Safety information

vessel. Normally, you should not cross in front of the vessel with the right-of-way. You should slow down or change directions briefly and pass behind the other vessel. You should always move in such a way that the operator of the other vessel 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 naviga- tion and collision, and to any special circum- stances, which may render a departure from the above rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.”

In other words, follow the standard rules ex- cept when a collision will occur unless both vessels try to avoid each other. If that is the case, both vessels become “ Give-Way ” ves- sels.

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Rules when encountering vessels

There are three main situations that you may encounter with other vessels which could lead to a collision unless the Steering Rules are fol- lowed:

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)

In the following illustration, your boat is in the center. You should give the right-of-way to any vessels shown in white area (you are the Give-Way vessel). Any vessels in the shaded area must yield to you (they are the Give-Way vessels). Both you and the meeting vessel must alter course to avoid each other.

Meeting

If you are meeting another power vessel head on, and are close enough to run the risk of col- lision, neither of you has the right-of-way Both of you should alter course to avoid an acci- dent. You should keep the other vessel on your port (left) side. This rule doesn’t apply if both of you will clear one another if you continue on your set course and speed.

Crossing

When two power driven vessels are crossing each other’s path close enough to run the risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on the starboard (right) side must keep out of the way of the other. If the other vessel is on your right, you must keep out of its way; you are the Give-Way vessel. If the other vessel is on your port (left) side, remember that you should maintain course and direction, provided the other vessel gives you the right-of-way as it should.

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