Page 20 - Experience Oregon Boating Handbook

Crossing Situations: More rules of the road:

When two powerboats are crossing, the boat to • For personal watercraft operation roles, see page 46.
starboard (right) is the stand-on boat. It must hold • Powerboats must keep out of the way of less
course and speed. The give-way boat yields and passes
behind the stand on boat. maneuverable boats such as sailboats, row boats
and other paddle craft, except in an overtaking
1 short blast Danger Zone 1 short blast situation.
(1 sec.) 10 points, 112.5ϒ (1 sec.) • Boats must not impede deep draft vessel traffic in
narrow channels. Deep draft vessels are limited
Give-Way Stand-On in maneuverability and to navigating within the
Vessel Vessel channel.

Overtaking: Proper lookout

A boat being overtaken is the stand on boat. It Boat operators should be experienced enough to
must hold course and speed. The passing boat recognize lights, waterway markers and boats as well
must keep a sufficient distance to avoid collision or as other hazards, and maintain a proper lookout for
endangering the other boat with its wake. danger at all times. A common cause of accidents
(collisions) is the lack of a proper lookout. Operators
2 short blasts Stand-On 1 short blast can be fined if they are involved in an accident.
(1 sec.) Vessel (1 sec.)
Safe speed
Overtaken
Boat operators must maintain a safe speed at
2 short blasts Give-Way 1 short blast all times to avoid collision. Safe speed takes into
(1 sec.) Vessel (1 sec.) consideration such factors as visibility, traffic, weather
conditions and vessel maneuverability.
Overtaking
Anchoring
Meeting Head-On or Nearly So:
Each year improper anchoring results in lost boats
When two or more powerboats approach each other and fatalities, especially on Oregon’s swift rivers.
“head-on,”each must alter course to the right, to avoid Carefully follow these procedures to ensure your
collision. If the two boats are far to the left of each safety:
other, no change in course is necessary. Five or more • Use anchor line 7 to 10 times the depth of the
rapid blasts indicate DANGER.
water.
1 short blast (1 sec.) 1 short blast • Always secure anchor line to the bow -never the
(1 sec.)
stern or sides, which may cause the boat to capsize
1 short blast (1 sec.) 1 short blast or submerge.
(1 sec.) • Bring the bow into the wind or current; put the
engine in neutral.
2 short blasts (1 sec.) • Make sure arms, legs, hands and feet are clear of the
line before lowering the anchor.
2 short blasts (1 sec.) • Lower the anchor over the bow (do not toss or
throw it).
Commercial Ships: Anchoring in a position that obstructs the passage
ordinarily used by other boats is against the law.
Boaters must remain well clear of large commercial
vessels that can only navigate within a channel. On rivers Emergency Procedures
such as the Columbia, where large commercial traffic is
constant and steady, it is illegal to anchor in the navigation (Caution: these procedures may not apply in all
channel. Doing so causes great distress to commercial situations.)
pilots who are unable to stop to avoid collision.
Capsizing
36
If your boat swamps, DON’T
PANIC.
1. You should already be wearing

a life jacket. If not, grab any
object that floats to keep your
head above the water.
2. Stay with the boat (on narrow,
swift moving rivers, remain up
river of the boat). You will be
more easily located by a search plane or boat. Do not
swim for shore unless there is absolutely no chance of
rescue and you are certain you can make it.