The vessel with the right-of-way has the
duty to continue its course and speed, ex-
cept to avoid an immediate 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 time-
ly 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 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 meet-
ing 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 al-
ter 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 ves-
sels 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 pro-
vided the other vessel gives you the right-
of-way, maintain your course and direction.
Overtaking
If you are pass-
ing another vessel,
you are the give-
way vessel. This
means that the oth-
er vessel is expect-
ed 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.
Other Special Situations
There are additional rules to remember
when operating your boat around other ves-
sels, such as:
Safety Knowledge • 2014 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 1-29
S A F E T Y K N O W L E D G E
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