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1. (1) The water traffic "Rules of the Road" in the State of Alabama shall be as follows:

   1. (a) Vessels passing head-on shall keep to the right.
   2. (b) Vessels overtaking another vessel may do so on either side, but must grant the right-of-way to the vessel being overtaken.
   3. (c) When vessels are passing at right angles, the vessel on the left will yield right-of-way to vessel on the right.

   4. (d) Motor boats shall yield right-of-way to non-motor powered boats except as follows:

      1. 1. When being overtaken by non-powered vessels.
      2. 2. For deep draft vessels that have to remain in narrow channels.
      3. 3. When vessel is towing another vessel.
   5. (e) Motor boats must maintain a direct course when passing sail boats.
   6. (f) Any vessel approaching a landing dock or pier shall yield the right-of-way to any departing vessel.
   7. (g) Any vessel departing shoreline or tributary shall yield right-of-way to through traffic and vessels approaching shoreline or tributary.
   8. (h) Vessels will not abruptly change course without first determining that it can be safely done without risk of collision with another vessel.
   9. (i) If an operator fails to fully understand course of an approaching vessel he must slow down immediately to a speed barely sufficient for steerageway until the other vessel has passed.
   10. (j) Vessels yielding right-of-way shall reduce speed, stop, reverse, or alter course to avoid collision. Vessel with right-of-way shall hold course and speed. If there is danger of collision, all vessels will slow down, stop, or reverse until danger is averted.
   11. (k) Vessels will issue warning signals in fog or inclement weather.
   12. (l) No mechanically propelled vessel shall be operated in a circular course around any other vessel or any person swimming.
   13. (m) In narrow channel, vessels will keep to the right of mid-channel.
   14. (n) Vessels approaching or passing another vessel shall be operated in such manner and at such rate of speed as will not create a hazardous wash or wake.
   15. (o) No vessel shall obstruct or interfere with take-off, landing, or taxiing of aircraft.
   16. (p) All vessels shall be operated at reasonable speeds for given situations and must be under the complete control of the operator at all times.
   17. (q) No vessel or person shall obstruct or block navigation channel, entrance to channel, mooring slip, landing dock, launching ramp, pier or tributary.
   18. (r) Vessels shall keep at least 30.5 meters (100 feet) clearance of displayed diver's flag.
   19. (s) Operator must maintain a proper lookout.
2. (2) Rule 220-6-.07, as previously promulgated, is hereby expressly repealed in its entirety.

Author: James D. Martin

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §33-5-62; §15 of Act No. 94-652 (Regular Session, 1994).

Penalty: As provided by §15 of Act No. 94-652 (Regular Session, 1994) and §33-5-62, Code of Ala. 1975.

History: Filed May 9, 1991. Repealed and Replaced: Filed June 27, 1995; effective August 2, 1995.