Life Lines

While our nation's inland and coastal waterways play host to thousands of recreational boats, they also carry barges, tugboats, towboats, and large ships loaded with tons of cargo. Being aware of the constraints under which these commercial vessels operate can arm recreational boaters with the best protection against danger and could save your life.

Please Note: This brochure is intended only as a supplement to other sources of information on seamanship and rules of the road. It assumes that you, the boat operator, know the rules and appropriate signals. If you don't, contact the United States Coast Guard concerning boating safety training.

What Recreational Boaters Should Know

  • 24/7 Operations: Commercial vessels, including towboats and tugboats, operate 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
  • Deceptive Speeds & Stopping Distances: The speed of a ship, towboat, or tugboat can be deceptive. A tow can travel one mile in seven minutes—a ship even faster—and it generally takes $3/4$ to $1-1/2$ miles to stop. For example, if a water skier falls a thousand feet in front of a moving tug or tow, the skier has less than one minute to get out of the way.
  • Channel Constraints: Large vessels must maintain speed to steer, and they must stay in the channel—it's the only place deep enough for them to operate. Many channels are unmarked. On some waterways, the channel extends bank to bank, so expect vessel traffic on any portion of the waterway.
  • The Pilot's Blind Spot: A pilot's "blind spot" (Danger Zone) can extend for hundreds of feet in front of tugboats and towboats pushing barges.
  • Suction & Turbulence: In narrow channels, a tug's or tow's powerful engines can cause a smaller vessel to be pulled toward the tow when passing alongside. Furthermore, "Wheel Wash" is a strong underwater current caused by towboat or ship engines that can result in severe turbulence hundreds of yards behind a large vessel.
  • Hidden Tow Lines: A tug without barges in front could be towing a barge or other objects behind it on a long submerged line, which lies low in the water and is difficult to see. Never pass closely behind a tugboat.
  • Sailing Hazards: Sailboating on inland rivers can be hazardous. Sailboaters and wind surfers should know that a tow or tug can "steal your wind"—so you won't have the same wind you started with when executing a sailing maneuver near a commercial vessel.
  • Weather Risks: Operating in adverse weather or low visibility can prove extremely dangerous. Why take a chance?
  • Radio Communication: Ships, towboats, and tugboats use VHF radio channels 13 and 16. If you are unsure of your situation, or their intentions, feel free to contact them. Remember, you are sharing the waterways with vessels operated by highly trained and conscientious professionals. If you have a true emergency, or need information, they can and will help if properly contacted. 

What Recreational Boaters Can Do

  • Stay Clear of Bridges & Locks: For safety, stay out of the path of towboats and barges approaching bridges and locks. They must be lined up and committed to their approach well ahead, and it's dangerous and difficult for them to change course.
  • Designate a Lookout: Assign one person in a recreational boat to look out, particularly for commercial traffic, both day and night.
  • Understand Whistle Signals: At least five or more short blasts on the whistle is the "danger" signal. Stay clear of vessels sounding the "danger" signal.
  • Avoid Risky Water Sports: Don't water ski or jet ski in and around tows. Jumping wakes, riding close alongside, or cutting under the bow or stern of a tug or tow could cause a boat or skier to be sucked through a towboat's large propellers.

A Checklist for Life

  • Drinking and boating are a deadly mix.
  • Designate a lookout, particularly for commercial traffic, both day and night.
  • Know the rules for visibility and abide by them, especially at night.
  • Avoid navigating in ship channels. Cross them quickly.
  • Five or more short whistle blasts mean danger.
  • If you have the equipment, listen to VHF channels 13 and 16.
  • Wear a life jacket, properly fitted and fastened.
  • Learn all the navigation rules and live by them.