The Navigation Rules are much like the rules of the road on the highway. They establish a consistent way to navigate safely and avoid collisions when two boats are crossing paths, are on course to meet head-on, or when one boat wishes to overtake another.

To download a copy of the U.S. Coast Guard's Navigation Rules, click on http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/navrules.htm.