Navigation Rules in California

In Division 2, Chapter 3, Article 1 of the California Harbors and Navigation Code, there are navigation rules. Section 280 provides that the provisions of this article are in addition to the provisions of other parts of this code which relate to navigation and they must be observed by vessels when they meet.

Section 281 states that, whenever any vessel proceeding in one direction meets another 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 vessel is required to 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.

Section 282 provides that sailing vessels that have the wind fair are required to give way to those on a wind. When both are going by the wind, the vessel on the starboard tack is required to keep its wind, and the one on the port tack must 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 are to pass each other in the same way on the port side.

Section 283 requires a steam vessel navigating a narrow channel, whenever it is safe and practicable, to 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, must always leave the other upon the port side.

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

Section 285 states that 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.