Waterways are wide and deep enough for boats to pass through, but channels can be narrow and hazardous. Government agencies maintain them and use dredging to control depth. Boat companies may maintain waterways leading to their docks. Navigation laws must be followed to avoid accidents.
A waterway is a naturally or artificially produced waterway wide and deep enough to allow the passage of boats. Channels are often narrow and can present navigational hazards such as rocks or shoals that boaters need to be aware of when navigating. They are clearly marked on nautical charts, along with information on average water heights and notes on the impact of tides on channel depth, as this can be critical for deep draft vessels.
Government agencies may use dredging and other measures to control the depth of a water channel. This practice is common in heavily trafficked areas where there are concerns about stranded ships. The nautical charts will highlight the dredged area and indicate the depth that the government is committed to maintaining. Outside of this area of the channel, the depth of the water can be variable, and there is a risk of running around deposits of silt and other materials that are not regularly cleaned by agencies.
The responsibility for maintaining waterways typically rests with government agencies concerned with transportation, shipping, and care for the environment. In a water channel where ships travel frequently, the government may install markers and buoys to direct traffic in various directions to keep mariners as safe as possible. In addition, technicians must periodically assess the depth to determine if more dredging is needed to control the channel.
Boat manufacturing and repair companies may maintain a waterway leading to their docks for easy entry and exit. They trust the canal to move customers safely and may also use the area for testing to make sure the ships are seaworthy. Docks and ports can also participate in the creation of the canal, paying for this service outside of port fees, so anyone who benefits from the canal will also pay for maintenance. These entities need to coordinate with each other and with government agencies to keep waterways clear and safe.
While navigating a channel of water, there is less room to turn around and move. This can be dangerous, especially in bad weather conditions. Boats must observe right-of-way laws, yielding to disabled vessels, as well as larger boats that may have difficulty stopping, slowing, and turning to avoid collisions. Failure to comply with the law can result in fines and penalties, as well as legal liability in the event of any type of accident. Vessels must also display adequate security lighting so that they are visible in the dark or fog, giving other vessels an opportunity to avoid them.
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