CA.I.I.K6FAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Knowledge
Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.
Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.
Bottom line
A seaplane is considered a vessel when on the water for the purposes of these collision avoidance rules. In general, a seaplane on the water must keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| right side has right-of-way (aircraft or vessel, on water) | Crossing |
| each alters course to the right (on water) | Head-on |
| give way to all nonpowered vessels (on the surface) | Engine running |
| one taking off has right-of-way over one landing | Takeoff vs landing |
| carry a current copy of the rules (all seaplanes, international waters) | International waters |
FAA references
- AIM 7-6-9 (Seaplane Safety) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- SEA ch. 1 (p. 1-2) — FAA-H-8083-23
- AFH ch. 11 (p. 11-6) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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