Four winns 378 VISTA, Owner'S Manual

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Section C
Page 2
378 Vista™ Owner’s Manual
™
378
3. Crossing Situations
In a crossing situation, the boat on the right from the
12-4 o’clock position has the right-of-way. It must hold
course and speed. The boat without the right-of-way
must keep clear and pass to the stern. See Figure C2.
Figure C2: Crossing Situation
4. Overtaking
The boat overtaking the one ahead must yield the right-
of-way to the boat being passed. The overtaking boat
must make necessary adjustments to keep out of its
path. The boat being passed should hold its course
and speed. See Figure C3.
Figure C3: Overtaking
5. 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.
6. Night Running
Boats operating between sunset and sunrise (hours vary
by state), or in conditions of reduced visibility, must use
navigational lights. Nighttime operation, especially dur-
ing bad weather or fog, can be dangerous. All “Rules
of the Road” apply at night, but it is best to slow down
and stay clear of all boats regardless of who has right-
of-way.
To see more easily at night, avoid bright lights when
possible. Also, it is helpful to have a passenger keep
watch for other boats, water hazards, and navigational
aids.
To determine the size, speed and direction of other ves-
sels at night, you should use running lights. A green
light indicates the starboard side, and the red light indi-
cates the port side. Generally, if you see a green light,
you have the right-of-way; if you see a red light, give
way to the other vessel. See Figure C4.
Figure C4: Night Running
7. Whistle Signal
Out on the water, whistle signals are commonly used.
Although using a whistle signal is not necessary every
time a boat is nearby, operators must signal their inten-
tions when necessary to avoid potentially confusing or
Inland Rules
“I want to pass you on your
port side.
2 short blasts (1 sec.)
“Proceed”
2 short blasts (1 sec.)
International Rules
“I am altering my course to port.”
2 short blasts (1 sec.)
International Rules in
Narrow Channels
“I intend to pass you on your port
side.”
2 prolonged blasts (4-6 sec.)
2 short blasts (1 sec.)
“Proceed.”
1 prolonged, 1 short
1 prolonged, 1 short
Inland Rules
“I want to pass you on your
starboard side.
1 short blast (1 sec.)
“Proceed”
1 short blast (1 sec.)
International Rules
“I am altering my course to
starboard.”
1 short blast (1 sec.)
International Rules
in Narrow Channels
“I intend to pass you on your
starboard side.”
2 prolonged blasts (4-6 sec.)
1 short blast (1 sec.)
“Proceed.”
1 prolonged, 1 short
1 prolonged, 1 short blast
Give-way (Burdened)
Vessel Overtaking
Stand-on (Privileged)
Vessel Being Overtaken
Danger Zone
112.5 o