---
title: Sharing the water alongside commercial vessels
description: Stay out of areas where there is commercial vessel traffic such as shipping lanes or traffic separation zones.
image: https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/maneuverability-of-vessels-with-limited-maneuverability.png
---

### What are commercial vessels?

Commercial relates to **vessels that are primarily operating for profit, normally with paying passengers**. A commercial vessel is also considered a non-pleasure craft. Commercial vessels are business operated and include vessels managed by federal, provincial and municipal departments and agencies.

### What action must be taken by recreational vessels when meeting a large ship?

If at all possible, **stay out of areas where there is commercial vessel traffic such as shipping lanes or traffic separation zones.** Large ships and barges have special problems in maneuvering and cannot and will not get out of your way.

Sharing the Water with Commercial Vessels

![What action must be taken by recreational vessels when meeting a large ship?](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/maneuverability-of-vessels-with-limited-maneuverability.png?width=1100&height=619&name=maneuverability-of-vessels-with-limited-maneuverability.png)

### What should you do while sharing public waterways with others?

- Avoid ship channels. If you must cross, do so at right angles and as quickly as possible.
- Be alert. Watch for traffic.
- Be seen, especially at night.
- Know the sound signals, especially the danger or doubt signal.
- Keep your VHF radio tuned to channel 16 and listen carefully.
- Order all aboard to wear PFDs.
- Be familiar with the area and have current navigation charts.
- Don’t be a non-survivor of a collision with a large ship.

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[↑](https://aceboater.com/en-us/commercial-vessel-situations#top)

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