazards

Encountering Other Vessels

Rule 13

Overtaking

Vessel that is passed by another from a position more than 22.5 degrees abaft of it’s beam is the stand-on vessel. The give-way vessel should not see the green or red navigation sidelights. If in doubt whether overtaking or crossing, always assume overtaking.

Give-way vessel will keep clear of stand-on vessel until finally well past and clear.

But be careful! White light only could also indicate a vessel sailing or a vessel at anchor or under oars.

Rule 14

Head On

When two power-driven vessels are on reciprocal courses, vessels will steer to starboard so each shall pass port to port of each other. At night, vessels in a head-on situation should observe masthead light(s) in a line and one or both sidelights.

Rule 15

Crossing

A vessel which has another vessel on her starboard side shall keep clear of the other and, if necessary, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

Easy way to remember this is vessel to the right “has rights”!

At night, when a boat to your right shows red, steer right unless you’re 100% sure you can safely cross. If a boat is to your left, you have right-of-way, but be careful!

Remember! It is important to remember that within the COLREGS, the STAND ON (right of way) vessel must potentially alter course or speed to avoid a collision! Don’t forget many boaters don’t know the Rules of the Road.

Paddler Safety (Kayak, Canoe, SUP)

Considering sail or manually powered vessels having the same light scheme, and if they were considered at the same level in the pecking order:
These two basic types of vessels:
DO have right of way over power boats, BUT
DO NOT have right of way over power vessels restricted in ability to maneuver
What does this mean?
When a power boat IS NOT restricted in ability to maneuver, the power boat should give way to a paddle craft
When a power boat IS restricted in ability to maneuver, the paddle craft should give way to the power boat

Although a vessel under oars may be lit as a sailing vessel, one should not infer that they are considered to be a sailing vessel for other Rules (i.e. Rule 9, 10, 12, 18 or 35). Ultimately, the issue of whether a vessel under oars is the give way or stand-on vessel would fall to what would be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case (Rule 2), and the notion that they are less able than most other vessels.

What can you do to be safer interacting with paddle craft?

Paddle craft should:
- Use paddles with white or light-colored blades
- Wear fluorescent life vests or shirts
- Carry an audible signaling device
- Avoid paddling in areas with high boat traffic
- Use flags that can be mounted on the paddle craft
Owners or larger boats should:
- Wear sunglasses
- Keep a proper lookout
- Be especially alert in areas where they are likely to encounter smaller craft

High viz paddles and Proper Lookout = Most Important!

Rule 18

Responsibilities Between Vessels (Inland)

Pecking Order

Privileged

Not under command (NUC)
Restricted in ability to maneuver (RAM) (dredging, minesweeping, car carriers)*
Fishing/trawling (not trolling)
Sail or manually powered boat*
Power-driven
Seaplane

Burdened

*important distinctions!

Rules 20-31

Navigation Lights and Shapes

White Light

360 degree light required when anchored

Red and Green Lights

112.5 degree arc = 90+22.5
Required when underway between sunset and sunrise or in restricted visibility