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© 2006 Skier’s Choice, Inc.
Basic Boating Rules
You should be aware of these rules and follow them whenever
you encounter another vessel on the water.
The rules presented in this manual are condensed and have
been provided as a convenience only. Consult your local
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA) or Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV) 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 or DMV in the area where you
will be boating.
Review and understand all local and state laws.
Any time two vessels on the water meet one another, one
vessel has the right-of-way. It is called the stand-on vessel.
The vessel which 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 which 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
directions 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.
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.”
Encountering Other Vessels
There are three main situations in which you may encounter
other vessels and you must observe the Steering Rules in
order to 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)
Using the following illustration 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.
All vessels in the shaded area must yield to you as you are
the stand-on vessel. Both you and the meeting vessel must
alter course to avoid each other.
If you are meeting another power 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
(left) side. This rule doesn’t apply if both of you can clear
each other by continuing your set course and speed.
Section IV
Boating Rules