SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-narrow-channel-dont-impede-ships

In a narrow channel, what must a small boat do when a big ship can only travel inside that channel?

Stay out of its way: boats under 20 meters must not impede it.

Start playing free

  1. Not get in the way of its passage ✔
  2. Hold course, since small boats stand on
  3. Sound five blasts and keep going

Why: Rule 9 says a boat under 20 meters (about 65 feet) or a sailboat must not impede a vessel that can safely navigate only within the channel. Big ships can't leave the channel; you can.

Huh, didn't know that: A fishing boat in a narrow channel must also stay out of the way of any boat moving along it.

The dad joke
Why did the little boat scoot over? It didn't want the big ship to feel cramped.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Not get in the way of its passage. Rule 9 says a boat under 20 meters (about 65 feet) or a sailboat must not impede a vessel that can safely navigate only within the channel. Big ships can't leave the channel; you can.

  1. 33 CFR 83.09, Narrow channels (Rule 9) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.09
    shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterTraveling along a narrow channel, which side should you keep to?Boating & WaterNearing a blind bend in a channel, what sound signal should you give?Boating & WaterWhere does the Coast Guard warn boaters not to stop or anchor?

That's stuff everyone should know.