Quote:
Originally Posted by Resident 2B
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I have gotten to the point that unless the give-way vessel demonstrates the willingness to give-way while 300' or so away, I alter course/speed in the interest of safety. I fully realize the stand-on vessel is supposed to maintain course and speed, but when it is busy and the lake is full of inexperienced boaters, you have to think about your personal safety.
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The most important rule is don't hit another boat, it overrides the requirement that the stand-on boat maintain course and speed.
II. (a) It shall be the duty of each vessel to keep to the right when vessels are approaching each other head on.
(b) When the courses of vessels are so far to the starboard of each other as not to be considered as approaching head on, they shall keep to the left.
III. When vessels are crossing courses or approaching each other in an oblique direction which may involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on its starboard side shall keep out of the way of the other, allowing the latter vessel to keep its course and speed.
IV. When vessels are running in the same direction and the vessel which is astern desires to pass the other, it shall do so only when sufficient distance between the vessels is available to avoid danger of collision, and at such a speed that its wake will not endanger the boat being passed or its occupants. No person operating a vessel shall abruptly change its course without first determining that it can safely be done without crossing immediately ahead of another vessel.
V. If, when vessels are approaching each other, either vessel fails to understand the course or intention of the other from any cause, such vessel or vessels shall immediately slow to a speed barely sufficient for steerage until the vessels have safely passed each other. If it appears the danger of collision is imminent both vessels shall stop or reverse and not proceed until such danger has been averted.
Sometimes it seems like the crossing boats just want to play chicken. I always chicken out first, better safe then sorry.
I don't think the MP give out many ticket for these rules, they can't really see the angles unless they are one of the boats.