The provisions of this article in addition to the provisions of other parts of this code which relate to navigation shall be observed by vessels when they meet.
LossesNavigation Rules
Section § 280
This law states that when vessels encounter each other on the water, they must follow both the rules outlined in this specific article and any other related navigation rules in the code.
vessel navigation meeting vessels navigation rules
Section § 281
This rule states that when two vessels, whether powered by steam or wind, are on a collision course from opposite directions, each should turn right to pass on the left side (port side) of the other vessel. This helps prevent collisions. However, if there's an immediate danger or special circumstances, they may deviate from this rule to stay safe. This rule applies to all such vessels, with special attention to ships sailing close to the wind (close-hauled) on the right side (starboard tack), making sure they remain manageable.
Whenever any vessel, whether a steam vessel or sailing vessel, proceeding in one direction, meets another vessel, whether a steam vessel or sailing vessel, proceeding in the opposite direction, so that if both were to continue their respective courses they would pass so near as to involve the risk of a collision, each shall give right rudder, so as to pass on the port side of each other. This rule applies to all steam vessels and all sailing vessels whether on the port or starboard tack, and whether close-hauled or not, except where the circumstances of the case are such as to render a departure from the rule necessary in order to avoid immediate danger. It is subject to a due regard to the dangers of navigation, and, as regards sailing vessels on the starboard tack close-hauled, it is subject also to the keeping of such sailing vessels under command.
vessel collision right rudder port side passing
Section § 282
This law explains the right-of-way rules for sailing vessels and steam vessels when they meet at sea. If a sailing vessel has a favorable wind, it must yield to those sailing against the wind. If both are sailing against the wind, the vessel on the right (starboard) side keeps its course, and the one on the left (port) side must adjust its direction to pass on the left. When two vessels approach with the wind coming from the side (either large or abeam), they should pass each other on the left side, using the appropriate rudder maneuvers. Steam vessels are treated like they have a favorable wind and must give way to sailing vessels sailing against the wind.
Sailing vessels, having the wind fair, shall give way to those on a wind. When both are going by the wind, the vessel on the starboard tack shall keep its wind, and the one on the port tack shall bear up strongly, so as to pass each other on the port side. When both vessels which have the wind large or abeam meet, they shall pass each other in the same way on the port side. To effect the two last-mentioned movements each shall give right rudder. Steam vessels shall be regarded as vessels navigating with a fair wind, and shall give way to sailing vessels on a wind of either tack.
right-of-way sailing vessels steam vessels
Section § 283
This law requires steam vessels navigating narrow channels to stay on the right side when it is safe and possible. Additionally, when passing another vessel, they must pass on the left side, leaving the other vessel on their right.
A steam vessel navigating a narrow channel shall, whenever it is safe and practicable, keep to that side of the fairway or mid-channel which lies on its starboard side, and a steam vessel when passing another in such a channel, shall always leave the other upon the port side.
steam vessel narrow channel navigation fairway
Section § 284
When steam vessels are on a path where they'll come very close or risk colliding, both should steer to the right to pass each other on their left side.
When steam vessels will inevitably or necessarily cross so near that by continuing their respective courses, there would be a risk of collision, each shall give right rudder, so as always to pass on the port side of the other.
steam vessels collision avoidance right rudder
Section § 285
This law specifies that certain rules about this topic do not apply if there are other specific rules set by U.S. laws regarding lights on steam vessels or how pilots of these vessels should navigate and communicate using sound signals when they are near each other.
The rules of this article do not apply to any case for which a different rule is provided by the regulations concerning lights upon steam vessels, or for the government of pilots of steam vessels approaching each other within the sound of the steam-whistle or other audible signal, prescribed by or under authority of the laws of the United States.
steam vessels lights regulations navigation rules
