7
Basic Boating Rules
Your Ballistic
®
is legally considered a power boat. Operation of the boat must be in accordance with the rules and
regulations governing the waterway on which it is used.
Just as there are rules which apply when you are driving on streets and highways, there are waterway rules which apply
when you are operating your Ballistic
®
. These rules are used internationally. You should be aware of these rules and
follow them whenever you encounter another vessel on the water.
Several sets of rules prevail according to geographic location, but are all basically the same as the international rules of
the road. The rules presented here in your owner’s manual are condensed and have been provided for your convenience
only. Consult your local coast guard for a complete set of rules governing the waters in which you will be using your
Ballistic
®
.
STEERING AND SAILING RULES AND SOUND SIGNALS :
Whenever two vessels on the water meet one another, one vessel has the right of way it is called the stand on 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 what each vessel should do.
STAND ON VESSEL:
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.
GIVE WAY VESSEL:
The vessel which 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 you should not cross in front of the vessel with the right of way. You should slow down or
change directions brieRly and pass behind the other vessel. You should always move in such a way that the operator of the
other vessel can see what you are doing.
The general prudential rule regarding the right of way is that if a collision appears unavoidable, neither boat has the right
of way. Boat boats must avoid the collision. In other words, follow the standard rules except when a collision will occur
unless both vessels try to avoid each other. If that is the case, both vessels become give way vessels.
RULES WHEN ENCOUNTERING VESSELS :
There are three main situations which you may encounter with other vessels which could lead to a collision unless the
steering rules are followed:
MEETING
(you are approaching another vessel head on),
CROSSING
(you are travelling across
the other vessels path) and
OVERTAKING
(you are passing or being passed by another vessel).
MEETING:
If you are meeting another power vessel head on and are close enough to run the risk of collision, neither of you has the
right of way. Both of you should alter course to avoid and accident. You should keep the other vessel 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 other 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 direction, 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 another vessel is passing you, you
should maintain your speed and direction so that the other vessel can steer itself around you.