In a head-on situation, the motorboat is considered the give-way vessel, and it should take early and substantial action to avoid the sailboat. The powerboat should alter its course to starboard (right) to pass safely on the port side of the sailboat.

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When a sailboat overtakes a powerboat, the powerboat is the stand-on vessel, meaning it should maintain its course and speed. The overtaking vessel, in this case, the sailboat, is responsible for safely passing the powerboat.

Typically, when a sailboat is under sail (not using its motor) and is approaching a powerboat, the powerboat is the give-way vessel. The motorboat should take action to avoid the sailboat, as sailboats under sail generally have the right of way.

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A sailboat is the stand-on vessel when it is under sail (not using a motor) and is crossing paths with or approaching a recreational powerboat. The powerboat is required to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

In this scenario, the powerboat is the give-way vessel and should take early and clear action to steer away from the sailboat. The powerboat should either slow down, stop, or change its course to avoid crossing the sailboat’s path.

If a sailboat is overtaking your motorboat, you are the stand-on vessel, which means you should maintain your course and speed while the sailboat safely passes you. It is the responsibility of the overtaking vessel (the sailboat) to navigate around your boat.

In this situation, the power-driven vessel is the stand-on vessel, and it should maintain its course and speed. The sailboat, being the overtaking vessel, is required to safely navigate around the power-driven vessel.

Power-driven vessels must yield to sailboats under sail, vessels not under command, vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver, fishing vessels actively engaged in fishing, and vessels constrained by their draft. Knowing this hierarchy is important for boating test certification.

The powerboat is the give-way vessel and should take appropriate action to avoid crossing the sailboat’s path. This may involve altering course, slowing down, or stopping, as the sailboat under sail has the right of way.

Understanding right-of-way rules is essential for avoiding collisions and ensuring safety on the water. By knowing what actions to take when approaching a PWC head-on, sailboat operators can confidently navigate through busy or crowded areas. This guide is designed to help you pass your boating test and strengthen your knowledge of crucial maritime practices, helping ensure every journey is as safe and enjoyable as possible. Stay informed and prepared by revisiting these rules as part of your regular boating practice.

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Start your safe boating journey at boat-ed.com. Their accredited courses, recognized by NASBLA, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, make learning boater safety, etiquette, and water rules easy and accessible. With interactive courses available on all devices, prioritize safety as you prepare for your exam.