Summer Safety Series: Sharing the River
As the last precious days of summer wind down and boaters flock to the Snake River, it’s wise to know the
“rules of the road” for safely sharing the water.
The Washington State Boaters Handbook provides the following rules for encountering other vessels:
- “If operating a power-driven vessel, you must give way to:
- Any vessel not under command, such as an anchored or disabled vessel
- Any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, such as a vessel towing another or laying cable, or a vessel constrained by its draft, such as a large ship in a channel or shipping lane
- A vessel engaged in commercial fishing
- A sailboat under sail unless it is overtaking
- If operating a vessel under sail, you must give way to:
- Any vessel not under command
- Any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver
- A vessel engaged in commercial fishing”
When it comes to sharing the water with non-motorized vessels, such as kayaks, the handbook offers the following:
- “Keep a careful watch. Most non-motorized vessels sit low in the water. This makes them difficult to see. Be especially vigilant when the sun is near the horizon, at twilight, in foggy conditions, and when your bow is raised due to acceleration or speed.
- Keep your distance when passing. If you must pass close by, close down. The wake from larger vessels can cause a non-motorized vessel to capsize.
- Know that non-motorized vessels move slower. These vessels may not be able to move fast enough to avoid the effect of a passing boat’s wake. Always give non-motorized vessels plenty of room and time to avoid your vessel and its wake.”
The Port encourages you to safely enjoy this summer on the Snake! For more information on boater safety, please check with the Boating Program of Washington State Parks.
