Is there an overriding Nav Rule that takes precedence over others?
No, but there is a hierarchy for various situations and all rules are focused on keeping vessels from colliding with each other;
so each boater needs to know that he or she has a responsibility.
Rule 2 Responsibilities states, in construing and complying with these rules,
due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision
and to any special circumstances including the limitations of the vessels involved,
which may make a departure from these rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.
Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel
or the owner,
master,
or crew thereof,
from the cconsequences of any neglect to comply with these rules
or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen
or by the special circumstances of the case.
Neglect among other things could be not maintaining a proper lookout,
use of improper speed,
not taking the appropriate actions to determine and avoid collision,
or ignoring a boat operator's responsibilities under the rules.
Who has the right of way on the water?
No one has the right of way unless Rule 9 applies.
Good seamanship suggests that operators should know the limitations of the vessels involved to avoid immediate danger.
Power driven vessels, which are defined as any vessel propelled by machinery,
regardless of whether the machinery is being used,
are to keep out of the way and, depending on circumstances, either give way, meaning move aside or slow down,
or stand on, meaning not change course with respect to vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to maneuver,
sailing vessels,
or vessels engaged in fishing.
Similarly, vessels should avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft
or navigating a narrow channel or traffic separation scheme.
Where do kayaks, canoes, and paddle-boards fit into the Nav Rules?
They must also follow the Nav Rules as they are also vessels.
Kayaks,
canoes,
paddle-boards,
and other such human-propelled watercraft are considered to be vessels under oars.
What would be required by the ordinary practice of seamen or by the special circumstances of the case
determines whether a vessel under oars is the give-way vessel,
meaning it must slow down or move aside
when approaching another watercraft,
or the stand-on vessel,
meaning it must maintain its course;
and the notion that they are less able than most other vessels.
What is the safe speed or passing distance for vessels?
When crossing, meeting, or overtaking another vessel,
as the boat operator, you must keep your vessel well clear of the other vessel.
Similarly, the distance required for a vessel to take action to avoid collision will vary.
However, it should enable doing so at a safe speed to avoid a collision.
Any alteration of course or speed
shall be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel.
Such alterations shall be taken early enough and be stopped within an appropriate distance to allow sufficient sea room
for the safe passage of the other vessel at a safe speed.
The alternation will be completed so that the other vessel is able
to take proper and effective action to avoid a collision.
When do I need a lookout?
All vessels are responsible for maintaining a proper lookout at all times.
This includes one-man crews
and recreational boats.
The term lookout implies watching and listening to be aware of what is happening around the vessel.
The emphasis is on performing the action,
not on the person.
What are the regulations concerning wake effects, wake damage, and responsibility?
Recreational vessels are required to operate in a prudent manner that does not endanger life, limb, or property.
There may also be state or local laws,
which specifically address weight for the waters in question.
The Nav Rules do not exonerate any vessel from the consequences of neglect,
which among other things could be unsafe speeds,
improper, lookout, or ignoring prescribed responsibilities under the Nav Rules.