2005
MASTERCRAFT
OWNERS
MANUAL
–
PAGE
3-2
CROSSING
When two power-driven vessels are crossing each other’s path close enough to run the
risk of collision, the vessel that views the crossing vessel to the starboard (right) side must
give-way.
If the other vessel is to the port (left) side, maintain your course and direction, provided
the other vessel gives you the right-of-way as it should.
OVERTAKING
If you’re passing another vessel, you are the
give-way vessel. This means that the other vessel is
expected to maintain its course and speed. You must
stay out of its way as you clear it, altering course and speed as necessary.
Conversely, if you are being passed by another vessel, you should maintain your
speed and direction so that the vessel can steer itself around you.
OTHER
SPECIAL
SITUATIONS
There are other rules to always remember when driving your boat around other vessels:
•
When navigating in narrow channel, 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 for 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.
SAILING
VESSEL
RIGHT-OF-WAY
Sailing vessels should normally be given the right-of-way.
The exceptions to this are:
•
When the sailing vessel is overtaking the power-driven
vessel, the power-driven vessel has the right-of-way.
•
Sailing vessels should keep clear of any fishing vessel.
•
In a narrow channel, a sailing vessel should not hamper
the safe passage of a power-driven vessel that can navi-
gate only in such a channel.
FISHING
VESSEL
VESSEL
VESSEL
VESSEL
VESSEL
RIGHT-OF-WAY
All vessels that are fishing with nets, lines or trawls are
considered under international rules to be fishing vessels. Boats
with trolling lines are not considered fishing vessels.
Fishing vessels have the right-of-way, regardless of posi-
tion. But these vessels cannot impede the passage of other
vessels in narrow channels.
READING
BUOYS
AND
OTHER
MARKERS
The waters of the United States are marked for safe navigation by the lateral system of buoyage. The markers and buoys you
will encounter have an arrangement of shapes, colors, numbers and lights to show which side of the buoy a boater should pass
when navigating in a particular direction.
The markings on these buoys are oriented from the perspective of being entered from seaward while the boater is going toward
the port. This means that red buoys are passed on the starboard (right) side when proceeding from open water into port, and the
green buoys are to the port (left) side. When navigating out of port, your position to the buoys should be reversed: red buoys to
port and green buoys to starboard.
Many boating bodies of water are entirely within the boundaries of a single state. The Uniform State Waterway Marking
Systems have been devised for these waters. This system uses buoys and signs with distinctive shapes and colors to show
regulatory or advisory information. These markers are white with black letters and orange borders. The information signifies
speed zones, restricted areas, danger areas and general information.
The markings on these buoys are oriented from the perspective of being entered from seaward while the boater is going toward
the port. This means that red buoys are passed on the starboard (right) side when proceeding from open water into port, and the
green buoys are to the port (left) side. When navigating out of port, your position to the buoys should be reversed: red buoys to
port and green buoys to starboard.
Many boating bodies of water are entirely within the boundaries of a single state. The Uniform State Waterway Marking
Systems have been devised for these waters. This system uses buoys and signs with distinctive shapes and colors to show
regulatory or advisory information. These markers are white with black letters and orange borders. The information signifies
speed zones, restricted areas, danger areas and general information.
Remember: Markings may vary by geographic location. Always consult local boating authorities before driving
your boat in unfamiliar waters.
