Basic Boating Rules; Rules Of The Road - Yamaha EXCITER SE Owner's Manual

BASIC BOATING
RULES

RULES OF THE ROAD

Your Yamaha Jet Boat is legally consid-
ered a power boat. Operation of the Jet
Boat must be in accordance with the
rules and regulations governing the
waterway on which it is used.
Just as there are rules which apply
when you are driving on streets and
highways, there are waterway rules
which apply when you are operating
your Jet Boat. These rules are used
internationally, 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 encounter another vessel on the
water.
Several sets of rules prevail according
to geographic location, but are all basi-
cally the same as the International
Rules of the Road. The rules presented
here in your Owner's Manual are con-
densed, and have been provided for
your convenience only. Consult your
local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or
Department of Motor Vehicles for a
complete set of rules governing the
waters in which you will be using your
Jet Boat.
S I
AFETY NFORMATION
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 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 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 which does not have the
right-of-way has the duty to take posi-
tive and timely action to stay out of the
way of the Stand-On vessel. Normally,
you should not cross in front of the ves-
sel with the right-of-way. You should
slow down or change directions briefly
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 regarding
the right-of-way is that if a collision
appears unavoidable, neither boat has
the right-of-way. Both boats must avoid
the collision.
In other words, follow the standard
rules except when a collision will occur
unless both vessels try to avoid each
other. If that is the case, both vessels
become "Give-Way" vessels.
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