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 as you clear it,
altering course and speed as necessary.
Conversely, if you are being passed by another vessel, you are the
stand-on vessel, and you should maintain your speed and direc-
tion so that the vessel can be steered around you.
Other Special Situations
There are additional rules to remember when operating your
boat around other vessels, such as:
• When navigating in narrow channels, you should keep to the
right when it is safe and practical to do so.
• When preparing to go around a bend that may obstruct your
view of other water vessels, you should sound a prolonged
blast on the horn or with a whistle for four (4) to six (6)
seconds. Even if no reply is heard, you 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 navigate only in
such a channel.
Fishing Vessel Right-of-Way
Under international rules, all vessels that
are fishing with nets, lines or trawls are
considered to be fishing vessels; however,
boats with trolling lines are not consid-
ered fishing vessels.
Fishing vessels have the right of way,
regardless of position, but these vessels
cannot impede the passage of other ves-
sels in narrow channels.
Reading Buoys and Other
Markings
The waters of the United States are
marked for safe navigation by the lateral
system of buoyage. The markers and
buoys you encounter will have an ar-
rangement 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 a seaward direction while the boater is
going toward the port. Red buoys are passed on the starboard
(right) side when proceeding from open water into port, and
green buoys are passed on the port (left) side. When navigating
out of port, your position to the buoys should be reversed: red
buoys to port (left) and green buoys to starboard (right).
Many 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 advi-
sory 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 appropriate boating authorities before boating in unfa-
miliar waters.
MasterCraft 2009 Owner’s Manual - Page 3-2
