| Every boater needs to know the Navigation Rules as | | | | Under these rules every boater is responsible for |
| laid down by the US Coast Guard and follow them to | | | | avoiding a collision. A boater who doesn't take |
| keep the waterways safe. In Florida, boaters have to | | | | reasonable action to avoid a collision can be charged |
| be extra careful to follow these rules because it is | | | | with reckless or careless operation of a boat under |
| illegal for boaters not to follow the Navigation Rules in | | | | Florida law. A boater who causes a collision could also |
| Florida. | | | | be liable for a lawsuit over damage caused. |
| The most basic Navigation Rule is the first, to | | | | These rules can be legally ignored if the situation their |
| practice good seamanship whenever you are | | | | boat would be in danger if they follow the rules. The |
| operating a boat. The Coast Guard defines good | | | | navigation rules set down what boats have to do |
| seamanship as taking whatever action is necessary | | | | when they encounter another vessel on the water. |
| to avoid collisions with other boats. This means that a | | | | One aspect of the navigation rules that every boater |
| boater needs to take conditions into account and | | | | should be aware of is of is the give-way and |
| maintain a safe distance from other boats and ships. | | | | stand-on vessels. The give way vessel is the boat |
| The second Navigation Rule is to maintain a good | | | | that is required to give way for another boat. It has |
| lookout. This means that a boater has to always be | | | | to do this by stopping, standing down or changing |
| on the lookout for any potential hazard in the water. | | | | course. The stand-on vessel is the vessel that must |
| In particular a boater has to watch for swimmers, | | | | maintain its course when it encounters another boat. |
| other boats, ships and personal watercraft. | | | | Generally the smaller of two vessels that encounter |
| The third rule is to maintain a safe speed. That | | | | each other has to give way. The larger vessel is |
| means boaters shouldn't be moving too fast | | | | usually the stand on vessel which means it has the |
| especially in canals or at night or when visibility is | | | | right of way. A boat following another boat is also |
| reduced. | | | | usually considered the give-way boat. |