§ 284 Vessel Collision Avoidance Rules

Harbors and Navigation Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This rule says that when two steam boats are about to get too close and might crash, each one must steer to let the other pass on its left side.

Key Takeaways

•If two steam vessels are about to collide, both must give way.
•Each vessel must steer so it passes on the port (left) side of the other.
•The rule applies whenever the boats are so close that a crash could happen if they keep going straight.

Example

Two steamboats are traveling on a river toward each other and are on a collision course.

Both captains must turn their rudders so that each boat passes on the left side of the other, keeping them from hitting each other.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 284 Vessel Collision Avoidance Rules

When steam vessels will inevitably or necessarily cross so near that by continuing their respective courses, there would be a risk of collision, each shall give right rudder, so as always to pass on the port side of the other. (Enacted by Stats. 1937, Ch. 368.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

steam vessels right rudder port side risk of collision

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 284.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References