Specifications
RULES
2005 MASTERCRAFT OWNERS MANUAL–PAG E 3-1
OF THE OPEN
WATER
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), Department 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 naviga-
tion and collision, and to any special circum-
stances, which may render a departure from
the above rules necessary in order to avoid
immediate danger.”
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.
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