Boat Responsibly:

Large vessels must navigate within the channel.

By law, small vessels must give ships and barges room to safely pass. Maximum fine: $5,000
Keep a good lookout at all times. If you have to move take your anchor with you. They can foul
propellers.
Tow operators may have difficulty seeing over barges. Keep well clear.
Five or more short blasts on the large vessel’s horn is the danger signal. Boats in the way must
move immediately.
Avoid joining hog lines that protrude out into the channel.
Large vessels need room to maneuver. Keep well clear when they are turning.
Contact large vessels on marine VHF radio channels 13 and 16.
Red Bouy (Nun) marks the
Range Markers barges & ships align to
right side of the channel
these to locate the center of the channel
when heading upriver

KEEP CLEAR OF TURNING BARGES

Depending on current, wind and other factors they
may need additional area.
Barges & ships may need the full width of the channel
to manuver or pass.
Green Bouy (Can) marks the
ARE YOU left side of the channel when
KEEPING A heading upriver
PROPER
LOOKOUT? ARE YOU IN THE
CHANNEL?

ARE YOU
PREPARED TO
HOG LINE
MOVE CLEAR
OF LARGE REMEMBER
VESSELS? ...Vessels restricted to the channel have the
right-of-way. It’s the law.