Your quick-access guide to international and U.S. boating rules The U.S. Coast Guard requires every boat more than 39-feet long to carry a copy of the nautical rules of the road onboard. Here?s one that is convenient and handy enough for quick reference on the water. This bestselling guide includes the full text of the original rules, and Charlie Wing?s clear, rule-by-rule translations make them easy to follow. It also includes a 'One-Minute Guide Decision Tree' and a brief overview of the rules? intent to give you a good idea of what to do in any common situation.