Monterey Sport Cruiser 260SCR, Owner'S Manual, Page: 46 / 212

Cruiser
6-1
Cruiser
Section 6
NAVIGATION RULES AND AIDS
Before operating your boat, see Safety on
page 2-1 .
The following information outlines basic
navigational rules. Boating regulations are
enforced by USCG, state and local authorities.
You are subject to marine navigation regulations
for both federal and state waterways. For more
information, contact the USCG, state and local
marine authorities. The navigational rules for U.S.
waterways can be found in the “Navigational
Rules” publication. This publication can be found
at most marine supply stores, or you may contact
the USCG or visit:
www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/NavRules to view or
download the publication.
Any boat 39 feet (12 meters) or longer must have
a copy of the “Navigational Rules” publication
on-board at all times. Failure to have this
document on-board can result in penalties and/or
fines.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
Boats with less maneuverability have right-of-way
over more agile boats. You must stay clear of a
boat with right-of-way. Examples of boats with
right-of-way are:
• Boats aground or not under command
• Boats with restricted maneuverability
• Boats engaged in fishing
• Non-motor boats (having no power propulsion),
i.e., rowboats, paddle boats, canoes and
sailboats
Small pleasure craft must yield right-of-way to
large commercial boats in narrow channels. A
boat with right-of-way is sometimes referred to as
the privileged boat.
The General Prudential Rule
The general prudential rule regarding right-of-way
is if a collision appears unavoidable, neither boat
has right-of-way. Both boats must act to avoid
collision.
AUDIBLE DISTRESS
SIGNALS
It is not necessary to sound a signal every time a
boat is nearby. It is typical for boat operators to
signal their intention, using a whistle, horn or bell,
to avoid potentially confusing or hazardous
situations. Privileged boat operators customarily
signal first, then the yielding boat operators return
the same signal to acknowledge they understand
and will comply. Use the danger signal (five or
more short, rapid blasts) if intent is not clear.
Use the following signal blasts early enough so
other boaters notice and understand them:
NAVIGATIONAL LIGHTS
AND NIGHT
OPERATION
Navigational lights alert other boats to your
presence and course, especially when operating
at night or in restricted visibility conditions.
Regulations require that navigational lights be
clearly lit and properly displayed at all times
between sunset and sunrise, and always when
Audible
Distress Signal
Definition
One long blast
Warning signal
(coming out of slip or
passing astern)
One short blast Pass on port side
Two short blasts Pass on starboard side
Three short blasts Engine(s) in reverse
Five or more short blasts Danger signal