What should boaters know about "Crossing" situations?

In crossing situations, the vessel on the right has the right of way. This rule is based on the general navigation conventions aimed at preventing collisions on the water. When two vessels are approaching each other at right angles, the vessel on the left must yield to the vessel on the right. This convention helps establish predictability in the movements of vessels and allows captains to make safe decisions about who should take action to avoid a collision.

Boaters need to understand this principle to navigate safely and responsibly. It applies universally among different types of vessels, ensuring that everyone is aware of which party should give way in a crossing situation. This understanding helps maintain order and safety on the waterways, as it reduces the potential for accidents by providing clear rules of precedence in various scenarios.