West Virginia's broad rivers -- the Ohio, Kanawha, and Monongahela -- host thousands of recreational boats. At the same time, they carry barges, tugboats, and towboats. Being aware of the constraints under which commercial vessels operate could save your life.

 
The speed of large vessels can be deceiving

The speed of a ship, towboat, or tugboat can be deception. A tow can travel one mile in seven minutes, and it generally takes 3/4 to 1-1/2 miles to stop. (So, if a skier falls a thousand feet in front of a moving tug, they have less than one minute to get out of the way.)

Don't expect large vessels to change course

Large vessels must maintain speed to steer and must stay in the channel. A pilot's "blind spot" can extend for hundreds of feet in front tugboats and towboats pushing barges. Large vessels approaching bridges and locks must be lined up and committed to their approach well ahead, and it's dangerous and difficult for them to change course. Stay out of their path! (Ships, towboats and tugboats use VHF radio channels 13 and 16. If you are unsure of your situation, or their intentions, feel free to contact them.)

Watch for submerged hazzards near vessels

A tug without barges in front could be towing a log raft, barge, or other objects on a long submerged line behind it that lies low in the water and is difficult to see. Never pass closely behind a tugboat.

Sailboating is especially risky

Sailboating on navigatible rivers can be hazardous, and sailboaters and wind surfers should know that a tow or tug can "steal your wind," so you won't have the same wind you started with when maneuvering near a commercial vessel.

Designate a lookout

Assign one person in a recreational boat to look out for commercial traffic. Understand whistle signals. At least five or more short blasts on the whistle is the "danger" signal.

Don't water ski or jet ski around tows

Jumping wakes, riding close alongside, or cutting under the bow or stern of a tug or tow could cause a boat or skier to be sucked through a towboat's large propellers. Also, avoid cargo loading docks and "parked" or moored vessels in fleeting areas.

Wear a life jacket at all times

More than 82 percent of boaters killed in recent years were not wearing life jackets.

Don't operate a boat while drinking alcohol or using drugs

It's estimated that more than half of all recreational boating fatalities are related to alcohol. It's proven that the marine environment compounds the effects of alcohol.

Watch for ship, tug or towboat lighting at night

Don't rely on trying to hear a vessel approaching. Pay attention to the sidelights of tugs and tows rather than the masthead lights. If you see both sidelights (red and green), you're dead ahead, and in the path of danger.

Use safe anchorages

Navigation aids, like buoys, mark channels for shipping, and it is illegal and dangerous to tie up to them. Each year, commercial vessels ram and sink boats anchored in navigation channels or tied to buoys.