Rules
of
the
Open
Water
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 lo-
cal agencies. You should be aware of these
rules and follow them whenever you en-
counter another vessel on the water.
In various geographic locations, certain
rules prevail that may be unique to the lo-
cale. 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-relat-
ed information, laws and rules governing
boating operation.
The rules presented in this Owner’s Man-
ual are condensed and have been provided
for convenience only. Consult your local
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA), De-
partment of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or De-
partment 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 informa-
tion is available through websites sponsored
and prepared by these organizations and
governing bodies.
The General Prudential Rule
This rule is called Rule 2 in the Inter-
national 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 circum-
stances, which may render a departure
from the above rules necessary in or-
der 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
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.
Page 1-28 2014 MasterCraft Owners Manual • Safety Knowledge
S A F E T Y K N O W L E D G E
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