Supra THE LOGO, SUPRA manual Basic Boating Rules, Encountering Other Vessels

Basic Boating Rules

You should be aware of these rules and follow them whenever you encounter another vessel on the water.

The rules presented in this manual are condensed and have been provided as a convenience only. Consult your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA) or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 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 or DMV in the area where you will be boating.

Review and understand all local and state laws.

Any time two vessels on the water meet one another, one vessel has the right-of-way. It is called the stand-onvessel. The vessel which does NOT have the right-of-way is called the give-wayor burdened vessel.

These rules determine which vessel has the right-of-way, and accordingly, 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 which 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-onvessel. Normally, the give-wayvessel should not cross in front of the stand-onvessel. Slow down or change directions briefly and pass behind the other vessel. You should always move in such a way that the stand-onoperator can see what you are doing.

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 special circumstances, which may render a departure from the above rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.”

Section IV

Boating Rules

Encountering Other Vessels

There are three main situations in which you may encounter other vessels and you must observe the Steering Rules in order to 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 following illustration 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. All vessels in the shaded area must yield to you as you are the stand-on vessel. Both you and the meeting vessel must alter course to avoid each other.

If you are meeting another power 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.

© 2006 Skier’s Choice, Inc. 15 —