Axis Wake Research A20 - Basic Rules of the Road; Boating Regulations; E Ncountering Another Vessel; Privileged Vessel

2016 Axis Wake Research Owner’s Manual . . . Page 1-22
BASIC RULES OF THE ROAD
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is the governing authority of the United States waterways and serves
to help the boang public. State boang regulaons are enforced by local authories. Owners and users
outside of the United States must be cognizant of that country’s laws and regulaons. You are subject to
marine trac laws and “Rules of the Road” for both federal and state waterways; you must stop if signaled
to do so by enforcement ocers, and permit them to board if asked.
 
There are many USCG pamphlets available to you. These pamphlets go beyond the contents of this
manual and explain “Rules of the Road,” signal lights, buoys, safety, internaonal and inland regulaons. An
example is the Ulmate Watersports Handbook you should have received with your new boat, or which can
be ordered by contacng WSIA, go to: www.WSIA.net. For more informaon, contact your local USCG Unit
or visit hp://www.uscgboang.org .
You should be aware of these rules and follow them whenever you encounter another vessel on the
water. The rules presented in this manual outline only the most basic of the naucal “Rules of the Road”
and have been provided as a convenience only. Consult your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA),
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or local marime authority 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 or DMV in the area where you will be boang.
The naucal Rules of the Road must be followed to prevent collisions between vessels. Like trac laws
for automobiles, the operator is legally required to follow the rules.
Collisions between boats can cause death or serious injury. Keep
a proper lookout, safe speed, and follow the nautical “Rules of the
Road.”
Any me two vessels on the water meet one another, one vessel has the right-of-way. It is called the
“stand-on” or “privileged vessel.” The vessel which 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 privileged vessel has the right-of-way and has the duty to connue its course and speed, except to
avoid an immediate collision. When you maintain your direcon and speed, the other vessel will be able to
determine how best to avoid you.
In general, boats with less maneuverability have right of way over
more agile crafts. You must stay clear of the vessel with right of
way and pass to his stern.
Sailboats and boats paddled or rowed have the right of way over motor boats. Sailboats under power
are considered motorboats. Small pleasure cra must yield to large commercial boats in narrow channels.
The burdened vessel does not have the right-of-way and has the duty to take posive and mely acon
to stay out of the way of the privileged vessel. Normally, the burdened vessel should not cross in front of the
privileged vessel. The burdened vessel should slow down or change direcons and pass behind the other
vessel. The burdened vessel operator should always move in such a way that the privileged vessel operator
can see what you are doing in ample me to avoid a collision.
 Incrossingsituations,theboattotherightfromthe12o’clocktothe4o’clockpositionhastheright-
of-way,anditmustholdcourseandspeed.Theburdenedboatpassesbehindtheprivilegedboat.Boats
BOATING
REGULATIONS
ENCOUN-
TERING
ANOTHER
VESSEL
PRIVILEGED
VESSEL
BURDENED
VESSEL
CROSSING