Safety information
20
In the following illustration, your boat is in the
center. You should give the right-of-way to
any vessels shown in the white area (you are
the give-way vessel). Any vessels in the shad-
ed area must yield to you (they are the give-
way vessels). Both you and the meeting ves-
sel must alter course to avoid each other.
Meeting
If you are meeting another power-driven ves-
sel 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
an accident. You should keep the other vessel
on your port (left) side. This rule does not ap-
ply 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
starboard (right) side, 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.
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