RULES OF THE ROAD

The “rules of the road” for Canada’s waterways help everyone avoid collisions on the water by setting out what every boater should do to avoid hitting or being hit by another vessel.

Some Basic Rules:

1. Power boats give way to sailboats and paddle
2. Sailboats give way to paddle craft
3. Sailboats under power are considered power boats and give way accordingly.

1. PORT If a power-driven vessel approaches within this sector, maintain your course and speed with caution.

2. STARBOARD If a power-driven vessel approaches within this sector, take early and substantial action to avoid a collision by passing behind the approaching boat.

3. STERN If any vessel approaches this sector, maintain your course and speed with caution.

A blows one blast and alters course to starboard.
B blows one blast and alters course to starboard.

A keeps clear of and must avoid crossing ahead of
B.

Any vessel overtaking another must keep clear.

A power-driven vessel keeps clear of
B sailing vessel.

A keeps clear of
B

B keeps clear of
D

C keeps clear of
A and
B

D keeps clear of
A and
C

Keeping constant watch for others on the water is common sense and the law. If you are sharing the water with large vessels, remember that it is harder for them to see you or change their route to avoid you. It also takes them longer to stop.

These are all good reasons to be ready to move out of their way. The safest practice is to always be mindful when operating in shipping lanes and steer clear of tugs, vessels under tow, actively fishing, adrift or at anchor.

Sailboats under power are considered power boats and give way accordingly.

When each sailing vessel has the wind on a different side.

A has the wind on its port (left) side and must keep clear of
B.

If a sailing vessel has the wind on its port side and the operator is not sure if the other vessel has the wind on its port or starboard (right) side, the first boat must keep out of the way of the other.

When both sailing vessels have the wind on the same side.

B to windward* must keep clear of
A to leeward.

*The windward side is opposite to the side that carries the mainsail or, in the case of a square-rigged vessel, the side opposite to the side that carries the largest fore and aft sail.