![\"Boating](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2015\/03\/RiverNavigationHeroScaled.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe water level in a river may also rise or lower more rapidly than an open waterway\u2013exposing trees, rocks, sunken islands and other hazards. Always watch for these types of hazards and the navigation aids that may indicate their position.<\/p>\n
Remember:<\/strong> If two vessels approach each other in a narrow channel where tide, river flow, or underwater features create dangerous currents, then the vessel going downstream is automatically afforded the right-of-way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Canals are man-made waterways. A canal is typically narrower than a channel, and differs from a river as the depth of the water can be controlled.<\/p>\n You should always keep to the starboard (right) side of a channel, particularly when approaching oncoming traffic or entering a blind turn. Power-driven craft and sailboats less than 20 m in length must give way to less manoeuvrable crafts operating in a canal or shipping lane. Keep in mind that large vessels, such as commercial ships, are often restricted in their ability to manoeuvre in narrow channels and pleasure craft operators should steer well clear.<\/p>\n There are a number of activities that are prohibited while in a canal:<\/p>\n Safety around dams<\/strong> <\/p>\n The Collision Regulations<\/em> require that boaters be aware of shipping lanes (traffic lanes) and use extreme caution when near vessel traffic lanes. Large commercial ships often cannot see small pleasure craft operating ahead of them from the bridge. You should always proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane. Boaters should join or leave a traffic lane at its termination, but when joining or leaving from either side you should do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.<\/p>\n You should avoid crossing traffic lanes but if you must, cross at a right angle to the general direction of traffic flow. If navigating near a shipping lane or near the termination of a shipping lane you should use caution and avoid the lane with as wide a margin as practicable. Always avoid anchoring in a shipping lane or near its termination. To increase your visibility to larger vessels in or near a shipping lane, you should stay in groups with other small boats, if possible.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When operating in the vicinity of large commercial vessels, remember that these vessels have limited visibility, turning and stopping capabilities.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Collision Regulations<\/em>\u00a0require that all smaller pleasure craft less than 20 m in length (including sailboats) must give right-of-way to larger, less\u00a0manoeuvrable\u00a0vessels. This is one of a few instances in which a motorized vessel has the right-of-way over a non-powered vessel.<\/p>\n
\nWhen boating in rivers, and approaching a blind turn or a narrow channel, always keep as far to the starboard (right) side of waterway as is safe. Power-driven craft and sailboats less than 20 m in length must give way to less manoeuvrable crafts while navigating on a river.<\/p>\nCanal Navigation<\/h2>\n
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\nUse caution when near canal dams where currents and undertows can be dangerous. Steer well clear of dams and adjust your course\u00a0to avoid strong currents near dams, especially when operating a small craft.<\/p>\nShipping Lanes<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nLess Maneuverable Vessels<\/h2>\n