§ 103.7. Narrow channels.
(a) A boat proceeding along the course of a narrow channel shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel which lies on its starboard—right—side as is safe and practicable.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), a power-driven boat operating in narrow channels on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers or waters specified by the Commission or Executive Director and proceeding downbound with a following current, shall have the right-of-way over an upbound boat. The boat proceeding upbound against the current shall hold as necessary to permit safe passing.
(c) A boat of less than 20 meters (39.4 feet) in length, or a sailing boat, may not impede the passage of a boat that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel.
(d) A boat may not cross a narrow channel if the crossing impedes the passage of a boat which can safely navigate only within that channel.
(e) A boat shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.
(f) A boat nearing a bend on an area of a narrow channel where other boats may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution.
(g) A boat engaged in fishing may not impede the passage of another boat navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.
(h) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking, a boat intending to overtake shall indicate its intention by sounding the appropriate signal and take steps to permit safe passage. The overtaken boat, if in agreement, shall sound the same signal. If in doubt it shall sound the prescribed danger signal. This subsection does not relieve the overtaking boat of its obligation under § 103.9 (relating to overtaking).
Source The provisions of this § 103.7 amended June 3, 1994, effective June 4, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 2795. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (180363).
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