Specifications

Just 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. These rules are used
internationally, and they are enforced by the United States
Coast Guard and local agencies. 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, but all are basically the same
as the International Rules of the Road.
The rules presented in this manual are condensed
and have been provided as a convenience only. Consult
your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA), Depart-
ment of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Natural
Resources (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.
STEERING AND SAILING RULES/
SOUND SIGNALS
Any time two 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 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.
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 vessel should
not cross in front of the stand-on vessel. Slow down or
change directions 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 depar-
ture from the above rules necessary in order to avoid
immediate danger.”
RULES
OF THE OPEN WATER
RULES WHEN ENCOUNTERING VESSELS
There are three main situations in which you may
encounter 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
another vessel)
Using the adjacent image in which you are 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 vessel must
alter course to avoid each other.
MEETING
If you are meeting
another power vessel head-
on, and you 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 doesn’t apply if both of
you can clear each other by continuing 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 that views the
crossing vessel to the
starboard (right) side must
give-way.
If the other vessel is to the port (left) side, maintain
your course and direction, provided the other vessel
gives you the right-of-way as it should.
OVERTAKING
If you’re passing another vessel, you are the give-way
vessel. This means that the other vessel is expected to
2006 MasterCraft Owners Manual–Page 3-1