NASBLA Public Library

This brochure from the American Waterways Operators provides recreational boaters with practical safety guidance for operating safely around commercial vessels, including towboats, tugboats, barges, and ships. It explains the unique operating characteristics and limitations of commercial traffic, including stopping distance, blind spots, wheel wash, channel restrictions, towing configurations, and reduced maneuverability. The brochure also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a proper lookout, understanding navigation rules and whistle signals, monitoring VHF radio channels, wearing life jackets, and avoiding alcohol while boating.

Designed as a quick reference, the brochure offers practical recommendations for safely sharing the nation's inland and coastal waterways with commercial traffic. Topics include safely crossing navigation channels, avoiding bridges and locks, recognizing danger zones around large vessels, understanding line-of-sight limitations, and avoiding hazardous activities such as water skiing near tows. The publication serves as a concise educational resource for recreational boaters seeking to reduce collision risks and operate safely in areas used by commercial navigation.