General information
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way! Both of you should alter course to avoid
an accident. You should keep the other ves-
sel on your port (left) side. This rule doesn’t
apply if both of you will clear one another if
you continue on your set course and speed.
Crossing
When two power driven vessels are crossing
each other’s path close enough to run the
risk of collision, the vessel which has the oth-
er on the starboard (right) side must keep out
of the way of the other. If the other vessel is
on your right, you must keep out of its way;
you are the Give-Way vessel. If the other
vessel is on your port (left) side, remember
that you should maintain course and direc-
tion, provided the other vessel gives you the
right-of-way as it should.
Overtaking
If you are 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 until you are clear of it. Likewise, if an-
other vessel is passing you, you should
maintain your speed and direction so that the
other vessel can steer itself around you.
EMU25530
Other special situations
There are three other rules you should be
aware of when driving your boat around oth-
er vessels.
Narrow channels and bends
When navigating in narrow channels, 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 wa-
ter vessels, the operator should sound a pro-
longed blast on the whistle (4 to 6 seconds).
If another vessel is around the bend, it too
should sound the whistle. Even if no reply is
heard, however, the vessel should still pro-
ceed around the bend with caution. If you
navigate such waters with your boat, you will
need to carry a portable air horn, available
from local marine supply stores.
Fishing vessel right-of-way
All vessels which are fishing with nets, lines
or trawls are considered to be “fishing ves-
sels” under the International Rules. Vessels
with trolling lines are not considered fishing
vessels. Fishing vessels have the right-of-
way regardless of position. Fishing vessels
cannot, however, impede the passage of
other vessels in narrow channels.
Sailing vessel right-of-way
Sailing vessels should normally be given the
right-of-way. The exceptions to this are:
1.
When the sailing vessel is overtaking
the power-driven vessel, the power-driv-
en vessel has the right-of-way.
2.
Sailing vessels should keep clear of any
fishing vessel.
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2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
