143035_DBW Course_r3

Chapter 2 X Boating Law, Navigational Rules and Navigational Aids

Poor and Restricted Visibility Poor and restricted visibility may be caused by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, or even blowing sand or smoke. For all vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near and area of restricted visibility, the navigation rules require every vessel to slow to a minimum, safe speed according to the conditions present. You should navigate with extreme caution and take action to alter course in ample time to avoid collision. When underway in restricted visibility, you must sound a warning signal at least every two minutes. ƒ A powerboat should sound one prolonged blast every two minutes. ƒ A sailboat under sail should sound one prolonged blast, plus two short blasts, every two minutes.

TAKE NOTE

Use common sense, extra caution and boating skill when: f Visibility is poor because of fog, rain, bright sun or other reasons. f The operator of the oncoming boat is not following the standard rules of navigation or is operating the vessel recklessly.

f Operating your vessel in heavy traffic areas.

REVIEW QUESTIONS: NAVIGATIONAL RULES

Define the following terms: 1. Stand-on vessel

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2. Give-way vessel

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3. Danger signal

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Answer the following questions by circling T for true or F for false. 4. In a head-to-head meeting situation, one short blast indicates your intention to pass port to port . . . . T F 5. When approaching a blind bend or when operating under poor visibility, no special precautions need to be taken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T F Turn to page 100 for correct answers.

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California Course for Safe Boating