As owner and president of American Boat Captains, LLC, I am often asked to lecture on the USCG Navigation Rules, better known as the "Rules of the Road". With that in mind, we have created this blog to provide the recreational boater with a more clear understanding of those rules and to offer a forum to discuss the rules and responsibilites of each boater while underway.

During each and every lecture, I can be assured that someone will ask a variation of the following question: I am a weekend boater, not a professional or a commercial captain. I take my friends and family out for a boat ride...nothing more. Am I required to follow these rules too?

The answer is a resounding...YES! 

First, let's be very clear...under the International Rules, Part A - General, Rule #1 states that "These Rules shall apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels."

The same section of the Inland Rules states that "These Rules  apply to all vessels upon the inland waters of the United States, and to vessels of the United States on the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes to the extent that there is no conflict with Canadian law."  

The key words in each of these rules are "all vessels". Both sets of Rules define the word "vessel" as follows: "The word "vessel" includes every description of water craft, including nondisplacement craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water."

So, what does that mean to me? If you own a power boat or sail boat, you own a vessel. If you own a raft or a canoe, you own a vessel. If you own and operate any description of water craft that is used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water...you own a vessel and therefore...you are responsibile to know and follow the Rules of the Road.

My advice to each and every boater is to buy and read a copy of the USCG Navigation Rules. For those of you who own a vessel of 39.4 feet or greater...you are required under USCG regulations to keep a copy on board.

In closing, I hope this information has been helpful. I will be discussing both Rule #2 and #3 in our next blog. Please send us any questions or comments you may have and should you be looking for a great web site for boating equipment, supplies, and accessories please visit our on-line store at www.AmericanMarineSupply.com

Respectfully,

Charles Morris

President and USCG Licensed Master - American Boat Captains, LLC