Right-of-way rules: Water operations

When operating a seaplane or amphibious aircraft on water, you must avoid interfering with boats and vessels whenever possible. The regulation establishes right-of-way rules similar to maritime navigation:

Crossing situations: When your paths cross, whoever has the other on their right side has the right-of-way (you yield to traffic on your right).

Head-on encounters: Both aircraft/vessels turn right to pass clear of each other.

Overtaking: The aircraft or vessel being passed has the right-of-way; the one overtaking must alter course to stay clear.

These rules apply whether you're dealing with another aircraft or a boat. In any situation involving collision risk, both parties must proceed cautiously considering the limitations of their craft. The key principle is that seaplanes share the water with boats and must integrate into maritime traffic patterns, not dominate them.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*