Navigational Rules - Polaris Freedom 2002 Owner's Safety And Maintenance Manual

OPERATION

Navigational Rules

This watercraft must be operated in accordance with all rules and
regulations governing it and the waterway on which it is operated.
These rules are used and enforced internationally as well as by the U.S.
Coast Guard and local law enforcement. Any operator of this watercraft
should be aware of these rules and obey them when encountering other
vessels.
The following rules are condensed and are provided only for your
convenience. Consult a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or Department of
Motor Vehicles for a complete set of rules governing the waters where
you will be riding. You may also obtain this information when
registering your watercraft.
Right-of-way And Give-way
In nautical terms the "stand-on" (privileged) vessel has the
right-of-way and the "give-way" (burdened) vessel must yield or
give-way.
Stand-on Vessel
The vessel with the right-of-way has the duty to continue its course and
speed, except to avoid an immediate collision. By maintaining course
and speed other vessels should be able to determine how best to avoid
you.
Give-way Vessel
The vessel which does not have the right-of-way is responsible to take
positive action to stay out of the way of the stand-on vessel. Normally,
you should not cross in front of the stand-on vessel. You should slow
down or change direction briefly and pass behind the stand-on vessel.
Your actions should be clear and understandable by the stand-on vessel.
Rule 2
Rule 2 is "The General Prudential Rule" in the International Rule. It tells
the operator to follow standard procedures except when a collision will
occur, unless both vessels try to avoid the collision. In this case, both
vessels become "give-way" vessels.
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