Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 280. Section 280.
The provisions of this article in addition to the provisions of other parts of this code which relate to navigation shall be observed by vessels when they meet.
ARTICLE 1. Navigation Rules [280. - 285.]
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC 1.
in effectCal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 281. Section 281.
Whenever any vessel, whether a steam vessel or sailing vessel, proceeding in one direction, meets another vessel, whether a steam vessel or sailing vessel, proceeding in the opposite direction, so that if both were to continue their respective courses they would pass so near as to involve the risk of a collision, each shall give right rudder, so as to pass on the port side of each other. This rule applies to all steam vessels and all sailing vessels whether on the port or starboard tack, and whether close-hauled or not, except where the circumstances of the case are such as to render a departure from the rule necessary in order to avoid immediate danger. It is subject to a due regard to the dangers of navigation, and, as regards sailing vessels on the starboard tack close-hauled, it is subject also to the keeping of such sailing vessels under command.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 282. Section 282.
Sailing vessels, having the wind fair, shall give way to those on a wind. When both are going by the wind, the vessel on the starboard tack shall keep its wind, and the one on the port tack shall bear up strongly, so as to pass each other on the port side. When both vessels which have the wind large or abeam meet, they shall pass each other in the same way on the port side. To effect the two last-mentioned movements each shall give right rudder. Steam vessels shall be regarded as vessels navigating with a fair wind, and shall give way to sailing vessels on a wind of either tack.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 283. Section 283.
A steam vessel navigating a narrow channel shall, whenever it is safe and practicable, keep to that side of the fairway or mid-channel which lies on its starboard side, and a steam vessel when passing another in such a channel, shall always leave the other upon the port side.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 284. Section 284.
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.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 285. Section 285.
The rules of this article do not apply to any case for which a different rule is provided by the regulations concerning lights upon steam vessels, or for the government of pilots of steam vessels approaching each other within the sound of the steam-whistle or other audible signal, prescribed by or under authority of the laws of the United States.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026