Rules of the open water

Just as there are rules that apply when driving a vehicle on the street, there are waterway rules that apply when you are driving a boat on the water. These rules are used internationally, and they are enforced by the United States Coast Guard and local agencies. You should be aware of these rules and follow them whenever you encounter another vessel on the water.

In various geographic locations, certain rules prevail that may be unique to the locale. Each state also has laws and boating limitations that may be applicable only within their boundaries. It is the operator’s responsibility to seek out this information and become familiar with all safety-related information, laws and rules governing boating operation.

The rules presented in this Owner’s Manual are condensed and have been provided for convenience only. Consult your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a complete set of rules governing the waters in which you will be using your boat. If you plan to travel—even for a short trip—you would be well-served to contact the regional USCGA, DMV or DNR in the area where you will be boating. Often, basic infor- mation is available through websites sponsored and prepared by these organizations and governing bodies.

Steering and Sailing Rules/Sound Signals

Any time two (2) vessels on the water meet one another, one vessel has the right-of-way. It is called the stand-on vessel. The vessel that does not have the right-of-way is called the give-way or burdened vessel.

These rules determine which vessel has the right of way, and ac- cordingly, what each vessel should do.

The vessel with the right-of-way has the duty to continue its course and speed, except to avoid an immediate collision. When you maintain your direction and speed,

the other vessel will be able to determine how best to avoid you.

The vessel that does not have the right of way has the duty to take positive and timely action to stay out of the way of the stand-on vessel. Normally, the give-way vessel should not cross in front of the stand-on vessel. Slow down or change direction briefly and pass behind the other vessel. You should always move in such

a way that the stand-on operator can see what you are doing.

The General Prudential Rule

This rule is called Rule 2 in the International Rules and says, “In obeying and construing these rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision, and to any spe- cial circumstances, which may render a departure from the above rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.”

Rules When Encountering Vessels

There are three (3) main situations in which you may encounter other vessels, and you must avoid a collision. These are:

•Meeting (you are approaching another vessel head-on).

•Crossing (you are traveling across the other vessel’s path).

•Overtaking (you are passing or being passed by another vessel).

Using the adjacent image in which you are the boat in the center, you should give right-of-way to all vessels shown in the white area. In this instance, you are the give-way vessel. Both you and the meeting vessel must alter course to avoid each other.

Meeting

If you are meeting another vessel head-on, and you are close enough to run the risk of collision, neither of you has the right- of-way. Both of you should alter course to avoid an accident. You should keep the other vessel on your port (left) side. (This rule doesn’t apply if both of you can clear each other by continuing your set course and speed.)

Crossing

When two (2) power-driven vessels are crossing each other’s path close enough to run the risk of collision, the vessel that views the crossing vessel to the starboard (right) side must give way.

If the other vessel is to the port (left) side, you are the stand-on vessel, and provided the other vessel gives you the right-of-way, maintain your course and direction.

MasterCraft 2009 Owner’s Manual - Page 3-1