Safety information7Fishing vessel right-of-wayAll vessels that are fishing with nets, lines ortrawls are considered to be “fishing vessels”under the International Rules. Vessels withtrolling lines are not considered fishing ves-sels. Fishing vessels have the right-of-wayregardless of position. Fishing vessels can-not, however, impede the passage of othervessels in narrow channels.Sailing vessel right-of-waySailing vessels should normally be given theright-of-way. The exceptions to this are:1. When the sailing vessel is overtaking thepower-driven vessel, the power-drivenvessel has the right-of-way.2. Sailing vessels should keep clear of anyfishing vessel.3. In a narrow channel, a sailing vesselshould not hamper the safe passage ofa power-driven vessel that can navigateonly in such a channel.Reading buoys and other markersThe waters of the United States are markedfor safe navigation by the lateral system ofbuoyage. Simply put, buoys and markershave an arrangement of shapes, colors,numbers and lights to show which side of thebuoy a boater should pass on when navigat-ing in a particular direction. The markings onthese buoys are oriented from the perspec-tive of being entered from seaward (the boat-er is going towards the port). This means thatred buoys are passed on the starboard(right) side when proceeding from open wa-ter into port, and black buoys are to port (left)side. When navigating out of port, your posi-tion with respect to the buoys should be re-versed; red buoys should be to port andblack buoys to starboard.Many bodies of water used by boaters areentirely within the boundaries of a particularstate. The Uniform State Waterway MarkingSystem has been devised for these waters.This system uses buoys and signs with dis-tinctive shapes and colors to show regulatoryor advisory information. These markers arewhite with black letters and orange boarders.They signify speed zones, restricted areas,danger areas, and general information.Remember, markings may vary by geo-graphic location. Always consult local boat-ing authorities before driving your boat inunfamiliar waters.