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Basic Rules of the Road
Boating Regulations
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is the governing authority of the United States waterways
and serves to help the boating public. State boating regulations are enforced by local
authorities. Owners and users outside of the United States must be cognizant of that
country’s laws and regulations. You are subject to marine traffic laws and “Rules of the
Road” for both federal and state waterways; you must stop if signaled to do so by
enforcement officers, and permit them to board if asked.
Review and understand all local, state, federal, and country boating laws.
There are many USCG pamphlets available to you. These pamphlets go beyond the
contents of this manual and explain “Rules of the Road,” signal lights, buoys, safety,
international and inland regulations. An example is the Ultimate Watersports Handbook
you should have received with your new boat, or which can be ordered by contacting
WSIA; go to:
www.WSIA.net
. For more information, contact your local USCG unit or
visit
http://www.uscgboating.org
.
You should be aware of these rules and follow them whenever you encounter another
vessel on the water. The rules presented in this manual outline only the most basic of the
nautical “Rules of the Road” and have been provided as a convenience only. Consult your
local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or
local maritime authority 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.
The nautical Rules of the Road must be followed to prevent collisions between vessels.
Like traffic laws for automobiles, the operator is legally required to follow the rules.
Collisions between boats can cause death or serious injury.
Keep a proper lookout, safe speed, and follow the nautical
“Rules of the Road.”
Encountering Another Vessel
Any time two vessels on the water meet one another, one vessel has the right-of-way. It is
called the “stand-on” or “privileged vessel”. The vessel which 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 accordingly, what each vessel should do.
Privileged Vessel
The privileged vessel has the right-of-way and 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.
!
WARNING
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Summary of Contents for 2 MXZ
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