Norris Lake Boating

Boating on Norris Lake

Full of adventure and fun for the whole family, boating through the blue-green waters of Norris will bring excitement to all.

norris lake boating

 

Boating Rules and Regulations

Rules of the Water for Recreational Boaters on Norris Lake. Be sure to follow all rules and seek out boating licenses, safety courses or your pleasure craft operator card to make sure you have the safest experience on Norris Lake.

When boating on Norris Lake, boaters must follow the rules listed below except in situations where deviating from these rules is necessary to avoid an accident.

Right-of-way

Boats/Vessels on Norris Lake that have the right-of-way, by priority, are:

1. Boats being passed by other vessels
2. Commercial tows and other vessels restricted in maneuverability
3. Sailing or nonpowered vessels
4. Power-driven vessels not restricted in maneuverability
5. Seaplanes

Meeting situations

Vessels should generally meet and pass port to port.
At least one of the vessels should signal its intentions (see below).
The vessel with the right-of-way must maintain its course and speed until the other vessel is clear.

Overtaking situations

The vessel being passed has the right-of-way.
The vessel being passed must hold its course and speed.
Passing vessels should signal their intentions (see below).
The vessel with the right-of-way must maintain its course and speed until the other vessel is clear.

Crossing situations

Generally, the boat approaching from your right has the right-of-way. However, vessels restricted in maneuverability have the right-of-way over sailing vessels, and sailing vessels have the right-of-way over power vessels that are not restricted in maneuverability.

Signaling your intentions on Norris Lake, TN

One whistle blast: “Pass port to port.”
Two whistle blasts: “Pass starboard to starboard.”
Three whistle blasts: “My engines are in reverse.”
Five or more rapid whistle blasts: “Danger!” or “I don’t understand your intention to maneuver.”

*Some information excerpted from “Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers: A boater’s guide to safe travel,” produced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District, and TVA.