A good boater wouldn't dream of piloting his or her craft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He or she always makes sure there is a life jacket on board for every passenger, and has children wear them at all times, even when the boat is not under way. Boating at night requires special consideration. Lights on boats let other boaters know at a glance you're there. As a basic rule, when boats are approaching each other on a straight course, they pass to the port side of each other, keeping to the right of the oncoming boat s red light.
Common sense is the basis for most of the rules of the water.
For example, sailboats under sail generally have the right of way, because they can't maneuver as quickly as a motor boat. A wise pilot realizes that the same is true of barges, and keeps well out of their way. The barge pilot's blind spot can extend for hundreds of feet in front of the vessel, and once the barge is lined up and committed to a lock, it is almost impossible to stop. A barge can create turbulence hundreds of yards behind itself, so your best bet is to simply give them a wide berth. Ships, tugboats, and towboats use VHF radio channels 13 and 16.