Safety information

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Steering and sailing rules and sound signals

Whenever two 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 what each vessel should do.

Stand-on vessel

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.

Give-way vessel

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, 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 ” vessels.

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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 followed:

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 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 will clear one another if you continue on your set course and speed.

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