BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 05 - Navigating the Waterways

Determining Right-of-Way

 To determine the right-of-way, you must first understand right-of-way terminology.

Stand-on craft:
Boats with the right-of-way are called the ‘stand-on craft’. Stand-on craft are able to maintain their speed and direction when they approach other boats.
Give-way craft:
Boats that do not have the right-of-way are called the 'give-way craft'. Give-way craft must take early and substantial action to steer clear of stand-on craft, and they must alter their speed and direction to avoid a collision.

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