2017 OWNERS MANUAL / 40
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
circumstances, which may render a departure from the above
rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.”
RULES WHEN ENCOUNTERING
VESSELS
There are three (3) main situations in which you may encounter oth-
er 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).
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 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 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 briefly
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 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
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 sponsored and prepared by these
organizations and governing bodies.
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