BOAT HANDLING
Two boats crossing
Normally boats must cross port to port but a downstream
boat always has priority over an upstream boat. When the
waterway is wide enough, boats going downstream stay in
the middle and upstream boats move to the left or the right.
If
p
r
If
s
On the Continent, the skipper of a commercial barge going
upstream who wishes to stay on the right bank and cross
starboard to starboard will display on his starboard side
during the day, a blue flag;
during the night, a white flashing light.
B
I
w
Overtaking
You can overtake a boat in front of you on the port or
starboard side as long as the manoeuvre presents no
danger. On a narrow waterway, it is usual to pass on the
port side. The boat being overtaken should slow down and,
if necessary, go aside to leave room for the overtaking boat.
If the waterway is wide and the manoeuvre presents
no great problem, you do not need to announce your
intentions. If the channel is narrow and you would like the
boat being overtaken to go to one side, you should use the
horn signals provided for in the navigation rules
I want to overtake on your starboard side.
I want to overtake on your port side.
26
N
N
o