Crossing Situations; The General Prudential Rule; Night Running - Pro-Line Boats 33 Express Owner's Manual

Rules of Seamanship
U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for enforcing the marine traffic laws known as the "Navigational Rules,
International-Inland." These rules may be obtained from the United States Coast Guard Headquarters by calling
(202) 512-1800 or faxing your request to (202) 512-2250.
Many pamphlets prepared by the U.S. Coast Guard are available. They explain signal lights, buoys, safety,
international and inland regulations and other information that goes beyond the scope of this manual. U.S. Coast
Guard pamphlet number 123, called "Aids To Navigation", explains the significance of various lights and buoys.
Because of proposed alterations to buoys and markers, contact the U.S. Coast Guard to stay informed of any
changes. Other pamphlets, including the "Boating Safety Training Manual" and "Federal Requirements For
Recreational Boats," are also available from the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters.
Right-of-Way
In general boats with less maneuverability have the right-of-way over more agile craft. You must stay out of the
way of the following vessels:
• A vessel that is not under command or has run aground. These vessels have no maneuverability.
• A vessel that is restricted in its maneuverability. These vessels are doing work which limits their
maneuverability such as surveying, dredging, laying pipe and cable or servicing navigational markers
are other such examples.
• A vessel engaged in fishing. These vessels include boats fishing with lines, trawls or nets, but do not
included boats with trolling lines.
• Sailboats that are under sail. Sailboats have the right-of-way over powerboats. However, if a sailboat
is using a propeller to move forward, it is considered a powerboat even if its sail are up.
Meeting Head-On
When two boats meet head-on, neither boat has the right-of-way. Both vessels should decrease their speed and
pass port to port. However, if both boats are on the left side of a channel, each vessel should sound two short
horn blasts and pass starboard to starboard.

Crossing Situations

In a crossing situation the boat on the right from the 12 - 4 o'clock position has the right-of-way. It must hold its
course and speed. The boat without right-of way must keep clear and pass to the right-of-way vessels stern.
Overtaking
The boat overtaking the one ahead must yield the right-of-way to the boat being passed. The overtaking boat must
make any necessary adjustments to keep out of its path. The boat being passed should hold its course and speed.

The General Prudential Rule

The general prudential rule regarding the right-of-way is that if a collision appears unavoidable, neither boat has
the right-of-way. As prescribed in the rules of the road both boats must act to avoid a collision.

Night Running

Boats operating between sunset and sunrise, or in conditions of reduced visibility, must use navigational lights.
Nighttime operation can be dangerous, especially during bad weather or fog. All of the rules of the road apply at
night, but it is best to slow down and stay clear of all boats no matter who has the right-of-way.
To see more easily at night, avoid bright lights when possible. It is helpful to have a passenger keep watch for
other boats, water hazards and navigational aids.
To determine the size, speed and direction of other vessels at night, you should use the running lights. A green
light indicates the starboard side and a red light indicates the port side. Generally, if you see a green light, you
will have the right-of-way. If you see a red light, give way to the other vessel.
59