Owner`s manual

3100 OFFSHORE

12.2 Rules of the Road

As in driving an automobile, there are a few rules you must know for safe boating operation. The following

information describes the basic navigation rules and action to be taken by vessels in a crossing, meeting or

overtaking situation while operating in inland waters. These are basic examples and not intended to teach all

the rules of navigation. For further information consult the “Navigation Rules” or contact the Coast Guard,

Coast Guard Auxiliary, Department of Natural Resources or your local boat club. These organizations sponsor

courses in boat handling, including rules of the road. We strongly recommend such courses. Books or videos

on this subject also are available from your local library.

FOLLOW NAVIGATION RULES TO AVOID COLLISIONS. IF A COLLISION APPEARS UN-

AVOIDABLE, BOTH VESSELS MUST ACT. PRUDENCE TAKES PRECEDENCE OVER

RIGHT-OF-WAY RULES IF A CRASH IS IMMINENT. LESS MANEUVERABLE BOATS

GENERALLY HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY. STEER CLEAR OF THE RIGHT-OF-WAY BOAT

AND PASS TO ITS STERN.

Crossing Situations

When two motor boats are crossing, the boat on the right has

the right of way. The boat with the right of way should

maintain its course and speed. The other vessels should slow

down and permit it to pass. The boats should sound the

appropriate signals.

Meeting

Head-On or Nearly-So Situations

When two motor boats are approaching each other head-on

or nearly head-on, neither boat has the right of way. Both

boats should reduce their speed and turn to the right so as to

pass port side to port side, providing enough clearance for

safe passage. The boats should sound the appropriate signals.

Overtaking Situations

When one motor boat is overtaking another motor boat,

the boat that is being passed has the right of way. The

overtaking boat must make the adjustments necessary to

provide clearance for a safe passage of the other vessel.

The boat should sound the appropriate signals.

The General Prudential Rule

In obeying the Rules of the Road, due regard must be

given to all dangers of navigation and collision, and to

any special circumstances, including the limitations of

the vessels, which may be justify a departure from the

rules that is necessary to avoid immediate danger or a

collision.