12 | Boating Safety Info: 402-471-5462
RIGHT OF WAY
Audible Signals – When two vessels are approaching each other head-on, or nearly
so, each operator shall swing the bow of his motorboat to the starboard to pass. Each
operator shall give one short blast (a short blast is approximately one second) of the
whistle and indicate his course by swinging the bow of his motorboat substantially to
starboard. Unnecessary sounding of whistles, horns, bells, or other sound producing
devices is prohibited.
Maneuvering and Warning Signals:
• Overtaking on the starboard side – 1 short blast
• Overtaking on the port side – 2 short blasts
• Backing up – 3 short blasts
• Danger – 5 or more short blasts
NAVIGATION RULES
Vessel traffic shall be governed by the following rules:
• When passing from rear — pass to other vessel's port.
• When passing head on — pass port to port.
• When passing at right angles — vessel at right has right of way.
• Manually propelled vessels have the right of way over all other vessels.
• Sailboats have the right of way over all motor -driven vessels.
• Motorboats, when meeting or overtaking sailboats, shall always pass on the
leeward side.
• Any vessel backing from a landing has the right of way over incoming vessels.
UNLAWFUL PRACTICES
• Operating or giving permission for the operation of a vessel that is not equipped as
required.
• Exceeding the speeds posted or charted in any specific zone or area. Speed always
must be reasonable and proper in consideration of the conditions prevailing at that
time and place.
• Traveling at speeds exceeding 5 mph/no excessive wake limit in or within 30 yards
of any vessel, harbor, marina, landing pier, fishing pier, anchorage, or bathing
beach.
• Operating a personal watercraft between sunset and sunrise.
• Operating any vessel within any area marked off or set aside as prohibited.
