ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, February 23, 1997 TAG: 9702210099
SECTION: BOAT SHOW PAGE: 7 EDITION: METRO
1. Stay to the right. Do not cut across traffic channels in narrow areas into oncoming traffic.
2. Slower boats stay right, let faster traffic pass to the left, particularly in narrow channels with heavy traffic.
3. The boat approaching from your right always has the right-of-way, even when entering the main channel from a cove
4. Sailboats have the right-of-way when under sail. Consider your wake.
5. Boats being overtaken have the right-of-way. When passing, give the slower boat as much space as possible, and consider your wake.
6. In traffic, proceed at no-wake speed or fully on plane to give others proper consideration.
7. When entering the main channel from a cove, time your entry and speed as to not interrupt the flow of traffic and create a hazard, even if you have the right-of-way.
8. Always have your passengers sit safely while under way. Do not let them ride on sun pads or the extreme front of the vessel any time the boat is moving.
9. Do not pull skiers or water toys in main traffic channels when any traffic is present. This is a serious hazard to your passengers and other boaters.
10. PWC operators, do not jump wakes without the permission of the boat operator and never in traffic channels where you can't see oncoming or overtaking traffic and it can not see you. A power boat may not be able to avoid you if you fall.
11. Power boaters, do not let PWCs jump your wake in traffic areas. Stop if necessary to prevent it.
12. Adjust your speed and distance when overtaking a slower boat to be able to avoid a collision should the slower boat stop or turn suddenly. Slower boats should hold course until passing traffic has cleared their area.
13. Do not operate a boat or PWC close to swimmers or downed skiers.
14. PWC operators, consider other boaters and property owners. Do not operate your watercraft close to or consistently near any one boat or property.
15. When operating near moored boats, consider the hazard your wake creates. A no-wake zone means idle speed, even on a PWC.
16. Never spin your PWC or operate it in any manner that could cause you or your passenger to fall off into boat traffic.
LENGTH: Short : 49 linesby CNB