• A simplified, yet complete Celestial Navigation system. Includes everything you need: sextant use and corrections, starfinder for 18 stars, data entry form, and step-by-step sight reduction and plotting procedures.
• May be scored and separated; large portion fits in the sextant case for quick reference, and small part acts as a waterproof data reduction card.
• Measures 8½ × 11 inches (22 × 28 cm).

• Shows the use of wind direction, barometric pressure, and cloud type in predicting the weather, plus a full list of radio weather stations for official broadcasts, key information on storm warnings, hurricane avoidance, navigating in fog and other hazardous conditions, and more.
• Weatherproof high-strength plastic, full color both sides. Punched for binder or bulkhead mounting. Dimensions: 8.5″ x 11″ (216 x 279 mm).

• Covers all the basic procedures and equipment. Includes predeparture checklist, recommended equipment & spare parts, fueling procedures, engine troubleshooting, radio use, trailering, launching, anchoring, knot tying, water-skiing hand signals.
• Gives rules of the U.S. Buoyage System and right-of-way. Helps in emergencies by covering distress signals, fire procedures, towing, weather warnings, and first aid (hypothermia & CPR).

• A comprehensive guide incorporating the International Maritime Buoyage System and COLREGS.
• Clarifies differences between Cardinal and Lateral buoyage systems and buoyage regions, key to reducing confusion and danger when entering unfamiliar waters or busy harbors. Complete details on right-of-way, sound signals, entering and clearing a foreign port, lights and day shapes, collision prevention procedures and signal flags.
• Measures 8½ × 11 inches (22 × 28 cm).

• All the piloting information you need at your fingertips: dead reckoning basics, true and magnetic compass relationships, position finding, estimating distance off, current and leeway corrections.
• Measures 8½ × 11 inches (22 × 28 cm).

• A proven navigation tools used by the US Coast Guard, US Coast Guard Auxiliary and US Power Squadron. Navigation Rules feature US. Buoyage System, inland and international rules, right-of-way, lights, sound signals and bridge signals.
• Measures 8½ × 11 inches (22 × 28 cm).

What Are the Navigation Rules?

The navigation rules are designed to help avoid a collision at sea. The information contained on the Navigation Rules Card is that which is considered critical to safe passage for all vessels. There are 72 rules in all that were developed by the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO), which was later renamed to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The rules of navigation are similar to the rules of the road when driving a car. They are meant to provide consistency so everyone can work to help avoid a collision. There are many nuances to the rules that must be understood before operating a craft. The most important rule is known as “Rule 7,” which addresses what to do when the risk of collision is present. Determining whether a risk of collision exists is key: the prevailing weather and circumstances can be used to determine if a risk is present. If in doubt, it is always suggested that you act as if the risk is present. Knowing these rules is the first step to the safe operation of your vessel.

What is the Most Important Navigation Rule?

Three rules are considered the most important to help prevent collisions. The first is that at a bare minimum, you should have a proper lookout. The second is that you should always operate your vessel at a safe speed. The third is that you should always give right-of-way when in doubt.

It is always suggested that you follow these rules, but if a collision is imminent, it is acceptable to break them if it means avoiding an accident. Safety and protecting human lives should always come first. You should also use a compass to check the bearing of any neighboring vessel. This means checking them frequently because they can change bearings, and you must be continually vigilant. You should also be able to recognize when you are the stand-on or give-way vessel. It is always the duty of the give-way vessel to avoid a collision.