MasterCraft 2009 MariStar X-Series Manuel D’Utilisation

Just as there are rules that apply when driving a vehicle on the 

street, there are waterway rules that apply when you are driving 

a boat on the water. These rules are used internationally, and 

they are 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.

In various geographic locations, certain rules prevail that may 

be unique to the locale. Each state also has laws and boating 

limitations that may be applicable only within their boundaries. 

It is the operator’s responsibility to seek out this information and 

become familiar with all safety-related information, laws and 

rules governing boating operation.

The rules presented in this Owner’s Manual are condensed and 

have been provided for convenience only. Consult your local 

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA), Department of Motor 

Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for 

a complete set of rules governing the waters in which you will be 

using your boat. If you plan to travel—even for a short trip—you 

would be well-served to contact the regional USCGA, DMV or 

DNR in the area where you will be boating. Often, basic infor-

mation is available through websites sponsored and prepared by 

these organizations and governing bodies.

Any time two (2) vessels on the water meet one another, one 

vessel has the right-of-way. It is called the stand-on vessel. The 

vessel that 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 ac-

cordingly, what each vessel should do.

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.

The vessel that does not have the right 

of way has the duty to take positive and 

timely action to stay out of the way of the 

stand-on vessel. Normally, the give-way 

vessel should not cross in front of the 

stand-on vessel. Slow down or change 

direction briefly and pass behind the other 

vessel. You should always move in such 

a way that the stand-on operator can see 

what you are doing.

There are three (3) main situations in which you may encounter 

other vessels, and you must avoid a collision. These are:

•  Meeting (you are approaching another vessel head-on).

•  Crossing (you are traveling across the other vessel’s path).

•  Overtaking (you are passing or being passed by another vessel).

Using the adjacent image in which you are the boat in the center, 

you should give right-of-way to all vessels shown in the white 

area. In this instance, you are the give-way vessel. Both you and 

the meeting vessel must alter course to avoid each other.

If you are meeting another vessel head-on, and you are close 

enough to run the risk of collision, neither of you has the right-

of-way. Both of you should alter course to avoid an accident. You 

should keep the other vessel on your port (left) side. (This rule 

doesn’t apply if both of you can clear each other by continuing 

your set course and speed.)

When two (2) power-driven vessels are crossing each other’s path 

close enough to run the risk of collision, the vessel that views the 

crossing vessel to the starboard (right) side must give way.

If the other vessel is to the port (left) side, you are the stand-on 

vessel, and provided the other vessel gives you the right-of-way, 

maintain your course and direction.