• The Rules of the Road
  • Important Definitions
  • Required Sound Signaling Equipment
  • Sounding Off - When and How to Use Sound Signals
  • The Rule of Responsibility
  • Proper Lookout
  • Safe Speed
  • Rules for Avoiding Collisions
  • Overtaking a Power-Driven Vessel
  • Approaching a Power-Driven Vessel Head On
  • Approaching a Power-Driven Vessel From the Side
  • Approaching a Sailing Vessel
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  • Operating in Heavy Traffic
  • Operating in Narrow Channels
  • Operating in Darkness - Part 1
  • Operating in Darkness - Part 2
  • Operating in Restricted Visibility
  • Visual Distress Signals
  • Marine Distress Signals - Anytime Use
  • Marine Distress Signals - Daytime Use
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  • Pyrotechnic Equipment Storage and Handling
  • Number of Required Visual Distress Signals
  • Aids to Navigation
  • Uniform State Waterways Marking System - Part 1
  • Uniform State Waterways Marking System - Part 2
  • Intracoastal Waterway Markers
  • Western Rivers Markers
  • Docking and Mooring
  • Anchoring - Part 1
  • Anchoring - Part 2
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Uniform State Waterways Marking System - Part 2

Obstruction marker with black and white vertical lines.

Obstruction Marker

Indicates an obstruction to navigation. Do not pass between this marker and the shoreline.


Mooring markers with a blue horizontal bands.

Mooring Marker

Used for mooring or securing vessels; be aware that a vessel may be secured to such a marker. This is the only marker that a boat can legally be tied to.


Red and white safe water bouy with a DOWNSTREAM arrow on the left, and a red and white safe water bouy with an UPSTREAM arrow on the right.

Safe Water Marker

Indicates safe water. This marker is used to indicate land falls, channel entrances, or channel centers. It may be passed on either side.


Diving Marker

A diving marker or flag indicates diving activity in the area. Particular care must be taken when boating in waters where there are divers. A vessel engaged in diving must display a blue and white flag. A red and white flag carried on a buoy is used to mark areas where diving is in progress, although divers may stray from the boundaries of the marked areas. As a general rule, stay at least 150 feet from any diving flag or activity. Consult your state boating requirements for state-specific diving requirements.

Cross-section showing a diving marker, a diver, and a boat with a blue and white flag.

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