5-345. Navigation rules

A. The operator of a watercraft under power shall yield right-of-way to any craft not under power, unless such nonpowered watercraft is overtaking a power craft.

B. The area from a point directly ahead to one hundred twelve and one-half degrees of the compass to the starboard side of the watercraft shall be designated the danger zone. Operators of the watercraft shall yield the right-of-way to any other watercraft occupying or entering into this danger zone which may result in collision.

C. Operators of watercraft may pass on either side of any other watercraft overtaken, but the passing operator shall be responsible for the wake of the watercraft which might cause damage to overtaken watercraft or danger to occupants of overtaken watercraft. The overtaken watercraft shall maintain course and speed until such time as the overtaking watercraft is clear. Watercraft approaching head-on shall pass port side to port side where practical to do so.

D. Normal traffic on the waterways of this state shall be counterclockwise. Watercraft shall approach shoreline areas from the right and leave to the left as observed from a point on the water looking toward the shore. Watercraft leaving the shoreline area shall yield right-of-way to watercraft approaching the shoreline area, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection B of this section.

E. Subsections A through D of this section shall not apply on any waterways of this state where power driven watercraft are prohibited.

F. In every case, the operator of any watercraft shall use due caution to avoid an accident or collision with another watercraft or person.