Axis Wake Research, Owner'S Manual

Page: 43 / 136

1-34 Boating Safety
Privileged (Stand-On) Vessel
Being Overtaken
Burdened (Give-Way) Vessel
Overtaking
Overtaking
The boat that is overtaking one ahead of it is the burdened boat and must make any
adjustments necessary to keep out of the way of the privileged boat, until the burdened
boat is well ahead and clear of the vessel being overtaken.
The General Prudential Rule
The General Prudential Rule regarding right of way, is that if a collision appears
unavoidable, neither boat has right of way. As prescribed in the “Rules of the Road”, both
boats must act to avoid collision.
Rule 2 in the International Rules says, “In construing and complying with these Rules
due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special
circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a
departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.”
Other Rules of the Road
When navigating in narrow channels, you should keep to the right when it is safe and
practical to do so. If the operator of a power-driven vessel is preparing to go around a
bend that may obstruct the view of other water vessels, the operator should sound a
prolonged blast on the whistle or horn—four to six seconds.
If another vessel is around the bend, it too should sound the whistle or horn. Even if no
reply is heard, however, the vessel should still proceed around the bend with caution.
If you navigate these type of waters, you should carry a portable air horn, which are
available from local marine supply stores.
Aids to Navigation
Learn to recognize the different buoys and day markers; they are the signposts of the
waterways. The United States Aids to Navigation System (USATONS) is the primary
marking system used on inland water, coastal waters and rivers in the United States. This
system is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
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