Basic Boating Rules (Rules Of The Road); Steering And Sailing Rules And Sound Signals - Yamaha F4 Owner's Manual

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Basic boating rules (Rules of
the road)
Just as there are rules that apply when you
are driving on streets and highways, there
are waterway rules that apply when you are
driving your boat. These rules are used inter-
nationally. (For USA: and are also enforced
by the United States Coast Guard and local
agencies.) You should be aware of these
Safety information
rules, and follow them whenever you en-
counter another vessel on the water.
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Steering and sailing rules and sound
signals
Whenever two 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 what each vessel should
do.
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. When you
maintain your direction and speed, the other
vessel will be able to determine how best to
avoid you.
Give-way vessel
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, you should not cross in
front of the vessel with the right-of-way. You
should slow down or change directions brief-
ly and pass behind the other vessel. You
should always move in such a way that the
operator of the other vessel can see what
you are doing.
" The 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 naviga-
tion and collision, and to any special circum-
stances, which may render a departure from
the above rules necessary in order to avoid
immediate danger."
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