J
ust
as
there
are
rules
that
apply
when
driving
a
vehicle on the street, there are waterway rules that
apply when you are driving a boat on the water.
These rules are used internationally, and they are en-
forced by the United States Coast Guard and local agen-
cies. 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 Manual are condensed and
have been provided for convenience only. Consult your
local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (ISCGA), Department
of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Natural Re-
sources (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.
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 contin-
ue 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 ves-
sel should not cross in front of the stand-on vessel. 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.
The 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.”
Rules When Encountering Vessels
There are three (3) main situations in which you may en-
counter 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 an-
other vessel).
Using the adjacent image in
which you are the boat in the
center, you should give right-
of-way to all vessels shown in
the white area. In this instance,
you are the give-way vessel.
Both you and the meeting ves-
sel must alter course to avoid
each other.
rules of the
open water
2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 3-1
rules of the
open water
