SAFETY STUFF


More than half of all the people who drown have consumed alcohol prior to their accident. Even if you are not intoxicated, any amount of alcohol can be a threat to your safety. Just one alcoholic beverage will impair your balance, vision, judgment and reaction time, thus making you a potential danger to yourself and others.
So remember, don't drink alcohol or take drugs if you are planning on using your watercraft.

Your  Watercraft is legally considered an in-board power boat. Therefore its operation must be in accordance with all rules and regulations governing it and the waterway on which it is operated.
These rules are used and enforced internationally as well as by the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement. Any operator of this watercraft should be aware of these rules and obey them when encountering other vessels.
The following rules are condensed and are provided only for your convenience. Consult a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or Department of Motor Vehicles for a complete set of rules governing the waters where you will be riding. You may also obtain this information when registering your watercraft.
Right-of-way And Give-Way
In nautical terms the "stand-on" (privileged) vessel has the right-of-way and the "give-way" (burdened) vessel must yield or give-way.
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. By maintaining course and speed other vessels should be able to determine how best to avoid you.
Give-way Vessel
The vessel which does not have the right-of-way is responsible to take positive action to stay out of the way of the stand-on vessel. Normally, you should not cross in front of the stand-on vessel. You should slow down or change direction briefly and pass behind the stand-on vessel. Your actions should be clear and understandable by the stand-on vessel.
Rule 2
Rule 2 is "The General Prudential Rule" in the International Rule. It tells the operator to follow standard procedures except when a collision will occur, unless both vessels try to avoid the collision. In this case, both vessels become "give-way" vessels.
Encountering Vessels
There are three main situations in which you may encounter other vessels:
•   Overtaking (passing)
•   Meeting (approaching another vessel head-on) and
•   Crossing (travelling across another vessel's path).
Give-way Vessel Overtaking
Stand-on Vessel - Holds Course and Speed Overtaking Vessels
If you are passing another vessel, you are the "give-way" vessel. The other vessel is expected to maintain its course and speed. You must stay out of its way until you are past it. The same would be true if you were the "stand-on" vessel. Maintain your course and speed until the other vessel has passed you.
Meeting Vessels
If you are meeting another power vessel head-on, and you are close enough to possibly collide, neither vessel has the right-of-way. Both vessels must alter course to avoid an accident. You should keep the other vessel to your port (left) side. This rule does not apply if you will be clear of the other vessel by maintaining your course and speed.
Crossing Paths
When two power vessels are crossing each other's path close enough to run the risk of collision, the vessel having the other on the starboard (right) side must avoid the other. If the other vessel is on your starboard (right) you must keep out of its way as you are the "give-way" vessel. If the other vessel is on your port (left) side, maintain your course and direction as you are the "stand-on" vessel. This is providing that the "give-way" vessel gives you the proper right-of-way.
Non-motorized Craft (Sailboats, Canoes, Etc.)
Watercraft are normally given the right-of-way except:
•   When a non-motorized craft is overtaking a power vessel the power vessel has the right-of-way.
•   Non-motorized craft should stay clear of fishing vessels.
•   In a narrow channel, a non-motorized craft should not interfere with the safe passage of a power vessel.
Fishing Vessel Right-of-way
All vessels which are fishing with nets, lines or trawls are considered "fishing vessels" under International Rules. Vessels with trolling lines are not considered fishing vessels. Fishing vessels have the right-of-way regardless of position. They cannot interfere with the passage of other vessels in narrow channels.
Reading Buoys and Markers
Navigable waters are marked for safe navigation through the use of buoys and markers with various shapes, colors, numbers and lights to show the boater the proper course. The same is true for waters in particular states. Marking may vary by geographic location. Consult local authorities before riding your watercraft in unfamiliar waters.
Launch Ramp Etiquette
Be considerate and efficient when launching your watercraft. Prepare your craft beforehand, and perform all safety checks before you get to the water. Launch as quickly as possible.

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