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 in-
formation, 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 Mo-
tor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a complete set of rules gov-
erning 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 sponsored and pre-
pared by these organizations and governing bodies.
Rules of the
Open Water
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 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 im-
mediate 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,
but should 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 if you are operating the give-way vessel.
Rules When
Encountering
Vessels
There are three (3) main situ-
ations in which you may encoun-
ter other vessels, and you must
avoid a collision. These are:
• Meeting (you are approach-
ing another vessel head-on).
• Crossing (you are travel-
ing 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, nei-
ther 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 col-
lision, 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.
MasterCraft 2012 Owners Manual • Safety Knowledge • Page 1-14
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