BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

When power-driven boats approach each other head-on, neither boat has the right-of-way.

Both operators must take early action to steer clear of each other, by steering to starboard (to the right) as soon as possible to avoid a collision.

Overtaking

Boat operators who are overtaking another boat from behind are considered to be the “give-way craft” and do NOT have the right of way. In this scenario, the give-way craft must pass at a safe distance from the boat they are overtaking, and should pass on the right-hand (starboard) side, whenever possible.

Operators who are overtaking another boat must take early action to keep clear of the boat they are passing, by altering their speed, and direction.