Owner`s manual

38
responsible yachtsman, you must comply
with the “Rules of the Road”; the marine
traffic laws enforced by the United States
Coast Guard. There are two(2) sets of
rules: The United States Inland Naviga-
tional Rules and the International Rules.
The United States Inland Navigational
rules apply to all vessels operated within
the demarcation lines separating inland
and international waters. The United
States Coast Guard publishes the “Rules
of the Road” in its publication “Naviga-
tional Rules, International-Inland” . You can
obtain a copy of this publication from your
local United States Coast Guard Unit or
the United States Coast Guard Headquar-
ters, 1300 “E” Street NW, Washington,
D.C. 20226.
Other helpful publications available from
the United States Coast Guard include,
“Aids to Navigation” (Pamphlet #123),
which explains the significance of various
lights and buoys; “Boating Safety Training
Manual” ; “Federal Requirements For
Recreational Boats” . Be certain to check
with your local United States Coast Guard
station, your Silverton dealer or a local
marina concerning navigational aids
unique to your yachting area.
It is impossible to establish rules for every
type of yachting situation. Therefore, it is
extremely important to use common sense
and good judgement when operating your
yacht. Some of the basic rules to follow
are:
✖ Always adhere to navigational rules to
avoid collisions.
✖ Less maneuverable boats generally
have the right-of-way. Always steer clear of
the Stand-on vessel (boat having the right-
of-way) and pass to its stern in a crossing
situation.
✖ If a collision appears unavoidable,
BOTH vessels must act IMMEDIATELY.
Prudence ALWAYS takes precedence
over the right-of-way rules if a collision is
imminent.
✖ NEVER send a “MAYDAY” message
unless there is a serious emergency and
you are in need of immediate assistance.
Be certain you understand important
terminology distinctions:
Power Driven Vessel
A boat propelled by an engine, including a
sailboat propelled by an engine and sails.
Sailing Vessel
A boat propelled by sail only, with no
engine in operation.
Vessel Engaged In Fishing
A commercial fishing boat with apparatus
that restricts its maneuverability (does not
include trolling lines or other apparatus
that does not restrict its maneuverability).
Vessel With Restricted Maneuverability
Any vessel, due to it size, draft or cargo,
that is restricted in its ability to maneuver
in a certain waterway.
Underway
Any vessel not anchored, not made fast to
shore and not aground, whether or not it is
under power or sail.
Basic Rules of Navigation
Power driven vessels must give the
right of way to the following:
✖ A vessel unable to maneuver.
✖ A vessel whose maneuverability is
restricted.
✖ A sailing vessel.
Sailing vessels must give the right of
way to the following: