Table of Contents
Advertisement
Bolton, ON
L7E 1H1
http://www.nmma.org/
EMU33691
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 driv-
ing your boat. These rules are used interna-
tionally. (For U.S.A.: and are also enforced by
the United States Coast Guard and local
agencies.) You should be aware of these
rules, and follow them whenever you encoun-
ter another vessel on the water.
EMU33700
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 main-
tain 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 briefly and
Safety information
pass behind the other vessel. You should al-
ways 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."
In other words, follow the standard rules ex-
cept when a collision will occur unless both
vessels try to avoid each other. If that is the
case, both vessels become " Give-Way " ves-
sels.
EMU25521
Rules when encountering vessels
There are three main situations that you may
encounter with other vessels which could lead
to a collision unless the Steering Rules are fol-
lowed:
Meeting: (you are approaching another ves-
sel head-on)
Crossing: (you are traveling across the other
vessel's path)
Overtaking: (you are passing or being
passed by another vessel)
In the following illustration, your boat is in the
center. You should give the right-of-way to
any vessels shown in white area (you are the
Give-Way vessel). Any vessels in the shaded
area must yield to you (they are the Give-Way
vessels). Both you and the meeting vessel
must alter course to avoid each other.
5
Advertisement
Table of Contents
