BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada
Module 05 - Navigation & Right-of-way Rules
Less Manoeuverable Vessels
Less manoeuvrable vessels
When operating in the vicinity of large commercial vessels, remember that these vessels have limited visibility, turning and stopping capabilities.
The Collision Regulations require that all smaller pleasure craft less than 20 m in length (including sailboats) must give right-of-way to larger, less manoeuvrable vessels. This is one of a few instances in which a powered vessel has the right-of-way over non-powered vessels.
Large vessels, those towing a barge, and those engaged in fishing activities with nets and trawls, always have the right-of-way and are considered to be the stand-on craft. Pleasure powerboats and sailboats must take early and substantial action to stay well clear of these types of vessels.
Remember
The Collision Regulations require that pleasure sailing craft and those power-driven vessels less than 20 m in length shall not hinder the passage of power-driven vessels which can safely navigate only in a narrow channel or those craft that are navigating in a traffic lane.
