Malibu Boats M235 2019, Owner'S Manual

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2019 Malibu Boats, LLC Owner’s Manual • Page 23
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.
In general, boats with less
maneuverability have right
of way over more-agile
crafts. You must stay clear
of the vessel with right of way and pass to his stern.
Sailboats and boats paddled or rowed have the right of way over
motor boats. Sailboats under power are considered motorboats.
Small pleasure craft must yield to large commercial boats in narrow
channels.
Burdened Vessel
The burdened vessel does not have the right-of-way and has the
duty to take positive and timely action to stay out of the way of the
privileged vessel. Normally, the burdened vessel should not cross in
front of the privileged vessel. The burdened vessel should slow down
or change directions and pass behind the other vessel. The burdened
vessel operator should always move in such a way that the privileged
vessel operator can see what you are doing in ample time to avoid a
collision.
Crossing
In crossing situations, the boat to the right from the 12 o’clock to
the 4 o’clock position has the right-of-way, and it must hold course
and speed. The burdened boat passes behind the privileged boat.
Boats going up and down a river have the privilege over boats
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