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
on the water. 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. Each state also has laws and boating limitations
that may be applicable only within their boundaries. It is the operator’s
responsibility to seek out this information and become familiar with all
safety-related information, laws and rules governing boating operation.
The rules presented in this Owner’s Manual are condensed and
have been provided for 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. Often, basic information is available through websites spon
-
sored and prepared by these organizations and governing bodies.
e 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 cir-
cumstances, which may render a departure from the above
rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.”
Steering and Sailing Rules/Sound Signals
Any time two (2) vessels on the water meet one another, one
vessel has the right-of-way. It is called the stand-on vessel. The ves-
sel that does not have the right-of-way is called the give-way or bur-
dened vessel.
These rules determine which vessel has the right of way, and ac-
cordingly, 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
ru les o f the ope n wate r
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 direction briey 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.
Rules When Encountering Vessels
There are three (3) 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).
Meeting
If you are meeting another
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 (2) 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, you are the
stand-on vessel, and provided
the other vessel gives you the right-of-way, maintain your course and
direction.
Overtaking
If you are passing another vessel, you are the
give-way vessel. This means that the other vessel is
expected to maintain its course and speed. You must
stay out of its way as you clear it, altering course and
speed as necessary.
Conversely, if you are being passed by another
vessel, you are the stand-on vessel, and you should
maintain your speed and direction so that the vessel
can be steered around you.
mastercraft 2010 ow n e r ’s m anual • page 3-1
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