2007 California Harbors and Navigation Code Article 1. Navigation Rules

CA Codes (hnc:280-285)

280.  The provisions of this article in addition to the provisions
of other parts of this code which relate to navigation shall be
observed by vessels when they meet.



281.  Whenever any vessel, whether a steam vessel or sailing vessel,
proceeding in one direction, meets another vessel, whether a steam
vessel or sailing vessel, proceeding in the opposite direction, so
that if both were to continue their respective courses they would
pass so near as to involve the risk of a collision, each shall give
right rudder, so as to pass on the port side of each other.  This
rule applies to all steam vessels and all sailing vessels whether on
the port or starboard tack, and whether close-hauled or not, except
where the circumstances of the case are such as to render a departure
from the rule necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.  It is
subject to a due regard to the dangers of navigation, and, as regards
sailing vessels on the starboard tack close-hauled, it is subject
also to the keeping of such sailing vessels under command.



282.  Sailing vessels, having the wind fair, shall give way to those
on a wind.  When both are going by the wind, the vessel on the
starboard tack shall keep its wind, and the one on the port tack
shall bear up strongly, so as to pass each other on the port side.
When both vessels which have the wind large or abeam meet, they shall
pass each other in the same way on the port side.  To effect the two
last-mentioned movements each shall give right rudder.  Steam
vessels shall be regarded as vessels navigating with a fair wind, and
shall give way to sailing vessels on a wind of either tack.



283.  A steam vessel navigating a narrow channel shall, whenever it
is safe and practicable, keep to that side of the fairway or
mid-channel which lies on its starboard side, and a steam vessel when
passing another in such a channel, shall always leave the other upon
the port side.



284.  When steam vessels will inevitably or necessarily cross so
near that by continuing their respective courses, there would be a
risk of collision, each shall give right rudder, so as always to pass
on the port side of the other.


285.  The rules of this article do not apply to any case for which a
different rule is provided by the regulations concerning lights upon
steam vessels, or for the government of pilots of steam vessels
approaching each other within the sound of the steam-whistle or other
audible signal, prescribed by or under authority of the laws of the
United States.