Current, structure, narrow spans, and converging boat traffic compress decision time. Avoid lingering in marked navigation spans and give larger vessels the room they need to stay in the channel.

Ferries, charter boats, fuel dock traffic, sailboats, paddlers, and local traffic often stack into the same choke point. Expect crossing traffic, changing speeds, and limited sight lines.

When you need to cross a shipping or ferry route, do it decisively, cross at as close to a right angle as practical, and spend as little time in the lane as possible. Never assume the bigger vessel can or will move for you.

Tugs, barges, ferries, pilot boats, fishing boats, and service craft often follow predictable deep-water or dredged routes close to recreational water. Build the traffic picture early, monitor VHF where appropriate, and avoid getting pinned between wake, current, shoals, and hard structure.