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Alamitos Bay Water
Traffic Rules
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1. |
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Two-way traffic patterns
are established by the Harbor Patrol.
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2. |
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All traffic moves to the right
hand side of the waterway, just like street driving
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3. |
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When approaching at right
angles and at risk of a collision, give-way or yield to the boat
ahead and to the right of you. You must direct your course to
the right and pass behind the other boat. If necessary you
should slow, stop or back paddle. Never turn your boat to the
left during a crossing situation. Doing so may result in a serious
collision.
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4. |
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If you are overtaking another
vessel give right-of-way and Keep Clear. When a dragon boat is
approaching a slower boat (e.g. kayaks, shells) and wish to pass,
first make sure there is safe open water to pass, slow
the dragon boat down or stop (give right-of-way), alert the
people in the other boat of your intentions and then safely take the
widest clearance possible to pass (keep clear). Many of these
people are vacationers and are not adept at maneuvering their
boats. Remember that we have a responsibility to the Long Beach
community to help keep their waters safe.
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5. |
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NOTE: five short whistle
blasts alert other boats to a dangerous situation.
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6. |
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Channel marker buoys define
the traffic lanes and include:
a. Green
can buoys that mark the left side of the channel when boats/ships
are returning to port.
b. Red-striped
spherical buoys that mark the center of the channel
c. Red
nun buoys that mark the right side of the channel when boats/ships
are returning to port. “Red, Right, Returning” is a saying to help
remember which side of the channel the red buoys should be when
boats/ships are returning from seaward to a port or harbor.
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7. |
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Dragon Boats should always
keep to the right of the buoy line (i.e. keep the buoy line on
your left. Don’t go the wrong way.)
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8. |
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Least maneuverable craft has
the right-of-way. When in doubt, give-way!
a.
Dragon Boats give-way to yachts,
sailboats, and large powered vessels.
b.
Boats propelled by paddles usually
have the right-of-way over motor boats, because they are harder to
maneuver – but don’t challenge them!
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9. |
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Marine Stadium waters are off
limits to Dragon Boats. The area is limited to shells before 8
a.m., and water-skiers after 8 a.m.
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10. |
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You do not have the right to
stop at private docks. The long dock in front of the Long Beach
Yacht Club, the Marine Dept. dock, and the American Pride dock are
accessible to Dragon Boats.
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11. |
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We have been asked not to
race in front of Mother’s Beach, in the canal and near other boats.
Please understand that an individual team’s lack of respect in
following these rules is not only irresponsible, but will reflect
poorly on the entire Long Beach dragon boat community.
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