Nauticstar 24 L, Owner'S Manual

Page: 42 / 84

OFFSHORE SERIES OWNER’S MANUAL
OFFSHORE SERIES 42 | P a g e
SECTION 5: RULES OF THE OPEN WATER
Just as there are rules that apply when driving a vehicle on the street, there are waterway rules that apply when driving a
boat on the water. These rules are used internationally, and they are enforced by the United States Coast Guard and local
agencies. You should be aware of these rules and follow them whenever you encounter another vessel on the water. In various
geographic locations, certain rules prevail that may be unique to the locale. Each state also has laws and boating limitations
that may be applicable only within their boundaries. It is the operator’s responsibility to seek out this information and become
familiar with all safety-related information, laws and rules governing boating operation. The rules presented in this Owner’s
Manual are condensed and have been provided for convenience only. Consult your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA),
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 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, DMV or DNR in the area where you will be boating. Often, basic information is available through websites
sponsored and prepared by these organizations and governing bodies.
GENERAL PRUDENTIAL RULE
This rule is called Rule 2 in the International Rules and says, “In obeying and construing these rules due regard shall be had
to all dangers of navigation and collision, and to any special circumstances, which may render a departure from the above
rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.”
STEERING AND SAILING RULES/SOUND SIGNALS
Any time two (2) vessels on the water meet one another, one vessel has the right-of-way. It is called the stand-on vessel. The
vessel that 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. The vessel with the right-of-way 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. The vessel that does not have the right of way has the duty to take positive
and timely action to stay out of the way of the stand-on vessel. Normally, the give-way vessel should not cross in front of the
stand-on vessel but should slow down or change direction briefly and pass behind the other vessel. You should always move
in such a way that the stand-on operator can see what you are doing if you are operating the give-way vessel.
RULES WHEN ENCOUNTERING VESSELS
There are three (3) main situations in which you may encounter other vessels, and you must avoid a collision. These are:
• Meeting (you are approaching another vessel head-on).
• Crossing (you are traveling across the other vessel’s path).
• Overtaking (you are passing or being passed by another vessel).