1. Instructors: George Crowl
ORD-9
Ordinary
Navigation Rules
This and other plans are for Sea Scout and leaders to teach maritime and leadership skills. They are based on the 2010 Sea Scout Manual and requirements. Some lessons have an accompanying PowerPoint presentation. I consider PowerPoint an introduction the topic, to be followed by hands-on practice. Several lessons will not have PowerPoint, usually because it is my judgement that PowerPoint is not an appropriate aid to teaching that lesson. Lesson plans and presentations will be added and modified when ready.
Each plan and presentation has the rank, requirement number and short name. LP means lesson plan, PPT means PowerPoint. APP means Apprentice, the number is the number of the requirement. ORD = Ordinary. ABL = Able. QM = Quartermaster. There are a few miscellaneous items as well.
I created these lesson plans primarily for the Houston area Sea Scout Academy. However, I hope that they are also useful for other Sea Scout situations and venues. So, I expect everyone using the lesson plans to modify them to fit their audience and their style. There are also other resources in the DVD with the Sea Scout Manual, and on
I invite comments from those that use these lesson plans, so we can have continuous improvement. If you are aware of a better example, or a great illustration that is not in them, please send them to me for inclusion. Especially, if I miss applying a change from the Sea Scout Manual, Guide to Safe Scouting, or a Coast Guard publication, please contact me so we can keep these current and accurate.
You may contact me at or George Crowl; Skipper, Ship 1996; Sam Houston Area Council
This PowerPoint is provided for those who may not have appropriate training aids available in a ship or location. This generally follows a companion lesson plan available at I expect you to modify it to fit your situation and teaching style. I am more concerned that Scouts learn than this fit a specific style. I am, however, a fan of the Effective Teaching model. Teaching EDGE is somewhat simplistic in its approach, but that has some advantages.
Philosophy: Sea Scout Academy’s primary purpose is to teach the material to the Sea Scout. If the Sea Scout demonstrates mastery of parts of the subject, then the instructor should annotate on the class roster what has been passed, in the instructor’s opinion. Skippers have the right to re-examine any Sea Scout in any requirement. (Knots are not a good subject to give a pass in.)
Instructors: George Crowl

2. Course Outline (1)
a. Explain the purpose of Navigation Rules, International and Inland.
b. Know the general “Rule of Responsibility.”
c. Define stand-on and give-way vessels for the following situations: meeting, crossing, and overtaking for both power and sailing vessels.
d. Explain “Responsibility Between Vessels” (vessel priority).
Requirements: Navigation Rules
a. Explain the purpose of Navigation Rules, International and Inland.
b. Know the general “Rule of Responsibility.”
c. Define stand-on and give-way vessels for the following situations: meeting, crossing and overtaking for both power and sailing vessels.
d. Explain “Responsibility Between Vessels” (vessel priority).
e. Explain the navigation lights required for power-driven and sailing vessels underway. Explain what is required for a vessel under oars. Describe the lighting requirements for paddlecraft. Explain why carrying a sound producing device like a whistle is important when operating a paddlecraft.
f. Describe the sound signals for maneuvering, warning, and restricted visibility.
Reference: See "Navigation Rules" on page 157; “Rule 2—Responsibility” pp ; “Situations for Proper Maneuvering” pp ; “Rule 18— “Responsibility Between Vessels” p. 161; “Lights and Shapes” pp and 221; “Rule 34” and “Rule 35” pp
Equipment Required: Flashlights with red, green and white lenses may simulate a vessel at night. Any noisemaker may simulate a whistle or horn. There are hand-pump air horns that may be used, but are very loud and should be used outdoors.
Ratio: 1:6 Instructor:Student, youth make good assistants.

3. Course Outline (2)
e. Explain the navigation lights required for power- driven and sailing vessels underway. Explain what is required for a vessel under oars.
Describe the lighting requirements for paddlecraft. Explain why carrying a sound producing device like a whistle is important when operating a paddlecraft.
f. Explain the sound signals for maneuvering, warning, and restricted visibility.
Requirements: Navigation Rules
a. Explain the purpose of Navigation Rules, International and Inland.
b. Know the general “Rule of Responsibility.”
c. Define stand-on and give-way vessels for the following situations: meeting, crossing and overtaking for both power and sailing vessels.
d. Explain “Responsibility Between Vessels” (vessel priority).
e. Explain the navigation lights required for power-driven and sailing vessels underway. Explain what is required for a vessel under oars. Describe the lighting requirements for paddlecraft. Explain why carrying a sound producing device like a whistle is important when operating a paddlecraft.
f. Describe the sound signals for maneuvering, warning, and restricted visibility.
Reference: See "Navigation Rules" on page 157; “Rule 2—Responsibility” pp ; “Situations for Proper Maneuvering” pp ; “Rule 18—“Responsibility Between Vessels” p. 161; “Lights and Shapes” pp and 221; “Rule 34” and “Rule 35” pp
Equipment Required: Flashlights with red, green and white lenses may simulate a vessel at night. Any noisemaker may simulate a whistle or horn. There are hand-pump air horns that may be used, but are very loud and should be used outdoors.
Ratio: 1:6 Instructor:Student, youth make good assistants.

4. ORD-9a
Explain the purpose of Navigation Rules, International and Inland.
The Rules of the Road are like the traffic rules on our streets and highways. They provide a safe and effective way for vessels to maneuver on the water that has some preferred routes, but in many cases is just like a big empty parking lot with cars driving randomly across it. It is not a good place to play bumper cars. Inland and International Navigation Rules are very similar. The US Coast Guard publishes both on-line in one file at Most sections have no differences. The International rules were adopted in 1977, and are the basic document. These rules apply to vessels on the high seas and the waters connected to them that are navigable by seagoing vessels. If you are on a body of water that has an international port, you are subject to the International rules.

5. Purpose Traffic rules, as on a street or road
Traffic rules, as you never see in a large parking lot!
Published on-line by USCG. Google it.
International – basic document
Inland – American rules, side-by-side
Based on International rules
International applies outside the Demarcation Line (usually at the channel entrance offshore) A
The Rules of the Road are like the traffic rules on our streets and highways. They provide a safe and effective way for vessels to maneuver on the water that has some preferred routes, but in many cases is just like a big empty parking lot with cars driving randomly across it. It is not a good place to play bumper cars. Inland and International Navigation Rules are very similar. The US Coast Guard publishes both on-line in one file at Most sections have no differences. The International rules were adopted in 1977, and are the basic document. These rules apply to vessels on the high seas and the waters connected to them that are navigable by seagoing vessels. If you are on a body of water that has an international port, the Line of Demarcation, often where the offshore channel begins, is where the Inland Rules begin.

6. ORD-9b b. Know the general “Rule of Responsibility.”
The Rule of Responsibility says that masters are responsible for the safety of their vessels, and will take the necessary action to keep them safe. They may not hide behind the navigation rules if they could have taken action to avoid an accident. (Rule 2)
9b. Know the general “Rule of Responsibility.”
The Rule of Responsibility says that masters are responsible for the safety to their vessels, and will take the necessary action to keep them safe. They may not hide behind the navigation rules if they could have taken action to avoid an accident. (Rule 2)
The Rule of Responsibility says that masters are responsible for the safety of their vessels, and will take the necessary action to keep them safe. They may not hide behind the navigation rules if they could have taken action to avoid an accident. (Rule 2)

7. ORD-9c
c. Define stand-on and give-way vessels for the following situations: meeting,
crossing, and overtaking for both power and sailing vessels.
9c. Define stand-on and give-way vessels for the following situations: meeting, crossing and overtaking for both power and sailing vessels.
A stand-on vessel has the right of way, but must maintain its present course and speed when a risk of collision is possible. A give-way vessel must maneuver to avoid the stand-on vessel. Both vessels have a responsibility to take whatever action is needed to avoid a collision.
Vessels meeting bow-to-bow as in a channel pass port-to-port unless other signals are made.
Vessels crossing - the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way (give-way), and will pass aft of the stand-on vessel if possible.
The vessel overtaking another vessel is give-way, and the overtaken vessel is stand-on. Overtaking is defined as any point with a relative bearing of 112.5° through 247.5° of the overtaken vessel.
Sailing vessels have additional rules. If vessel one is on the port tack (wind on the port side, mainsail on the starboard side) and vessel two is on the starboard tack, vessel one is the give-way vessel.
If both sailing vessels are on the same tack, the windward vessel is give-way; the leeward vessel is stand-on. (Rules 11-18)

8. Stand-on / Give-way
Stand-on is “stand-on” but does not have the right of way
Must maintain course and speed if collision is possible
Give-way must maneuver to avoid stand-on vessel
Both vessels must maneuver to avoid collision (Rule 2)
A stand-on vessel has the right of way, but must maintain its present course and speed when a risk of collision is possible. A give-way vessel must maneuver to avoid the stand-on vessel. Both vessels have a responsibility to take whatever action is needed to avoid a collision.
A stand-on vessel is to “stand-on” but does not have the right of way. It must maintain its present course and speed when a risk of collision is possible. A give-way vessel must maneuver to avoid the stand-on vessel. Both vessels have a responsibility to take whatever action is needed to avoid a collision.

9. Vessels Meeting Pass port-to-port (“on the one” whistle)
Can signal for opposite (“on the two” whistle)
Vessels meeting bow-to-bow as in a channel pass port-to-port unless other signals are made.
Vessels meeting bow-to-bow as in a channel pass port-to-port unless other signals are made.

10. Vessels Crossing Vessel on your starboard side is stand-on
Bow to 112.5° right (green area)
You give way and pass to stern if possible
Vessel on your port side is give-way (red area)
Vessels crossing - the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way (give-way), and will pass aft of the stand-on vessel if possible.
Vessels crossing – the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way (give-way), and will pass aft of the stand-on vessel if possible.

11. Overtaking Vessels Overtaking vessel is give-way
Overtaking defined as relative bearing between ° and 247.5° (white area)
The vessel overtaking another vessel is give-way, and the overtaken vessel is stand-on. Overtaking is defined as any point with a relative bearing of 112.5° through 247.5° of the overtaken vessel.
The vessel overtaking another vessel is give-way, and the overtaken vessel is stand-on. Overtaking is defined as any point with a relative bearing of 112.5° through 247.5° of the overtaken vessel. .

12. Sailing Vessels (1) Port tack is give-way
Wind on port side, mainsail on starboard side
Sailing vessels have additional rules. If vessel one is on the port tack (wind on the port side, mainsail on the starboard side) and vessel two is on the starboard tack, vessel one is the give-way vessel.
Sailing vessels have additional rules. If vessel one is on the port tack (wind on the port side, mainsail on the starboard side) and vessel two is on the starboard tack, vessel one is the give-way vessel.

13. Sailing Vessels (2) Both on same tack, windward is give-way
If both sailing vessels are on the same tack, the windward vessel is give-way; the leeward vessel is stand-on.
If both sailing vessels are on the same tack, the windward vessel is give-way; the leeward vessel is stand-on. (Rules 11-18)

14. ORD-9d Explain “Responsibility Between Vessels” (vessel priority).
There is a priority system, where the vessels with the most ability to maneuver must give-way to vessels with lesser ability to maneuver. The list below is ranked from least ability to maneuver to most, so the vessels at the bottom of the list give-way to anything above them. (Rule 18)
Vessel not under command.
Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver.
Vessel constrained by draft.
Vessel engaged in fishing.
Sailing vessel.
Power-driven vessel.
Seaplane or ground effect vessel.

15. Vessel Priority Based on ability to maneuver Not under command
Restricted in ability to maneuver
Constrained by draft
Fishing (nets, commercial)
Sailing
Power
Seaplane
9d. Explain “Responsibility Between Vessels” (vessel priority).
There is a priority system, where the vessels with the most ability to maneuver must give-way to vessels with lesser ability to maneuver. The list below is ranked from least ability to maneuver to most, so the vessels at the bottom of the list give-way to anything above them. (Rule 18)
Vessel not under command.
Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver.
Vessel constrained by draft.
Vessel engaged in fishing.
Sailing vessel.
Power-driven vessel.
Seaplane or ground effect vessel.
There is a priority system, where the vessels with the most ability to maneuver must give-way to vessels with lesser ability to maneuver. The list below is ranked from least ability to maneuver to most, so the vessels at the bottom of the list give-way to anything above them. (Rule 18)
Vessel not under command.
Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver.
Vessel constrained by draft.
Vessel engaged in fishing/trawling.
Sailing vessel.
Power-driven vessel.
Seaplane or ground effect vessel.

16. ORD-9e
e. Explain the navigation lights required for power-driven and sailing vessels
underway. Explain what is required for a vessel under oars. Describe the lighting requirements for paddlecraft. Explain why carrying a sound pro-ducing device like a whistle is important when operating a paddlecraft.
9e. Explain the navigation lights required for power-driven and sailing vessels underway. Explain what is required for a vessel under oars. Describe the lighting requirements for paddlecraft. Explain why carrying a sound producing device like a whistle is important when operating a paddlecraft.
NOTE: The red and green navigation light and the white stern light are designed to complement the rules of the road. If you see a white stern light, you are overtaking. If you see a red or green light, you are crossing. If you see red and green, you are meeting.
Navigation lights are required from sunset to sunrise. Each vessel is normally required to carry a starboard green light visible from 0° to 112.5° relative bearing, a port red light from 247.5° to 360°, and an aft white light from 112.5° to 247.5°.
Power driven vessels display a white light on a mast visible from 247.5° to 112.5° relative bearing. This includes sailboats under power.
Power driven boats under 12 meters (39.6 ft) may display an all-around white light in place of the two white lights.
Sailboats under sail may display a green over red light at the top of the mast.
Sailboats under 20 meters (66 ft) may display a combination red, green, white light at the mast top.
Anchored vessels display one white light at the mast top. 50 meter vessels will have a lower light and 100 meter will have deck lights. (Rules 20-23, 25, 30) T

17. Navigation Lights Red, green and white Green – bow to 112.5° starboard
Red – bow to 112.5° port
White – relative bearing 112.5° to 247.5°
NOTE: The red and green navigation light and the white stern light are designed to complement the rules of the road. If you see a white stern light, you are overtaking. If you see a red or green light, you are crossing. If you see red and green, you are meeting.
Navigation lights are required from sunset to sunrise. Each vessel is normally required to carry a starboard green light visible from 0° to 112.5° relative bearing, a port red light from 247.5° to 360°, and an aft white light from 112.5° to 247.5°.
Power driven vessels display a white light on a mast visible from 247.5° to 112.5° relative bearing. This includes sailboats under power.
Power driven boats under 12 meters (39.6 ft) may display an all-around white light in place of the two white lights.
Sailboats under sail may display a green over red light at the top of the mast.
Sailboats under 20 meters (66 ft) may display a combination red, green, white light at the mast top.
Anchored vessels display one white light at the mast top. 50 meter vessels will have a lower light and 100 meter will have deck lights. (Rules 20-23, 25, 30)
NOTE: The red and green navigation light and the white stern light are designed to complement the rules of the road. If you see a white stern light, you are overtaking. If you see a red or green light, you are crossing. If you see red and green, you are meeting.
Navigation lights are required from sunset to sunrise. Each vessel is normally required to carry a starboard green light visible from 0° to 112.5° relative bearing, a port red light from 247.5° to 360°, and an aft white light from 112.5° to 247.5°.

18. Rules of the Road If you see a green light, you are stand-on
If you see a red light, you are give-way
If you see a white light, you are give-way
Red and green, pass port-to-port
Required sunset to sunrise
NOTE: The red and green navigation light and the white stern light are designed to complement the rules of the road. If you see a white stern light, you are overtaking. If you see a red or green light, you are crossing. If you see red and green, you are meeting.
Navigation lights are required from sunset to sunrise. Each vessel is normally required to carry a starboard green light visible from 0° to 112.5° relative bearing, a port red light from 247.5° to 360°, and an aft white light from 112.5° to 247.5°.

19. White Lights Power vessels – 225° mast light + stern light
Includes sailboats under power
Vessels less than 12 meters (39.6') may display one all-around light
Power driven vessels display a white light on a mast visible from 247.5° to 112.5° relative bearing. This includes sailboats under power.
Power driven boats under 12 meters (39.6 ft) may display an all-around white light in place of the two white lights.
Power driven vessels display a white light on a mast visible from 247.5° to 112.5° relative bearing. This includes sailboats under power.
Power driven boats under 12 meters (39.6 ft) may display an all-around white light in place of the two white lights.

20. Sailboat Lights Just red / green bow and white stern
Can add red over green at masthead
If <66 ft, can have red / green / white at masthead
Sailboats under sail may display a green over red light at the top of the mast.
Sailboats under 20 meters (66 ft) may display a combination red, green, white light at the mast top.
Sailboats under sail may display a green over red light at the top of the mast.
Sailboats under 20 meters (66 ft) may display a combination red, green, white light at the mast top.

21. Anchor Light Display one all-around white light at mast top
Big boats have more requirements
Anchored vessels display one white light at the mast top. 50 meter vessels will have a lower light and 100 meter will have deck lights. (Rules 20-23, 25, 30)
Anchored vessels display one white light at the mast top. 50 meter vessels will have a lower light and 100 meter will have deck lights. (Rules 20-23, 25, 30)

22. Vessel Under Oars (Paddles, etc.)
Includes sailboats under 7 meters (23 ft)
Display normal lighting if practical
If not, may use an electric torch or lantern
Displayed in time to avoid any collision
A sailing vessel of less than seven meters in length or a vessel under oars shall, if practical, exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph a) or b) of this rule, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision. [A paddlecraft is considered a vessel under oars, so should display an all-around light or have an electric torch (flashlight) at hand.]
A sailing vessel of less than seven meters in length or a vessel under oars shall, if practical, exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph a) or b) of this rule, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision. [A paddlecraft is considered a vessel under oars, so should display an all-around light or have an electric torch (flashlight) at hand.]

23. Paddlecraft Whistle Paddlecraft are small They sit low in the water
They may be hard to see
It is important to carry a loud whistle to let other vessels know you may be in their path
Avoid collisions!
Paddlecraft, even if they have the right of way, will come off the loser
Paddlecraft are small and sit low in the water. It might be easy for a larger craft to miss them and potentially come into collision. The paddlecraft operator should carry a loud whistle that can get the attention of the other boat operators to prevent collisions.
Paddlecraft are small and sit low in the water. It might be easy for a larger craft to miss them and potentially come into collision. The paddlecraft operator should carry a loud whistle that can get the attention of the other boat operators to prevent collisions.

24. ORD-9f
f. Describe the sound signals for maneuvering, warning, and restricted visibility.
9f. Describe the sound signals for maneuvering, warning, and restricted visibility.
Vessels under 20 meters shall have a whistle or horn audible for ½ mile. Smaller boats can buy “canned air” horns, some of which are rechargeable. A short blast is one second. A prolonged blast is four to six seconds. (Rules 32-37)
One short blast says “I am altering my course to starboard.” This is for a meeting, crossing, and Inland overtaking. International overtaking is two prolonged blasts and a short blast.
Two short blasts say “I am altering my course to port” under the same circumstances as above. International overtaking on the port is two long blasts and two short blasts.
Three short blasts say “I am operating astern propulsion.”
Five short blasts say “Danger.”
Inland, radiotelephone contact may substitute for whistle signals. “I’ll see you on the one” means that the vessels will pass port-to-port in the channel.

25. Requirements
Vessels under 20 meters (66 ft) – horn or whistle that can be heard for ½ mile.
Small boats can buy “canned air.” Some are rechargeable.
Short blast is one second ( - )
Long blast is 4-6 seconds ( —— )
Vessels under 20 meters shall have a whistle or horn audible for ½ mile. Smaller boats can buy “canned air” horns, some of which are rechargeable. A short blast is one second. A prolonged blast is four to six seconds. (Rules 32-37)
Vessels under 20 meters shall have a whistle or horn audible for ½ mile. Smaller boats can buy “canned air” horns, some of which are rechargeable. A short blast is one second. A prolonged blast is four to six seconds. (Rules 32-37)

26. Maneuvering Signals One short blast ( - ): altering to starboard
Two short blasts ( - - ): altering to port
Three short blasts ( ): astern propulsion
One short blast says “I am altering my course to starboard.” This is for a meeting, crossing, and Inland overtaking. International overtaking is two prolonged blasts and a short blast.
Two short blasts say “I am altering my course to port” under the same circumstances as above. International overtaking on the port is two long blasts and two short blasts.
Three short blasts say “I am operating astern propulsion.”
Inland, radiotelephone contact may substitute for whistle signals. “I’ll see you on the one” means that the vessels will pass port-to-port in the channel.
One short blast says “I am altering my course to starboard.” This is for a meeting, crossing, and Inland overtaking. International overtaking is two prolonged blasts and a short blast.
Two short blasts say “I am altering my course to port” under the same circumstances as above. International overtaking on the port is two long blasts and two short blasts.
Three short blasts say “I am operating astern propulsion.”
Five short blasts say “Danger.”
Inland, radiotelephone contact may substitute for whistle signals. “I’ll see you on the one” means that the vessels will pass port-to-port in the channel.

27. Warning Signal Five short blasts ( - - - - - ) signals danger.
You are about to get run over, or run over someone.
They are often bigger than you are!
Five short blasts say “Danger.”

28. Restricted Visibility (1)
Sound Signals
Restricted Visibility (1)
All vessels must sound signals every two minutes
May sound no other signal
May not sound passing signals until within sight
Rule 35—Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
All vessels in or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or by night, must sound fog signals at intervals of not more than two minutes. They may sound no other signal. Whistle signals for passing may not be sounded until vessels are within sight of each other. A prolonged blast is four to six seconds in duration. A short blast is about one second.
The fog signals are as follows:
• Power-driven vessels making way, one prolonged blast
• Power-driven vessels underway but stopped and making no way, two prolonged blasts with an interval of about two seconds between them
• A vessel not under command; a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, whether underway or at anchor; a sailing vessel; a vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor; and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel, one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts
• A vessel towed (if manned), one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts.

29. Restricted Visibility (2)
Sound Signals
Restricted Visibility (2)
Power vessels making way – one long ( —— )
Power vessels making no way – ( —— —— )
Not under command, restricted maneuver, sailing, fishing, towing – (—— - - )
Towed vessel – ( —— )
Bell
Vessel at anchor – rapid 5 seconds ( —— )
Vessel aground – ( —— )
• The fog signals are as follows:
• Power-driven vessels making way, one prolonged blast
• Power-driven vessels underway but stopped and making no way, two prolonged blasts with an interval of about two seconds between them
• A vessel not under command; a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, whether underway or at anchor; a sailing vessel; a vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor; and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel, one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts
• A vessel towed (if manned), one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts. When practical, this signal shall be made immediately after the signal made by the towing vessel.
• A vessel at anchor, bell rung rapidly for five seconds
• A vessel aground, bell rung rapidly for five seconds with three separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and after the rapid ringing of the bell
Rule 35—Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
All vessels in or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or by night, must
sound fog signals at intervals of not more than two minutes. They may sound no other
signal. Whistle signals for passing may not be sounded until vessels are within sight of
each other. A prolonged blast is four to six seconds in duration. A short blast is about
one second.
The fog signals are as follows:
• Power-driven vessels making way, one prolonged blast
• Power-driven vessels underway but stopped and making no way, two prolonged
blasts with an interval of about two seconds between them
• A vessel not under command; a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver,
whether underway or at anchor; a sailing vessel; a vessel engaged in fishing,
whether underway or at anchor; and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing
another vessel, one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts
• A vessel towed (if manned), one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts.
When practical, this signal shall be made immediately after the signal made by the
towing vessel.
• A vessel at anchor, bell rung rapidly for five seconds
• A vessel aground, bell rung rapidly for five seconds with three separate and distinct

30. Questions? R