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Safety information

meeting vessel must alter course to avoid rection, provided the other vessel gives you
each other. the right-of-way as it should.

Meeting Overtaking
If you are meeting another power-driven ves- If you are passing another vessel, you are the
sel head on, and are close enough to run the give-way vessel. This means that the other
risk of collision, neither of you has the right- vessel is expected to maintain its course and
of-way. Both of you should alter course to speed. You must stay out of its way until you
avoid an accident. You should keep the other are clear of it. Likewise, if another vessel is
vessel on your port (left) side. This rule does passing you, you should maintain your speed
not apply if both of you will clear one another and direction so that the other vessel can
if you continue on your set course and speed. steer itself around you.
Other special situations
There are three other rules you should be
aware of when riding your watercraft around
other vessels.
Narrow channels and bends
When navigating in narrow channels, you
should keep to the right when it is safe and
practical to do so. If the operator of a power-
driven vessel is preparing to go around a
bend that may obstruct the view of other wa-
ter vessels, the operator should sound a pro-
Crossing
When two power-driven vessels are crossing longed blast of four to six seconds on the
each other’s path close enough to run the risk whistle. If another vessel is around the bend,
of collision, the vessel which has the other on it too should sound the whistle. Even if no re-
the starboard (right) side must keep out of the ply is heard, however, the vessel should still
way of the other. If the other vessel is on your proceed around the bend with caution. If you
starboard (right) side, you must keep out of navigate such waters with your watercraft,
its way; you are the give-way vessel. If the you will need to carry a portable air horn,
other vessel is on your port (left) side, remem- available from local marine supply stores.
ber that you should maintain course and di-

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