Who Gives Way While Boating? Rules for Open Water and Bridges

Boating etiquette has been developing for many years. It combines concrete rules with unwritten courtesy, and it applies no matter where you’re boating or how much experience you have. Knowing who gives way, how to pass, and how to approach a bridge keeps everyone on the water safe and keeps the day fun.

The Rules of the Road

The number one rule of boating is to avoid an accident at all costs. If another boat has restricted maneuverability, make room for it, even when the rules say it should give way to you.

Who Has the Right of Way

In most situations the stand-on vessel holds its course and speed, and the give-way vessel makes room. A boat approaching from your starboard (right) side generally has the right of way in a crossing situation. When two boats meet head-on, both turn starboard and pass port to port.

A sailboat under sail generally has the right of way over a powerboat, though overtaking and narrow channels can change that. Human-powered boats like kayaks and canoes are slow and low to the water, so give them plenty of room. A boat that is stationary because of fishing gear that limits its movement also gets a wide berth.

When two sailboats meet, the one with the wind coming over the starboard side has the right of way over the one on the port tack. If both are on the same tack, the downwind boat has the right of way.

Passing and Wake

Give other boats as much room as you can when coming up behind them. Water depth usually decides how wide a berth is possible, so check your surroundings and watch for anything that limits your space. If the other boat is stopped, give it even more room and slow down enough that you don’t throw a big wake.

If you’re the one being overtaken, hold your course and ease off the throttle so the passing boat doesn’t stir up extra wake. Don’t swerve or stop suddenly, since that is how collisions happen.

Slowing down shrinks your wake, which matters because a strong wake can rock docked boats, swamp small craft, and throw off paddlers and swimmers.

Buoys, Markers, and Other ATONs

Not every body of water has signs spelling out the rules of the road, but most have ATONs. These include buoys, channel markers, day beacons, lighthouses, radio beacons, fog signals, and other devices that mark a safe course or a hazard. Learn the markers used in your area and what they mean before you head out.

Dock Etiquette

Etiquette starts the moment you reach the marina or ramp. When launching or retrieving, work efficiently so you aren’t hogging the access area. Once the boat is in the water, move to a nearby dock or beach to load passengers and gear so others can get in and out.

At the fuel dock, fuel up and pay before moving your boat, then go inside for snacks and supplies. A boat left unattended at the fuel dock holds up everyone behind it.

Respect Everyone on the Water

Never toss trash overboard. Keep it contained on the boat until you can dispose of it on land.

Sound carries and amplifies over water, so keep an eye on your music volume. The right playlist can make the day, and the wrong volume can ruin it for everyone nearby.

If another vessel’s intentions are unclear, slow down early and make a course change big enough that the other captain can read it. A horn can help, but don’t assume the other captain knows what they’re doing.

Bridge Etiquette

Inland waterways are full of bridges in every shape and size, including swing, lift, floating, and bascule configurations. As captain, you’re responsible for knowing what’s on your route and how to pass each type. Check ahead of time whether you’ll meet a stationary bridge or a drawbridge, because each calls for a different approach.

Stationary Bridges

Many bridges are high enough for standard boat passage, but clearance can shrink during the rainy season when water levels rise. Check your charts for the horizontal and vertical clearance of the center channel span.

The clearance board on the right side of the bridge shows the current vertical distance between the span and the waterline. It does not show the depth of the water beneath it. Sailboat captains should confirm mast height before passing under, since it’s hard to judge from the helm.

Drawbridges

Many drawbridges open when a boat arrives, and some run on a set schedule, such as every half hour. Even on a schedule, call the operator and tell them you intend to pass.

Request passage by VHF radio. Know the bridge’s name before you call, since some stretches of the ICW have several bridges within radio range, and mention your boat’s name or description for clarity. Most bridges monitor Channel 13 and Channel 16, and in Florida, Channel 9. Wait until the bridge is in sight before hailing, and use low power (1 watt) to keep radio traffic down. If no one answers, assume they haven’t heard you and keep trying until you get confirmation. The operator can also give you clearance information and any special instructions.

If you can’t reach the bridgetender by radio, signal with one long blast (four to six seconds) followed by one short blast (one second). If the operator returns the signal, the bridge can open right away. Five short blasts mean the bridge can’t open or is closing, and you should stop and stand by.

Never request an opening if your boat fits under the closed bridge. Lower radio antennas and movable masts if you need to. Unnecessary opening requests can bring hefty penalties.

Waiting for an Opening

Don’t get stranded between bridges. Not all lift bridges open on demand or on a schedule, and railroad drawbridges can stay down for hours. Plan your route in advance.

Boats tend to bunch up on both sides while waiting, so stay alert. Currents and wind can push you around, and other boaters may drift or lose focus. Approach slowly so your wake doesn’t affect anyone, and watch for debris around the pilings, exposed rocks, speed limit signs, swimmers, kayakers, anglers, and boats in distress.

When the bridge opens, wait your turn and keep to the right. In a narrow channel, larger vessels and boats with restricted mobility, such as sailboats or boats under tow, may need to go first. Sailboats should douse their sails and use their engines for bridge crossings.

Bridge Lights at Night

A green light marks the center of the navigable channel under the bridge. A red light marks the supporting piers, so use red lights to steer clear of hazards you can’t see in the dark.

Right of Way at a Bridge

When two boats approach a bridge from opposite directions, the boat traveling with the current at its stern has the right of way. A boat pushed along by the current has less control, so the boat heading into the current should yield and wait.

Get on the Water with Morningstar Marinas

At Morningstar Marinas, we pride ourselves on the community of boaters we’ve created across the Southeast’s top boating locations. Our facilities and services, paired with our friendly and knowledgeable team, help you get out on the water quickly and efficiently so you can start having fun. Morningstar Marinas is more than a place to store your boat. We’re here to offer an unforgettable boating experience every time.

Morningstar Marinas Pro Tip → Check out this Boating Safety Basics guide to freshen up on some of the most important safety precautions and preparations you can do to ensure you and your passengers have a good time and get home safely at the end of the day.

FAQs

Who has the right of way on the water?
In most situations the stand-on vessel holds its course and speed while the give-way vessel makes room. In a crossing situation, the boat approaching from starboard generally has the right of way. The overriding rule is to avoid a collision, even if that means yielding when you technically have the right of way.

Which way do you pass a boat head-on?
Both boats turn to starboard (right) and pass port to port.

How do you request a drawbridge opening?
Hail the bridgetender on VHF Channel 13 or 16, or Channel 9 in Florida, once the bridge is in sight. If you can’t reach them, sound one long blast followed by one short blast.

Who has the right of way at a bridge?
When two boats approach from opposite directions, the boat with the current at its stern has the right of way, and the boat heading into the current yields.