§ 283 Steam Vessel Channel Navigation

• •In a narrow channel, a steam vessel should stay on the side of the channel that is on its starboard (right) side, if it can do so safely.
• •When one steam vessel passes another in that channel, it must let the other vessel go by on the left (port) side.
• •The rule only applies when it is safe and practical to follow it.

Two steam boats are moving through a tight river channel. Boat A stays on the right side of the channel (its starboard side) and when Boat B needs to pass, Boat A makes sure Boat B passes on its left side (port side).

Boat A follows the rule by keeping to the side of the channel that is on its starboard side, and when Boat B comes up behind it, Boat A lets Boat B go by on the left, so they don't crash.