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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. ese 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.
e 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. Oen, basic infor-
mation is available through websites sponsored and prepared by
these organizations and governing bodies.
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. e
vessel that does not have the right-of-way is called the give-way
or burdened vessel.
ese rules determine which vessel has the right of way, and ac-
cordingly, what each vessel should do.
e 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.
e 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.
The General Prudential Rule
is 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 spe-
cial circumstances, which may render a departure from the
above rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.”
Rules When Encountering Vessels
ere are three (3) main situations in which you may encounter
other vessels, and you must avoid a collision. ese 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).
Using the adjacent image in which you are the boat in the center,
you should give right-of-way to all vessels shown in the white
area. In this instance, you are the give-way vessel. Both you and
the meeting vessel must alter course to avoid each other.
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 (le) side. (is 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 (le) side, you are the stand-on
vessel, and provided the other vessel gives you the right-of-way,
maintain your course and direction.
MasterCraft 2009 Owner’s Manual - Page 3-1